The Intempo Rebel not only lets you listen to music over the radio, but it also downloads it straight to an SD card and removes unwanted intermissions and commercials. Read more about this interesting new gadget after the jump.

The first product that works as a radio sampling device, the Rebel is revolutionary. It records the most-played tracks on any FM radio station and then saves it in MP3 format. It also cuts out DJ chatter and advertisements, a task many pieces of software can’t do. After recording with the Rebel,  the music can be transferred to iPods, mobile phones, MP3 devices, and more.

The other features of the Intempo Rebel aren’t exactly earth shattering. The device isn’t small enough to carry around in your pocket, and it only records 40 songs. When I think about this product, it reminds me a little of the days as a child in the ’80s when I would sit by the radio and record music to cassette tapes.

I also have to wonder if anyone actually listens FM radio anymore. Is it really worth all the fuss of buying this product to hear something that can easily be downloaded for free through file sharing? Even if you do like listening to FM radio, a large amount of the songs are edited, and these MP3s that will be downloaded are not going to be CD quality.

It could be useful if you want to know what the latest hits are in music, before you buy a new CD, but there are much better ways to go about it. Even if you are interested in filling your iPod with the latest music, you still are only going to get 40 songs in a single go.

I can, however, recommend something better and cheaper. Internet Radio Grabber, which I have used from time to time, downloads music played on Internet radio stations. Although not as precise, it is much easier on the wallet (€18.95).