CNET Membership: Hot Topics Newsletter

Trouble viewing this mail? Click here to read it online.

January 25, 2005

Dear CNET members,
When I think of satellite radio, I automatically assume it's a component that's built for my car or home stereo. But I'll be--Delphi recently released a portable satellite radio named the Delphi XM MyFi. The tiny device delivers the power of XM radio right in the palm of your hand. So with the debut of this cool new technology, where do you see its place in the portable audio world? Will it give the iPod and other MP3 players a run for the money? Would you consider sidelining your tried-and-true MP3 player to experiment with satellite radio on the go? TalkBack here.

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community

Got suggestions? Send us an e-mail:
messageboards@cnet.com

This week's hot topic:

MP3 vs. satellite radio
In his MP3 Insider column, Technology Editor Eliot Van Buskirk recently stated that portable satellite radio devices, such as the recently released Delphi XM MyFi, will never beat MP3 players such as the Apple iPod. The reason? Along with MyFi's spotty reception, you're still at the mercy of the DJ. Even with hundreds of channels, you may never find the right music to fit your specific mood. So what did you have to say about the debate?

Staying true to the iPod
CNET member tonyal bought two MyFis for Christmas and is returning them both for iPods. Despite living in a "reception friendly" area, she still couldn't get consistently clear reception for more than 30 seconds.
Read tonyal's full post in CNET TalkBack

Record the broadcast
In this post, CNET user opdev discusses the great features of his new MyFi device and offers up a helpful tip on utilizing the device's recording functionality when you can't get reception.
Read opdev's full post in CNET TalkBack

Waiting for convergence
CNET member LaserBrain dosen't want to compromise--he wants the functionality of the iPod and the MyFi as well as analog and digital radio reception in a single device.
Read LaserBrain's post in CNET TalkBack

CNET Music Resources:
• Portable audio reviews
  From CNET Reviews

• Satellite radio to go
  From CNET Reviews

• Digital music Forum
  From CNET Forums

Speak Up!
Want to weigh in on the iPod vs. satellite radio debate? Check out Eliot's MP3 Insider column, then speak up in the TalkBack section.

TalkBack on satellite radio!

Quick Hits

Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET.com.

• Customer support: hold times from hell
  TalkBack posted in Tech Nightmares

• New Year, old flaws in Windows, IE
  TalkBack posted in Security Watch

• Creative MuVo TX FM vs. Apple
  iPod Shuffle
  TalkBack posted in Sunday Smackdown

• Cell phones on planes--this just
  won't die
  TalkBack posted in Living It

Weigh in on this week's hot topic:

What portable device rocks your ears?

What's next?

Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.

• iPod Shuffle Opinions
• Spyware Killers
• XP Nightmares

• Top Ten Gadgets
• Gear Envy
• Nearly free routers

Hot Products
Beyond the digital music debates, members had plenty of new tech products to talk about this week.

Gateway 7200XL
Despite its rocket-powered video and quiet operation, you were pretty divided on the Gateway 7200XL. While many of you praised the machine's price and performance, several of you shared experiences of bad customer support from Gateway.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

Nintendo DS
Despite going up against tough competition from Sony and its new PSP device, hundreds of you heaped praise on Nintendo's new gaming device. Along with the device's dual displays, you seemed pretty stoked about its wireless features and sturdy battery life.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

DirecTV HD DVR
Despite its heavy-duty price tag, most of you gave the DirecTV HD DVR a big thumbs-up. Along with the outstanding video quality of the high-definition recorder, your favorite features include the user-friendly interface and the ability to watch one program while recording another.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

Sony Ericsson S710a
You made the Sony Ericsson S710a an undisputed leader in the cell phone category, with more than 90 percent of you giving it a thumbs-up. Overall, you were dazzled with the device's cornucopia of cool features, including an outstanding color display, Bluetooth, the ability to shoot video, and MP3 playback.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

The e-mail address for your CNET Community newsletter is test.tester@cnet.com. Click here to manage your newsletters, including this one.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please unsubscribe.

Privacy statement
CNET Networks takes your privacy seriously. Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we want you to clearly understand the terms and conditions surrounding the collection and use of this information. We encourage you to review our privacy policy.