Satellite radios
in all shapes and sizes

Satellite radio now comes in many shapes and sizes. They’re not just the little receivers that go in your car, home or boomboxes or the previous generation of devices. Now, satellite radios can fit on your belt, or attach to your home stereo/theater or even hide inside a great-sounding table radio.

I must preface all this by saying no one company corners the market on cool new radios. XM has the ultra-portable, Sirius has the new Tivoli table radio and both have hi-fi tuners with the introduction of the Polk XRt12.

Listening to music has become a very personal experience. First there was the Walkman -- then CD players -- now iPods and the like. Add to that Delphi’s MyFi. It’s the first portable, self-contained satellite radio to hit the market.

MyFi is a small satellite radio that fits on your belt or in a pocket. It has built-in, rechargeable batteries that provide up to five hours of music enjoyment. It also comes with all the extras to attach MyFi to your car (via a cassette adapter or the built-in FM transmitter) or your home stereo.  There are antennas for auto, home and even a portable one if the built-in antenna system isn’t strong enough when you’re out and about and listening through the supplied headphones.

MyFi’s display not only tells you the music stream you’re listening to, the artist and the name of the song -- but there’s also room on the bottom for a personal stock ticker, sports scores, clock, alarm & more.

Then there’s the memory. MyFi is also a music recorder. It can store up to five hours of fresh XM content - with no computer downloading or list management. Think of it as a TiVo for satellite radio.

MyFi is fun personified! It’s a hoot to be able to take your satellite radio with you anywhere.  I tried MyFi in my car -- and at home -- but I was most impressed with its portability. It’s just plain great to be able to listen when you’re walking in the street -- or exercising or just sitting around the house.

I’ve tested MyFi in Las Vegas and New York -- and had absolutely no problem receiving a good-sounding signal via XM’s terrestrial antennas. I’ve also played with MyFi out in the country, where with careful positioning I was able to pull in a good reception without resorting to using an additional antenna.

All in all, it’s very impressive for the first totally portable satellite receiver on the market.  Delphi’s MyFi retails for $349.99. XM activation and monthly service fees are extra.

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