Samsung's neXus XM DAP reviewed
By Evan Blass 
posted Jun 20th 2006 6:28PM
posted Jun 20th 2006 6:28PM
We've always been a bit skeptical of portable DAPs like the Sirius S50 and Samsung neXus that promise to let you listen to sat radio content on-the-go, because since neither device includes a built-in satellite receiver, you're stuck with the programming you've recorded while the player was docked at home. PC Mag seems to agree that this class of gadgets offers rather limited functionality, and their review of the neXus isn't very promising for potential customers: unless you buy the $70 car kit for listening to live feeds in your ride, you're basically spending either $219 or $269, respectively, for either a 512MB or 1GB MP3 player that delivers neither great sound quality nor an acceptable battery life. What's more, you have to make sure that you keep the unit docked for at least eight hours a month so that XM can properly authenticate your subscription to keep your recorded tunes from disappearing. Ultimately, unless you're a on a tight budget and absolutely need some XM swag in your pocket at all times, PC Mag suggests -- and we tend to agree -- that you're better off shelling out a few more bucks for the Pioneer Inno or Samsung Helix, which both allow you to pick up and record live feeds right out of the box, no dock necessary.
These guys have *A LONG* way to go before they catch up to apple design wise. Nice try, but just like every other POS I think I'll pass!
-Joe Smith
Wow, how many times have i heard DS say "Nice try, but just like every other POS I think I'll pass!" Must be at least 30 (if i'm too low, don't hesitate to correct me)
Ha! it Turns out "DS" is a social engeniering project!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog_Engineering_Project_with_DS
The usability depends on many factors. The idea that "it's gotta be live" doesn't work for me. Don't forget, there's more to SatRadio than music. Having my favorite talk shows recorded for listening on MY schedule has many advantages. First, there's no worrying about reception issues. Second, I can skip commercials and/or replay parts I want to hear again. Think of it as a Tivo for SatRadio. Instead of having to listen to every song a channel plays, I can skip the ones I don't like and with the S50, I can save any of them that I want for later playback.
One of the reasons I prefer the recordability to live is that I can listen to the entire Howard Stern show on my schedule. If I had to rely on the live broadcast and replays, then I have to figure out what I've heard and when there will be parts playing that I haven't heard.
iPods are great if you want to pay for every song or break the law...
Another review that completely misses the point and tries to regulate the Nexus wrongly to stepchild status of the 2nd generation XM portables. Who cares if it's not live outside of the car/home cradle? The POINT is to walk around with HOURS of music and that's exactly what you can do with the Nexus 25/50 models. On my old myfi/Aireware 2go units, the signal would drop out, plus if a song came I disliked, I would have to switch the channel which was a bit of a hassle when you are exercising or on the go. When I'm out with my new Nexus, I have all the songs I have previously recorded when I was watching tv, doing stuff or sleeping so I know I don't have to SKIP any songs because you can create playlists and edit them on the nexus. So no live mode on the go is not the sharpest of points to be making. Also I don't need a color display, the Nexus display is very clear and sharp. You can adjust the screen. You have an equalizer etc. The Nexus besides not having a color display, no tuneselect or live mode on the go does practically EXACTLY what the Inno or Helix does for a MUCH lower price! I got mine for $99! You can spend $250 or more if you want to on the color models but for now, no thanks! I'm happy with my Nexus! :D
It actually sounds pretty good, and like some other people have said -- it just depends on how much you "need" to be "live". I have been very happy with this and you can get them for 70-100 bucks right now with $50 mail-in rebates on them.
I have the Nexus 50 and love it. I fits nicely in my shirt pocket on the plane and battery life has not been an issue. I just wish it had a SD card slot .
Think of it as an mp3 player that also gets xm radio. I split the 1 gig and loaded all my favorite songs, then download channels and idividual songs from XM. I delete the ones I don't like and keep the rest, As long as you pay the $6.95 a month you have access to all the latest and greatest oldies sooner or later.