Milwaukee has come out with a new M18 jobsite radio, although you’re probably not going to hear much buzz about it. The new Milwaukee radio, 2890-20, is taking the place of an older model, 2790-20, but to me the differences look to be a big deal.
To start, it looks a whole lot better. It’s like the difference between a beige computer case from the 1990’s and almost any desktop computer case from 2015. Or a Motorola StarTac phone FROM 2002, and an iPhone 6S, Galaxy S6, or similar latest-generation smartphone. A station wagon vs. a crossover SUV. Okay, you get the picture.
But the improves aren’t just cosmetic!
In addition to better looks, the new Milwaukee 2890 jobsite radio is more compact and also lighter. Milwaukee says that the new design is more durable, portable, and stackable than other radios in the market.
Previous Model 2790: 19.5″ long x 9.5″ and weighing 14.5 lbs.
New Model 2890: 15.5″ x 7.75″ and weighing 10.5 lbs.
In response to yesterday’s post about Hitachi’s newest Bluetooth radio, mnoswad said: Can’t we all just agree to make everything stackable and unitized already. Well, you got it!
Milwaukee also said that the 2890-20 will set the standard for sound quality and reception, thanks to a digital processor. It also features a customizable equalizer, radio tuner with 10 station preset, 2.1A USB charger, and a weather-sealed aux input (and media bay?) compartment.
The new radio has a 6-foot AC power cord, for when you don’t want to power it cordlessly via an M18 Li-ion battery pack.
It’s not just me that thinks the new version looks leaps and bounds better, right?
Price: $119 (same as for the previous generation model)
Compare(Milwaukee previous generation 2790-20 radio via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
Better looks, a smaller footprint, updated features (such as USB charging for your electronic devices), and a ~28% reduction in weight compared to the previous generation model?
The new model also has a much sleeker control interface.
According to Milwaukee, the new 2890-20 M18 jobsite radio is a high performance audio system that delivers loud and clear sound. My experiences with Milwaukee’s M18 Bluetooth radio and charger and M18 Bluetooth speaker have been quite positive. If this new jobsite radio sounds nearly as good, it’ll surely be a winner.
As if that isn’t enough, they managed to keep the price the same.
I cannot possibly test or review every single new tool that comes out. But for this radio, I might shove some yellow, teal, or blue tools off the test bench to clear some space.