XM radio.. your suggestions.

[fire1811]

cool
thanks guys

[RobAGD]

Hey guys, I have been looking into useing XM on my computer as well as my Jeep and have looked very hard at the XM PCR ( a usb XM reciver ) but it had been removed from market and ebay has people sellingthem for something like $175-$200 bones.

So I started looking at other option and came across the XM Direct with a small cable hack and some software for the pc this thing acts just like a PCR. I posted up some questions and got this reply about what I was looking into.

Hi

Thought I'd send a quick message regarding your question. I Last January, I purchased a pcr and I have to tell you it's one of the best designed receivers I've seen by xm. It's quite a shame that they were discontinued in August. Also, it's too bad you weren't around just over a week ago - because a handful of them surfaced - and were purchased for a higher, but reasonable price considering what they go for on ebay now. When I heard they were on sale again in limited supply, I was going to get another, but I decided to go with the xmdirect solution. Now I run both.

Now I'm not too too tech savy so keep in mind that I'm not going to give a geeky comparison.

If you were looking for a receiver that was strictly for your computer - and moreso laptop, I would hands down recommend the PCR. Simply because of the portability. The pcr gets it's power from the usb connection so basically you've got a solution that you can take anywhere your laptop goes.

The direct solution moving forward, I feel is the way to go - because not only can you use it in your car, you can now, hook it up to your computer. Also, the quality is actually better - compared to the pcr. Tack on a digital mod and you're going to be amazed. Knowing you want to use this in your Jeep and on your computer - you really should go with the XM direct receiver.

That said, I highly recommend you take the time to browse this forum to read the more technical breakdown of the difference between the two. I also recommend you visit the Time Trax forum at: http://www.satelliteguys.us/forumdisplay.php?f=84

Also check out the website http://www.timetraxtech.com

When I decided to go with the direct solution instead of a second pcr, I chose to get the Time Trax Connect. I got my xm direct at best buy, and ordered their converter for $49.99. It was delivered in 3 days. When they first started up, shipping took a while, but now, they're catching up. I have been a fan of time trax since they first came on the xm scene in August. It's great software, and now, they're providing us with great hardware. Also, note that even if you don't feel you're going to use the timetrax software much - their solution works flawlessly with the XtreMePCR software.

You can also purchase the HybridMobile solution, and I think there are a few DirectPCR's left - which you can find at:
http://www.powerondude.com - While these solutions work with timetrax, it's not included with their product.

This type of mod that focuses on using the XM direct receiver - is still pretty fresh. I think as this market grows, we're going to see a lot more alternatives. That said, I think out of all the solutions available right now - Timetrax is leading the market and it seems like it has the potential to maintain that lead. They're patenting their creations, constantly improving what they offer right now and will be coming out with new products in the future. I even think they're going to tap into the Sirius market. If they do this, they'll probably be around for a long time and you're product will mostlikely be supported for a lot longer than it will be should you purchase from a developer - or company that doesn't last. Right now, since their solution also includes their software - which you can upgrade *for free* it's also the most cost effective solution. I got the software when it first came out and was only 19.95. Since then, I've upgraded to every version available at no extra charge. The software is more expensive now, but it's so worth it. The developer is still very accessible via the forum and he incorporates a lot of our requests into his improvements. That's rare.

Hope this info helps! The more you learn about what's available and such, I hope you in turn pass on what you learn to others. I was helped out a lot by people at this forum and I'm just trying to pass it on.

Evi

For more info take a lookie at www.xmfan.com

-Robert