XM radio portable players are one way to experience satellite radio while you're on the go. Newer units combine MP3 playback with traditional XM radio reception for added versatility. There are a few features to look for when you buy a portable XM radio player.
Instructions
Buy a Portable XM Radio Player
1. Check to be sure a home dock is included with the portable player. This dock will serve as the charging station for your unit's internal battery.
2. Investigate the recording process for the XM portable player. You want a unit that has one-touch recording so you can add audio easily.
3. See how many preset stations can be programmed into the player. Remember that portable XM radios only store stations for later playback. These units usually cannot get a live XM signal when they are not in a home or car dock.
4. Find out how the portable XM player loads MP3 files. In most cases, you'll only need to attach the player to your computer with a USB cable and then drag and drop your favorite MP3s. Ask how much space is available for MP3 files and if the unit can handle other audio types like AAC and WAV files.
5. Ask a salesperson how each unit receives software upgrades. Your player should be able to connect to the manufacturer's website in case software patches are released to fix small problems.
6. Look at the available accessories for your portable player. You may want to buy a car dock so you can get live XM reception in your car. Alternatively, you could get an accessory to feed the player's audio signal into your car's stereo for regular playback.
7. Listen to the quality of the unit's built-in FM radio receiver. Some people still like to have the option to listen to regular radio on their portable receivers but not all of the units have great reception.
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