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"Don't let XM rip you off too." on by Pete155
Pros: Works when dicked and attached to an antenna
Cons: Absolutley no reception.
Summary: I've had my Inno (Inno is the exact same product as the Helix) for about one week now. I truly feel like XM has stolen $500 ($399 for the Inno, $70 for the car kit, tax). I can not express this strongly enough; no reception, no reception, no reception. I went for a thirty minute walk this morning. I got about five minutes of actual listening time. When the stinking thing actually does get a signal, if you turn or change the direction your walking the signal is lost. I get a signal about half the time when the unit is docked in the car kit. The signal is better when driving south. Driving in any other direction I get constant drop outs. I actually don't think I've heard a single song all the way through without a drop out. I do get good reception when the Inno is docked in the house, attached to the antenna, and not moving.
What really bothers me is, XM sells a product for a substantial amount ($399) that only marginally does what they advertise. But if you want it to actually do what they say it will, spend another $40 for antenna headphones. For $400 XM should deliver a product that does what they say it will. Especially when you consider your $400 only gets you the privilege of subscribing to their service. If you want a $400 radio receiver for you home stereo then this is the product for you. Other than that the thing is worthless. -
"Overated and worthless" on by XMRich
Pros: appearance, mp3 capacity
Cons: weak reception indoors, does not have a full time FM transmitter
Summary: The Samsung Helix is not worth the price as it does not meet up to expectations. It will not transmit an FM frequency without the car adapter kit which will run you an extra 70 dollars. The headphone jack only accepts the ear pods that come with the unit. You cannot purchase other brand ear pods or headphones and plug them in to the Helix earphone jack. The 1/8 inch plug on the samsung headphones is a 1/8th of an inch longer than standard 1/8 plugs. Any other headphone plug will not stay in place or make connection. The unit does not have a full time FM transmitter. You MUST purchase the car kit to transmit to an FM receiver. The car and home power cord has a micro sized barrel connector which is impossible to replace in the event it goes bad. This means you have to purchase a full home or car kit (which contains remote controls, antennas and other unneeded accessories) in the event the cord fails. I returned my entire package for a full refund. Did I mention that the reception is poor without the home/car antenna attached?
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"Almost Perfect" on by PFreak
Pros: Excellent reception in a tiny package
Cons: No FM Mod outside car
Summary: I love this radio. I mean love it. The reception I get in my area is stronger than FM, I get reception outside, inside, without windows, in elevators, on the subway. I had the 1st generation MyFi and this just blows that one away. No FM Modulation w/o a car kit is disappointing but after my initial shock I realize I've had the radio for 6 months and haven't thought once about the FM Mod since the first week. It just isn't needed and like all the tuners, FM Mod doesn't deliver the sound quality that direct connect does. Face it, FM Mods are going away on SatRadio tuners, the FCC is making sure of that. This is smaller than an iPod, holds about 1000 XM tunes and has a remarkable UI. I use this way more than my 50" HDTV. It's that good.
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"The most advanced satellite radio with premium features and design" on by crimson2v
Pros: Good reception, long recording, excellent sound
Cons: Short battery hours (5 hrs), no memory expansion slot
Summary: I use Samsung Helix while driving and exercising. The coolest function it provides is that I can record my favorite songs. I can also use it as a flash player.
I get the signal whenever I turn it on and the sound is excellent. I think it is outstanding portable device.
I wish this device comes with longer battery hours. Further, if it had the memory slot, I could expand the memory capacity. -
"Great Radio but a bit Pricey!" on by fletch97
Pros: Small, lightweight, slick design, cool color screen
Cons: Battery life isn't the greatest, menu options are limited
Summary: Nice radio compared to my Roady 2 that I had. A bit pricey right now but hopefully that will come down. Overall it's a very nice radio that I am very happy with. I live in Southern California and I don't have a problem with signal reception at all! The color screen is very cool but the menu options are weak. (I find it a bit cumbersome to navigate.) It would have been nice for there to be rubber grommets in the USB port and the docking port on the radio. Right now they are wide open for dust and dirt to collect in. All things considered, I like the radio and recommend it. Good Luck!
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