The Sony ICF-SW100S mentioned above lists for $429.95. At that price it better work. Unfortunately it's also way beyond my budget.

So perhaps let me rephrase my question:

Does anybody have experience with an affordable portable shortwave radio like the Sony ICF-SW35 (list $120) or ICF-SW40 (list $130)? The key things for me are:
- portability (deck of cards sounds nice!)
- digital tuning

Thanks again!