The Roady2 (http://www.xmradio.com/roady2/) and the SkyFi2 (http://www.xmradio.com/skyfi2/) seem to have similar features (http://www.xmradio.com/get_xm/) and are the same price. They both have built-in FM transmitters (for ease of use in the car without a cassette player) and have optional accessories for connecting to a home stereo or portable amplifier/speakers.

I guess it comes down to looks, then. The SkyFi2 has a more "modern" look, but the Roady2 would match the interior color scheme in my car better.

Opinions?

XM is raising prices effective April 2 to match Sirius' (from $9.95/month to $12.95) so I want to buy and activate the service before then.

Two message board threads comparing these receivers:
http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=37437&highlight=&sid=c02dd7ce66fc7cee7cf80d97ac40ddff
http://www.wackbag.com/archive/index.php/t-18324.html

And a chart comparing all currently available XM receivers:
http://www.xm411.com/phpbb/images/productgrid/productgrid.html

Are you picking XM over Sirius because it's cheaper?

Pretty much. They have almost the same lineup of programming--though XM has MLB, which is nice--and I've looked at both services in the past.

What about the MyFi??? It's totally portable and comes with all accessories including rechargable batteries?????

What about the MyFi??? It's totally portable and comes with all accessories including rechargable batteries?????
I don't really need the portability, and would rather have the built-in FM transmitter.

I have a SkyFi and a SkyFi2. Love both. The FM Transmitter in the SF2 works real well. I actually prefer the SF2, but that is in my wifes truck.

Picked up my SF1 off of eBay for $60 with a home kit. Picked up my SF2 for $69 with a car kit directly from XM.

I have a question: What is the appeal of Satellite Radio?
Getting the East/West coast stations, no commericals, Baseball, NFL?
What makes it worth it to pay a subscription every month.

...I listen to talk radio and when I want to listen to some tunes, I have my CD's and mp3's.
...I have a couple of friends who have it but I can't go by them, because
they have to get everything thats new! I heard it and I guess I don't get it. ..
If your spending a good amount of you day in the car I could see where
you it might be worth it

I have a 40-mile (each way) commute. That's an hour in the morning and usually 90 minutes in the evening. I am going to go postal if I hear another 1% interest only mortgage refinance!!! commercial.

That's the appeal.

No commercials and better programming.
No commitment, no contracts.
FYI - You do not get your local stations or "east coast/west coast" feeds.

I mean, the stations where I am are just getting worse every day. I have a CD and MP3 player in my car, but sometimes you want something else. And while XM and Sirius are "new" in the mainstream, they have been around for a few years. Its just now that the prices have dropped on the receivers.

Add in special programming and the like, I think it is a good value.

But then again... that is just me as value is a personal opinion.

If you go to XMRadio.com, you can sign up to listen to most (Not all) of their programming online for free for three days. That is how I decided it was worth it. I think Sirius has the same thing.

FYI - You do not get your local stations or "east coast/west coast" feeds.
XM does have a number of local traffic/weather channels for the larger metro areas, including the SF Bay Area.

Traffic / Weather... yes, for selected citys. But I was reffering to feeds of actual radio stations from selected areas. In other words, they do not provide feeds of the Loop, B-96 or whatever select Chicago (or <your major metro market here>) radio stations to the national audience. The traffic/weather stations, I do not believe, are broadcast from the local area. (Same person tends to mutiple reports in what appears to be a "looped" but accurate format.)

Okay everybody, I'm a little confused. Help me out here.
Now, we have our Skyfi, Skyfi2. We have Roady, and Roady2, and we
have a MyFi. I am assuming these are all XM products....

1) It seems all of you like XM over Sirius, why? Aren't they basically
the same?

2) What is the difference in portable, Dock station, and Boombox?
Portable is using earphones, right?....So is a PlayDock and Boombox
the same?


.....I not looking so much music as I am talk radio, sports, business, politics,
news. under these parameters, does XM give me more than Sirius?

[SNIP!]


.....I not looking so much music as I am talk radio, sports, business, politics,
news. under these parameters, does XM give me more than Sirius?

Well, if you're not into the music, then they're night and day. Especially sports..

XM has all the MLB games, NASCAR for a couple more years (I think.. Then it moves to Sirius), and I think Sirius also have NFL.

I've been happy with XM (with two radios.. Roady2 & an original SkyFi), but your mileage may vary..

Also Andrew, you mentioned wanting to activate before they raised the prices. It's rising for everyone. Got a letter in the mail letting me know it's going up, so not sure why that should matter to you.