The Verdict is Still Out on the Samsung Helix
In order to take advantage of the portable music craze that has been generated primarily by Apple’s iPod, satellite radio providers were quick to release iPod size portable radio receivers. This, of course, left consumers with a choice that old-school walkmen’s did not force them to make: radio or self-chosen recordings?
In response to this situation, relatively inexpensive FM Tuner accessories have been released for iPods, but these tuners only offer terrestrial radio options. The next logical step, of course, would be for someone to release an MP3 player with satellite radio capabilities, or a portable satellite radio reciever that also stores MP3’s.
The Samsung Helix is intended to fill precisely this void. About the size of a cell-phone, the Helix allows you to not only store up to 1 Gig of your own MP3’s but also to record and store songs from XM Satellite Radio–features of this latter sort have, however, gotten XM in trouble with the Recording Industry Association of America, which is (rightfully) oft-criticized for being overly-litagous.
The Helix thus offers both the best radio and pre-recording listening features available. As of now, the most frequently reported problems with the Helix are rooted in the basic problems presented by satellite radio itself (poor reception, etc.) and in its high price ($400!). See a full review here.
