Best portable radio for outback coverage

I am looking at getting an easy-to-come-by portable radio that gets good reception (mainly AM for AFL and news) in the outback. I figure that ABC is available in most locations, but just need a unit that will receive it well enough.

I am currently traveling through WA and will be heading up to the top end and then back through the middle.

I recently spent some time in the Cape Arid National Park (WA) and found that despite the fact that my car radio (VW, Tiguan) could pick up radio broadcasts with ease, the small radio I had with me was unable to lock on to a strong signal. I figure the ferrite rod in it must be too small, or the battery power not strong enough to be useful.

Obviously good reception can depend a lot on the aerial, but I'm largely looking for a product that can do the job reasonably well without too much hassle without having to muck around with extra wire, etc. - good for listening when camped out, but also when stopping for lunch on the move, etc.

Any suggestions?

Given what is easy to come by at Dick Smith or Retravision, I am currently looking at either the http://www.sony.com.au/product/icf-704s (~$60) or the Site Link (~$120).

I figure that the SW on the Sony might be useful for picking up the HF broadcasts by ABC, but perhaps the more expensive Digitor product might have a more powerful receiver in general? For those with some knowledge about the topic, which of these two products would be best?