Mike Kobrin and I met with XM yesterday at a swanky penthouse suite in the Royalton Hotel. (One perk of this job is that I get to see the insides of hotels I could never afford to stay in.)
I think XM has hit the sweet spot with personal portable players. Both the Pioneer Inno (left) and Samsung Helix (right) are small and light (4.5 ounces, 3.7 by 2.2 by .6 inches). They have essentially the same functionality and interface, and they look fairly identical except for a few styling differences.
Each come with a boatload of functions, including built-in receivers, recording capability (with a buffer), a partitionable hard drive to hold MP3 and WMA files as well as recorded XM content, song bookmarking, Artist and TuneSelect, an FM transmitter, and integration with Napster for purchasing songs.
We didn't see an actual Helix, but we did get to try the Inno (Mike brought one back to our Labs for testing). The screen is large and colorful, the interface couldn't be simpler, and it has a well-built heft.
If I had an extra $399 kicking around, I'd own one of these as soon as they ship. They should be available within the next couple weeks; I'll post exact dates when I get them.
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April 5, 2006 12:55 PM
Amazing devices. And, nothing the competition will have out anytime soon. VIVA LA XM
April 5, 2006 2:31 PM
I tell ya, XM keeps popping out these portable players, and Sirius is just sitting back, missing out on all this action. I suppose Sirius doesn't care that much about Howard after all!! It's a shame...because I would subscribe to Sirius if they'd come out with a good player already. Ah well...guess that makes XM the Apple of Radio.
April 5, 2006 3:28 PM
I would rather by a MyFi for around $200
April 5, 2006 3:49 PM
The competition came out with a "similiar" unit a few months ago that sold for $349. No portable reception, had to be docked, that dock has fans built in? You can find the current generation XM2GO's for under 200 by the way. http://www.myradiostore.us/xm-radio-receivers/myfi-sa10113.html "The Apple of Radio", i laughed
April 6, 2006 12:49 PM
if you don't have the content. Other than MLB there is nothing on XM I want that Sirius doesn't have. All Howard, All Day. XM can't touch that.
April 6, 2006 2:30 PM
What about GPS app behind (or in addition to this). Then I'd be interested.
April 6, 2006 3:57 PM
Is there a model available today that I can load MP3s onto?
April 7, 2006 2:22 AM
Jeff G: All Howard all day? Who wants that, anyway? Isn't he retaping old bits for his new audience? Old bits AND only four days a week? Wow, where do I sign up? XM Nation!
April 7, 2006 10:42 AM
Agree, Aaron. Jeff G - there is a lot more to satellite radio than just Howard Stern. Even if you do not enjoy O&A (which, you gotta admit, is a FAR better product) the radio has sooo much to offer. at least try another station.
April 7, 2006 9:03 PM
Both are far too expensive! I'll wait for the commercial, free version, which is "just around the corner!" Dave
April 8, 2006 1:30 AM
Scott learn to spell Bob. L before you waste your money on Electronic Gear, in fact maybe we can pass the hat on this blog and get some money to send you back to grade school. Oh by the way love the new Inno/Helix!!!