Thanks to the wonderful customer service at TSS Radio (as usual), I received my XM Skydock today. This is my first new unit since I got the Stiletto 100 back in November 2006. The Stiletto was a workhorse for me, but it had seen better days so the timing was perfect for the SkyDock.
DAB and others have many of the key points covered, so I will just highlight why I think the SkyDock kicks ass!
EASE OF INSTALLATION:
Why didn't SIRIUS or XM think of this sooner? The stalk is perfect for an easy installation for most people and vehicles. Just plug it in the adapter, install the antenna, and VOILA! I like the fact that the contents were packaged in cardboard as well, which makes unpacking the unit so much easier.
POWERCONNECT:
It works, beautifully. I have a hidden FM antenna which provided hardly any signal with previous new-gen FM transmitters. Not anymore. And you don't need to install anything else or do any extra work to make it work. My radio does have an aux port on the front, but I'm probably going to use the SkyDock using PowerConnect just to have a cleaner install with no extra cables hanging out. The SQ isn't that much different because PowerConnect is so good.
INTERFACE:
I love that the SkyDock is made to feel like you are using a true satellite radio PNP. The interface is quite similar to your XM and SIRIUS portable units. Of course there are some advantages to the iPhone/iPod Touch as well, such as a clearer display, the ability to use the touchscreen (I really like scrolling through the channels by sweeping my finger right or left, just like many other iPhone applications), and the ability to potentially upgrade the program without having to buy new hardware.
Like others have mentioned, the audio comes on almost instantly when powered up, and channel changes are almost instant as well.
OTHER USES:
The best part is at the $119 price, your getting a dock which not only turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a TRUE XM satellite radio, but you can use it for any of the applications. That means your iPod music library, Slacker, Pandora, other radio applications (I personally love WunderRadio), videos, hands-free phone...it's so much more for just a little more than a standard iPhone car dock especially with PowerConnect.
CONS:
There are a couple things I'll miss as a Stiletto user. First, losing the ability to pause or rewind is a minus for me. The SkyDock is really for usage in the car only (that is until a possible home dock comes out), but you can of course use the internet application to access most of your channels wirelessly if you are in a 3G or WiFi network.
OVERALL - *****:
5 stars, no doubt about it. Satellite radio has a much needed home run with the SkyDock. Let's hope the millions of iPhone and iPod Touch users realize the advantages of this great solution for satellite radio. And for those Apple critics out there, this shows the great potential of the iPhone and even the iPod to be truly all-in-one devices!!
In the spirit of TulaneJeff, I dedicate one of his favorite smilies:
:smm: