For those of us who love vinyl, a portable record player usually comes in a small suitcase-sized box. If you want to take a small step towards modern convenience and digitize your collection, you're looking at investing in some more kit and losing the portability. Crosley Radio has taken the record player out of the box, made it battery operated and thrown in onboard digital conversion capabilities for its Crosley Revolution CR6002. Although the player features a built-in stereo speaker, the company has also included the ability to pair the device with any FM radio.

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Despite the onslaught from Compact Disc and digital music, vinyl still has a dedicated army of diehard fans. Crosley Radio has unveiled a new portable record player that can satisfy both the desire for the audio experience only a 7- or 12-inch black disc can provide and those yearnings to move into a modern digitized world. At just 10.9 x 3 x 4.1-inches (276.8 x 76.2 x 104.1mm) and weighing only 1.5 pounds (680g), the Crosley Revolution CR6002 portable record player runs on either a six pack of AA-sized batteries or mains electricity and sports a carry handle for ease of transport.

The belt-driven turntable runs to two speeds for albums or singles and there's a diamond stylus at the end of the manual tonearm. The jaw of the device lifts up to allow the user to place a platter onto the center spindle, spin speed and volume level are chosen on the top, and the built-in full-range stereo speaker or headphone jack provide in-player audio. The Revolution also caters for those who want to listen to the music via hi-fi speakers by integrating a wireless transmitter which allows for streaming of music to any FM tuner via one of two pre-selected frequencies.

The Revolution can also be used to digitize a record collection by connecting the player to a computer or laptop via the USB port and running the included ripping software.

The Crosley Revolution CR6002 is available direct from Crosley for US$149.95. The company has also secured distribution deals with retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Hammacher Schlemmer, Brookstone and JC Penney.