Milwaukee M12 Lithium-Ion Cordless Radio (2590-20) - Tool Review
Milwaukee M12 Lithium Ion Cordless Radio
Milwaukee® Tools is known for having “heavy duty” pro tools, so you’d expect to see a lot of beefy, bulky tools… and they have some of those (a lot of those in fact). But, when we went to the Milwaukee® Press Event last summer, one of the things that impressed me the most was the M12™ Cordless Lithium-Ion System. The tag phrase for this line is "Portable Productivity". The M12™ line of tools is powered by Milwaukee’s RED LITHIUM™ batteries, which are designed to offer more runtime, more consistent power, more recharges over the life of the battery, and stand up to extreme conditions like low and high temperatures. But the best thing about the M12 RED LITHIUM™ batteries is that they provide all that punch with very little weight.
From what I’ve seen, Milwaukee® is committed to expanding the line. Currently there are dozens of tools in the M12™ line. There’s something for just about any Tradesman out there. The one I’m going to bring to your attention now is the Milwaukee® M12™ Cordless Lithium-Ion Radio (Model: 2590-20). When I first saw this radio, it looked like a “mini-me” version of a lot of the job site radios that are currently on the market. Though small in size, the components are sturdy and feel solid to the touch. It’s only 10 ½ inches and weights a mere 3.5lbs, which is exceptional compared to the weight of other job site radios. Some I have a hard time lifting and moving across my garage. Milwaukee® has incorporated an AM/FM Tuner and a digital processor (which makes it compatible with iPods and MP3 Players) into the radio, so the sound quality is quite good for a radio of this size and weight.
Out of the box, you’ll notice that the radio doesn’t come with a battery and charger. I assume this is for two reasons: 1) It keeps the price point lower 2) Milwaukee wants you to buy a couple of M12™ batteries and chargers and then buy a bunch of the M12™ tools, and there are a lot to choose from, so that shouldn’t be difficult. The one issue I had with the construction of the radio (and this is minor) was the back-up battery compartment. With the 12V battery out, you’ll see a little bitty plastic cover for the back-up AAA batteries. You’ll need a Philips screwdriver to remove it. The cover is small, and the space to put your hand down in to remove the cover is small, but the AAA batteries keep the clock and the presets working when the radio is not being powered by the 12V battery or the provided AC adaptor.
Once you have your 12V battery, you have the back-up batteries in place, all you need to do is turn it on, set your presets and the clock and start enjoying the portable sound that goes wherever you want it. The antenna is flexible and sturdy. I don’t have any worries that it will break. The buttons are clear and easy to read and they are also beefy… No cheap plastic… but hardy rubber. The display is easy to read and I’ve had very little trouble getting the radio to pick up all my local stations as long as I mess with the antenna a bit (and that’s really on the AM side).
According to Milwaukee®, the aluminum speakers are weatherproof, and the compartment for your MP3 player is “weather sealed”. I have a damp basement and haven’t had any problems. Straight from the folks at Milwaukee®: “The radio also features a shock absorbing ABS polymer and steel construction to protect it against weather and abusive job site conditions.” What I can say is that it’s sturdy and I would have no problem throwing it in the back of my SUV and taking it with me wherever I go.
I read a couple of reviews on Amazon.com where people complained about the battery life, but I have to say, I’ve had the radio for a couple of months and I haven’t had any problems. I haven’t run it non-stop day and night, but I run it several hours at a time and have only had to charge the battery once, so I think the battery life is great. This is a solid, great sounding radio. And the size make is perfect for portability.
To order the Milwaukee® M12™ Lithium Ion Radio on Amazon.com: CLICK HERE
To order the Milwaukee® M12™ RED LITHIUM battery on Amazon.com: CLICK HERE
To order the Milwaukee® M12™ Charger on Amazon.com: CLICK HERE
For more info: Milwaukee Site