Pure One Flow

Pure's ‘Flow' products are combined internet and digital (DAB) radios. We have previously looked at more expensive models, but the new Pure One Flow clocks in at a more reasonable £100.

It's very similar to the more expensive Evoke Flow, but it doesn't look as good. The earlier model has a shiny black case, large screen, nice metallic handle and touch-sensitive controls. The One Flow is finished in a dull grey-black plastic, and it looks fairly dull. The touch controls have been replaced with proper buttons, which is actually an advantage – we found the controls on the Evoke Flow a bit fiddly after a while.

The device receives digital and FM radio broadcasts and can access internet stations through a Pure service called The Lounge. You need to sign up for a free account on the Lounge website and then link it to the radio using a code that's emailed. You also need to connect the radio to your wireless network by entering the wireless password using the knobs and buttons, which can be fiddly.

However, once connected, it worked fine. Reception was good, as was sound quality from the single speaker. The Home button on the front takes you to a menu to choose what source (DAB, FM, The Lounge and so on) to use.

You can also listen to radio stations via the Lounge website, and from there you can choose stations and mark them as ‘favourites', which can then be accessed from the One Flow (or any other Pure Flow Radio you have). That's a great way to do things – you don't have to use the radio's own small screen and buttons to select from a large list of stations (though you can do that too).

Station quality varies, but there is some great programming available from the UK and abroad, and you can also listen to the BBC's ‘listen again' programmes.

There is a battery slot on the back but it only takes Pure's own £35 Chargepak rechargeable battery. If you are planning to use it on the move this is a good way to do it. There is also a connection to the Flowsongs service, which will identify the track being played on the radio at the press of a button, though this requires extra payment after the initial trial period included with the radio.

Pure's One Flow is very impressive, combining internet and digital radio with good sound quality. It may not be much to look at but the price is excellent.