[link|http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A610-2004Oct26?language=printer|Washington Post] story on XM's new handheld radio/recorder.

[image|http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/images/I796-2004Oct26|0|XM MyFi|190|169]

Along with giving its subscribers the convenience of a traditional transistor radio, the MyFi also offers a five-hour recording capacity to let listeners download favorite programs and songs.

[...]

Unlike Delphi's plug-and-play satellite radio receivers, the MyFi doesn't require an antenna and can be used with headphones. The device also comes with a docking station for recharging and accessories to hook it up to car stereos and home audio equipment.

MyFi will be available in stores and through on-line retailers in December -- too late for the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush, but still in time for the holiday gift-buying season. The suggested retail price of $349.99 makes it a high-end item, said analysts. And consumers still have to pay $9.99 per month for programming. But XM officials and analysts said the product is likely to appeal to those who prefer to have disc jockeys serve up music instead of having to burn their own CDs or download music to MP3 players.

For < $200 they'd have a sale (even with the subscription). For $350 + subscription, no way - not with only 5 hours recording capacity. :-( At least, not yet...

Cheers,
Scott.