How to Shop for a Portable Satellite Radio

Buying a portable satellite radio system does not have to be a huge headache. The market for portable satellite radio units has a wide range of choices and available features. While the providers of satellite radio services have been busy building up the number channels available, the equipment manufacturers aligned with them have been busy creating a dizzying array of portable satellite radio models.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shop with confidence once you have armed yourself with a few facts and figures. The manufacturers of portable satellite radio models have been competing to see who can add the most features for the lowest cost, and this benefits you.

2. Choose between the 2 satellite radio subscription services: Sirius or XM.

3. Ask yourself just how many features you really need in a portable satellite radio system. There are units to meet any budget from the $25 to $50 small portables that plug and play with an existing system, to the more than $200 systems that have their own speakers and power source.

4. Buying a portable satellite radio will not require you to become an audio installation expert, but if you want to add this system to an existing audio setup, you should have some expertise, or shop at your local electronic store, where you can also get the unit installed. This is not a complicated installation, but if audio quality is important to you and you do not have experience with installation, buy your unit from the people who will install it. If you already have a system installed, then using a portable unit or upgrading to a portable unit will be easy.

5. Shop online for some of the best deals. There are a lot of online stores that sell portable satellite radio systems. Compare the systems of several manufacturers, since some may be having a closeout sale to prepare for a new line of products.

6. Try out several units in your nearest electronics store. To listen to your portable satellite radio system in your car and at home or work, look for a simple system. If you are into extreme sports and want to drive your four-wheeler off into the rugged wilderness and listen to your portable satellite radio while fly-fishing or hiking, then you should get a more rugged system designed for impacts. No matter how you may want to use the unit, you can find a great selection.

Tips & Warnings

• Portable satellite radio systems are fast becoming as prevalent as mp3 players and iPods, and it doesn't look like there will be a breakdown of the system like happened with VHS and Beta back in the '80s, since both providers are aligned with some serious support from the electronics industry.