SIRIUS Stilletto 100 Appears in Latest Issue of Crutchfield
According to SIRIUS Backstage, the latest issue of the Crutchfield catalog points to a September availability date for the much-anticipated SIRIUS Stiletto 100 portable listening device. Apparently, a full list of features will be available on the Crutchfield website by September 1st and the device will be listed at around $350.
Here is a preliminary list of features that Stiletto is expected to have:
1) A combination of a built-in antenna that eliminates the need for an external docking system and an in-package headphone antenna intended to boost reception.
2) 100 hours of combined storage for MP3s and SIRIUS programming content.
3) WiFi access, which allows you to listen to SIRIUS in places where you otherwise couldn’t get reception.
4) 2 batteries: regular and extended use, which can be charged at the same time via the in-package kit.
5) Traditional compatibility with an FM transimitter home kit.
For a large-scale picture of the device, see Orbitcast. UPDATE: Here is a better picture from SIRIUS Backstage.
My take: I have no specific reason to express hesitation here (i.e. I haven’t heard of any potential problems with the Stiletto) but it is generally true that first generation devices like this are usually risky, buggy, and overpriced. The prospect of a portable MP3 player/satellite radio receiver combo makes me a bit giddy, but I think I’ll wait until prices drop and quality assuredly increases.
