XM to go: portable satellite radio

Updated April 12, 2006

Satellite radio used to be limited to three basic form factors: in-dash car radios; dedicated home-audio components, such as the Polk Audio XRt12; and plug-and-play head units, such as the Delphi SkyFi2, that can shuttle between car- and home-based docking stations. The fully portable, Walkman-style satellite radio appeared in late 2004 with the three models shown below: the Pioneer AirWare, the Tao TXM1020, and the Delphi MyFi. All three are more similar than they are different, distinguished by little more than their exterior cosmetics. Their once-unbeatable feature list has since been supplanted by that of the Pioneer Inno and Samsung Helix, which both boast a much smaller, sexier frame and the ability to playback MP3s. Still, these older models--each of which provides access to XM's dozens of digital channels of music, sports, entertainment, and news, as well as the ability to record up to five hours of broadcast time, and include a full array of car, home, and mobile accessories--are now a better value than ever, as they're widely available for just $200 or less.

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