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 XM
Satellite Radio: Samsung Helix XM2go. The Helix provides live XM reception for
portable listening, as well as storing MP3s, WMA files, and XM satellite radio
content for playback later. Plus, the Helix lets the user "tag" songs
heard on XM for online purchase from the XM + Napster service.
The Samsung
Helix XM2go player weighs 4.5 ounces and measures 3.7 inches high, 2.2 inches
wide, and 0.6 inch deep.
Features include:
Live XM Satellite
Radio, at home, in the car, or while traveling
Flash memory for MP3 files,
WMA files, and XM content
Samsung Helix can store up to 50 hours of XM
programming
Color display screen rotates 90 degrees when unit is turned
on its side
Easy-to-use interface lets users save and delete content
Interface also lets users create personal playlists
And find and play
back favorite songs
XM + Napster feature allows users to bookmark names
of songs heard on XM
Allows connecting the Samsung Helix player to a PC.
Can purchase the bookmarked tracks instantly from the XM + Napster online
service.
Ability to store XM content by song, artist, channel, or scheduled
session
Ability to create playlists with a mix of XM content and personal
music collection
Enhanced storage features, which allow more recording
sessions at various times
Memory buffer for catching the beginning of a
song
Customizable stock ticker and sports ticker
Category list for
saving and accessing favorite channels
TuneSelect alerts the listener to
favorite artist or song on any XM channel
Integrated, wireless FM transmitter
for beaming XM to any FM radio frequency
The Samsung Helix comes packaged
with all of the accessories needed for portable or home use. An optional car docking
station is available separately (but was included in my test package).
The Helix was introduced about a year ago with a price around $400, but now it's
selling for about $100, the price of an iPod Nano. At the new price, the faults
of the Helix are minor, and a better value when compared to the Nano.
 The
Ownership Experience
I unpacked the Helix, read the directions, and charged
it up. I set it to record a station one morning after I had left for work. That
evening, I had hours of music to listen to. I can also listen live to over a hundred
streams of music, sports, news and comedy. I keep the songs I like, and delete
the ones I don't. The Helix can also be loaded with songs via computer using Samsung's
Napster service, similar to iPod/iTunes.
Using the Helix with the car
adaptor was fairly simple. I just hooked the Unit into its little docking station,
plugged in the DC cord, placed the antenna receiver on the top of the car (where
it stayed secured via a strong built-in magnet), and synchronized the FM radio
station to be used. Sound quality was excellent and the Helix performed quite
well. I would, however, recommend pre-setting your music playlists or XM stations
before driving, as trying to operate the small controls while driving could present
a safety issue.
If you live in an area with good ground transmitters,
you can usually get good reception whether indoors or in the car with the built-in
antenna. For the times that you can't get radio reception, you can pre-record
hundreds of songs and store them in the Helix's half-gigabyte flash memory. The
home dock is convenient and reception is improved with the indoor antenna (included)
attached to the dock. Generally speaking, satellite radio reception requires a
line-of-site to one of the satellites, or you need to be in an area where the
terrestrial signal is strong typically in and around major metro areas. The
display features on the Unit are excellent. The battery life is good, about 4
hours.
A Few Minor Complaints
The earpieces aren't great
- they could use some improvement. The Napster software only works with Windows
(thus leaving out some Mac machines). More memory wouldn't hurt (but haven't run
out yet.). The car cord should come with the main unit. Channel preset buttons
would be nice. It would also be nice if it picked up AM & FM radio.
Conclusion
If you looking for a feature-packed, affordable, satellite
radio receiver and music recording device, look no further. The Helix has everything
you would want and more.
- Jeff Mathews
Editors' Note: This article also appears in LA Car,
where it is entitled, "Satellite Radio To Go." LA Car is the automotive
counterpart to LA Audio File. To view LA Car, aim your Web browser to
www.lacar.com.
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