XM XpressRC gets evaluated

We'll admit, the XM XpressRC sure looked mighty nice from a distance, and judging by CNETs take on it, it's equally fine up close. Quite frankly, this device was hailed as a notch above the alternatives, boasting a full-color display "that not only jumped out at you with its beauty, but could be easily read and understood while driving." Granted, not everything was entirely peachy, as the reviewer took issue with the knob's design and the small power button -- both grumbles that could certainly be overlooked. Additionally, the unit's ability to pause / rewind up to an hour of programming was very appreciated, and the other small bonuses (i.e. SongSaver) filled out the feature set quite nicely. All in all, this little gizmo was seen as "the way to go" if you've been scouting a device of this nature, but the $170 pricetag could still be a hindrance.

[paul34 @ Oct 1st 2007 7:49PM]

Great song selection, surely the hit of the century!

[MikeHunt @ Oct 1st 2007 7:49PM]

The guy who reviewed this has zero knowledge of satellite radio. He's impressed with features that satrads have had for years now. Wait a few more days/weeks until the die-hard XMers get these and can post their impressions. I'll have mine tomorrow :)

[sean @ Oct 1st 2007 7:59PM]

If I understand the reviews correctly, this is essentially an Inno with split-screen capabilities, and doesn't have a self-contained antenna? Or is there more here that I'm missing?

[artman1033 @ Oct 1st 2007 8:03PM]

I have used XM for over two years. Burned through two different units. Delphi is the best. Those former GM guys know how to design them. I bought my last unit on Ebay. It took me three weeks to find the right deal. $79.00 total which is normally a lot for a Roady XT. But it came with a certificate for one years service. So I saved over $150.00. I added a Delphi XM boombox for $39.95. I'm now set. $170.00 for the above set is EXTORTION!!!

[Sirocco @ Oct 1st 2007 8:13PM]

Why does everyone act like they don't know the routine? Prices come down over time.

[Rusty @ Oct 1st 2007 9:53PM]

Looks nice, but I'll hold off til AFTER the first of the year, when the price will probably come down under 100 bucks. I'll stick with my Sky-Fi 2 for now.

[eckndu @ Oct 1st 2007 10:12PM]

does satellite radio works in subway, like metro in MTL?

[Huggs @ Oct 1st 2007 10:47PM]

This is going to be too expensive to safely leave in your car even if the price drops. I'm sure it can be bricked if it's reported stolen so it's never going to be useful to a thief, but thieves are not known for their intelligence.

[Matt Downham @ Oct 1st 2007 11:18PM]

I have a Delphi SkyFi2. Will this be compatible with the same Dock I've already installed in my car? Or if not, will the antenna cable I ran through my car also plug into this unit's dock? I definitely wouldn't mind the upgrade but I rather not completely reinstall everything!

[Pavan @ Oct 18th 2007 2:50PM]

The dock won't work but the antenna will. I'd highly recommend getting one of these

http://www.amazon.com/Delphi-SA10112-Direct-Adapter-Receiver/dp/B0006IWEYG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7/102-3755459-7475357?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1192733159&sr=8-7

works way better than that sureConnect crap!

[Who? @ Oct 2nd 2007 4:05AM]

I wouldn't advise dealing with XM radio whatsoever. They engage in harrasment and getting them to stop calling you is quite a chore.

Check out http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-892-5400

While I did not post my own experience, between September 13 and September 26 I was called 11 times. I called XM at least 5 times before I finally spoke to someone who got the calls to stop. I was seriously considering changing my phone number.