Comments on: Hands-on: XM XpressRC

If you want to get in on the satellite radio action and you don't mind spending $170 to do so, the XpressRC is a great place to start.

[remilk]

Counter-Point

I am glad that you have some positive comments about the XpressRC, but I have concerns over your most negative comments regarding satellite radio.

1. "Sorry to say, I just don't see a reason to spend that kind of money ($12 per month) to listen to a host of shows that can usually be heard on the radio and music that copies what we hear on local radio for free."

Yes, there are shows that can be heard on terrestrial radio for free, however, there are many genre's that have limited, if any play in many markets. Some examples, include bluegrass, folk, comedy, old-time radio classics, etc.

2. "Now for some, the prospect of missing Howard Stern may be too much to handle, so they go out and pay for Sirius."

Personally, I do not listen to Howard, but many folks enjoy his program and are willing to pay a premium for it. This clearly demonstrates a market-driven system. If this is your belief, why pay for cable TV when there is over-the-air TV broadcasts?

3. you'll find yourself working your way through dreck just to get to MLB or other exclusive offerings.

I am not sure if you are trying to show off your command of the English language by using such an interesting and obscure word as 'dreck', meaning merchandise that is shoddy or inferior. Since you are reviewing the XpressRC, you consider it shoddy, but your comments under Design and Features do not match this word. If you are talking about satellite radio programming, you can directly bypass any and all programming to get to MLB, NFL, or whatever you wish to hear and avoid other programming. This is true of terrestrial radio, internet streaming, etc. In fact, this dreck exists within TV programming, CDs, etc.

4. Design
I respect your analysis and comments here.

5. Features
I respect your analysis and opinion here.

6. Bottom Line
I respect your opinion here, though I do not agree with it, satellite radio is another source of entertainment, like terrestrial radio, podcasts, TV, your magazine, etc.

I will now get off my soapbox before someone knocks me off.

Bob

[link88401]

Don't see a point.

Personaly, if im tired of local radio, ill listen to my ipod through the radio with my road trip, its my way of listening to the genres i want and not what the radio says i should. getting an mp3 input into a car adio system could be a better investment for people who can afford it.

[PFreak]

Don is a dummy

Don, you review a product w/o any knowledge of it and you sound like an ass.
My grandmother could have written a more relevant review. You stink.

[liljimmynordin]

Opie and Anthony

Opie and Anthony are avaialable on XM and they are way better than Howard.
RAMMMMMMOOOONNNEEEE, GET THIS DOOSHY CNET WRITER A CLUE!

[DustoMan]

Wow... you're really lucky...

Well maybe other people arn't as fortunate as you seem to be in having such a vast selection of radio to choose from. That's what satellite radio does offer. Choice to people that don't have it over the air.

[gregblaisdell]

"I'm Sort of an Idiot, But Here's My Paid Opinion"

"No really! I get paid for this!"
- Don Somebody-or-other-who-has-his-own-blog

Don, what could be said that hasn't already be shared by others? But it's fun to reiterate the fact that you stink. Seriously. I can smell you from here.

CNET: As a frequent visitor to your website, I usually find the reviews at least somewhat helpful. This jackass loses all credibility when he says that he hates the source for the product and doesn't understand why consumers could be so stupid as to purchase such the service. Dump him! Quick!

[xqzme78228]

Don, I'm late to the party (ie review, though I've been an xm subscriber for 5 years) but I appreciated your review;. As for the RC It's nice to hear an impartial review of a product; as a result of your impartial review I'm about to purchase this product.
The folks that are angry with you remind me af apple product users; ie blind followers :)