SIRIUS Stiletto 2 Portable Satellite Radio with MP3 Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I thought about writing a review for some time now. I wanted to make sure I was out of the honeymoon phase before I wrote about this device.I have had it for over a couple of weeks now and feel like it's time.

I purchased the Stiletto 2 as a late Christmas present to myself.I had signed up originally for the 3-day trial and loved the radio selections.I live Montana and our radio stations are pretty decent, but we have a lot of commercials.So, being able to listen to music without commercials is fantastic.

I wasn't sure what device to purchase, so I started reading.I had read a number of reviews (particularly the poor ones) about the Stiletto 2, but I liked the portability aspect, so I purchased it.

I now understand their complaints.They want better reception from the device itself, better/more comfortable headphones, etc.I agree the reception on the device isn't the best when indoors, but I purchased the home kit and that significantly improved reception.

When I am away from my home dock, I connect through Internet radio and it works just fine.

I also bought the car kit, but haven't had a chance to install it yet.I was able to get reception in my car without it though, so I imagine the car kit will only improve upon that.

The user interface is quite easy to navigate and the controls on the device are fairly intuitive. I like to test devices without reading the manual first to see how easy it is to figure out and the Stiletto 2 was pretty straightforward.I had to refer to the manual to understand the recording options, but otherwise, it was simple.

The recording option is fantastic.I set up a number of recurring sessions in the middle night.In the morning, I can then listen to them when I am working out, running errands, etc.I think this is probably one of the best features of the device.I have 15+ hours of recorded content and have used only 35% of the internal memory.Replay is fantastic.You can skip through songs just like your MP3 player and for me, that's a great option.

The size of the device is just right.It fits in my pocket, but it's not so small that I am afraid it's going to get broken or lost.

The battery life has been more than adequate.It's rated at like 4+ hours for Satellite or Internet radio and 20+ for recorded or library selections.I can attest that I have listened to it for many hours without running out of power.I wouldn't mind having a spare battery, but it's probably overkill.

As for the additional SD card slot.It's too bad it's under the battery.When you install an SD card, it's like you are putting in RAM in your laptop.This is not simple or intuitive for a lot of people (thinking of my mom here).I am sure there was an architectural reason, but it's too bad it's not just inserted on the side like a number of cell phones.

I have owned a number of musical devices in my life, 5+ iPods, a Zune, Rio, CD players, Walkmans, etc, but I can say this device has really reminded me of how music can be such a wonderful part of your life.I listen to my radio non-stop, and I wouldn't have it any other way now.

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Product Description:
With the release of the Stiletto 2, Sirius ushers in the next personal music player revolution. With a slim and sleek profile smaller than a video iPod, the ultra-portable Sirius Stiletto 2 satellite radio receiver features a built-in antenna that allows reception of the Sirius signal without the need for an external car or home docking station. This handheld receiver offers users up to 100 hours of internal storage of live satellite program and music feeds. It also can handle MP3 and WMA files, enabling you to mix Sirius content with your own personal music collection. When coupled with an optional vehicle or home docking kit, you can broadcast both Sirius radio and digital audio files over any FM stereo via the built-in transmitter (adapter required).


The sleek and stylish Stiletto 2 can play both Sirius broadcasts and MP3s. View larger.

With its compact design, the Stiletto 2 lets you experience Sirius internet radio on the go. The compact Stiletto 2 MP3 player is a 4.3-ounce portable radio that is capable of receiving live Sirius broadcasts via both satellite and Wi-Fi signals. Internal flash memory is used to store Sirius content as well as MP3/WMA files for non-live playback. Listeners can easily bookmark songs and tag favorite songs for later purchase using any Windows-based online music service. Additionally, the Stiletto 2 supports removable microSD flash memory cards to enable users to conveniently expand usable memory space. MP3 and WMA files also can be stored on the Stiletto 2 and managed with the included My Sirius Studio software. The Stiletto 2 is compatible with most music download and subscription services.
The enhanced Wi-Fi capability of the Stiletto 2 permits access to standard Sirius Internet Radio (SIR) or, for an additional subscription charge, SIR's premium audio quality offering. SIR gives subscribers access to more than 80 channels of Sirius Satellite Radio content on the Internet, including Howard Stern's two channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius OutQ, and commercial-free music programming. Sirius also selected Altec Lansing to develop the new antenna headphones for the Stiletto 2. Featuring large 30-mm drivers for full-spectrum acoustics and an adjustable headband for increased user comfort, the new Altec Lansing antenna headphones can deliver hours of listening enjoyment in absolute comfort and crystal clear audio clarity.
Other features of the Stiletto 2 include a brilliant 2.2-inch color display, a handy media dial, and a six-way navigation control that provides easy one-handed access to all features and content. Thrown in for added convenience are Sirius Replay, which allows users to pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of live radio programming; Game Alert, which allows listeners to track favorite sports team and drive broadcasts and alerts when scores change; and Game Zone, which provides a listing of the user's favorite teams in one virtual category. Parents also have control over usable channels with the parental channel lockout feature. Measuring 1.9 x 4.3 x 0.6 inches, the Stiletto 2 weighs in at a scant 4.3 ounces.
About Sirius
Sirius Satellite Radio delivers more than 130 channels of music and programming via crystal clear direct satellite feed. In addition to 69 channels of commercial-free music listening, Sirius also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, and weather forecasts. Sirius--the official satellite radio partner of the NFL, NASCAR, and NBA--broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL and NBA, as well as live NASCAR races. All Sirius programming is available for a monthly subscription fee.
What's in the Box
Stiletto 2 receiver/MP3 player, battery, AC power adaptor, Altec Lansing headphones, ear buds, PC cable, and My Sirius Studio software.

Listen to more than 130 channels of music and programming on the go--in the car, at home, or in the office.

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Intellitouch OHP6000 Digital Player/Recorder for PBX and Key Phone Systems Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having gone through far too many cd players as a music on hold source, this was just what we had been looking for. Set-up was very easy and the software is also fairly easy to use.

If you are shopping around for this product watch for the amount of built in memory. It seems that the earlier release had 16mb built in and then they went to 64mb. The model number and other features remained the same (as far as I know) and there are a number of places that are still selling the original version with less memory. If you want the 64mb version just make sure that's what they are advertising or you might be in for a surprise when you get it.

The only problem so far is that it has been several weeks and we still have not received the customized greeting. Other than that this would have been 5 stars.

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Product Description:
The OHP6000 is pre-loaded with fully licensed music and messages with a free professionally voiced personalized on-hold greeting offer. USB connection to add new content to non-volatile digital flash memory. Great for any business, small or large!

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Snapbox Pebble 1GB MP3 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I decided to try this when my Sansa clip LCD failed.As I disliked some of the media organisation of the clip, maybe this would be better.Not even close.Very poor access design, low res lcd screen and non intuitive button use. I simply could not get it to play simple mp3 files. 3rd rate documentation was no help.Going back to the Clip.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Snapbox Pebble 1GB MP3

Product Description:
Snapbox Pebble 1GB MP3 Player. Support MP3 / WMA music play format. Multi-language function. ID3 display & lyrics display.OLED screen display. Voice recording. Built-in circuit-protection polymer lithium battery. Size: 2.28 x1.25 x.55Inches. Weight: .78 Ounces. Accessories: earphone, USB cable, user manual, CD-Rom

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Zune Leather Case for Zune 4/8 GB (Brown) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just bought this case for my new 8GB Zune at CompuUSA's going out of business sale.Now where is a geek suppose to hang out without a Fry's within 800 miles?! Pros:
- Nice quality feel.
- The back and play buttons are nicely protected and easy to press.
- The round/square pad hole works good as a click feature but may hinder touch action on larger fingers.
- The magnetic flip flap works great to keep it shut with no visible magnet marks.
- Taking it in and out is easy (as it should be...see 1st Cons)
- It has a small pocket to put some paper notes.
- Come with a coupon for 1 free song on the house. It's inside the small pocket)
- The inside lining and design is sharp and velvety to the touch.
- If you like Brown.

Cons:

- The Sync hole is covered up by the leather.(You must take out to charge or sync)
- It adds bulk to the unit. (It's over twice the thickness of a naked zune)
- no belt clip or lanyard of any kind.
- no protection for the screen.(not really needed because of the glass screen and the flip cover)
- kind of expensive unless you get a good deal. (Like your favorite local computer store decided to go belly-up)
- if you hate brown.

Overall, it does a good job of protecting the until and does not hinder any of the playback/navigational features.

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Product Description:
Travel in style with a Zune Leather Case made of premiumItalian leather.- Cases include a free song download card for 79 points in Zune Marketplace

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Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500 (OHP-6500) Review

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(More customer reviews)With the Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500 (GO-6500), you can have music on hold on any phone, even your home phone.There are few things that can impact your company image more negatively than a caller being put on hold in dead silence. In the past, if you didn have a phone system, then you didn't have music on hold.This unit works with any phone and allows for true hold-button activation. You won't have to push the star button or the flash button to place callers on hold. Today, any business, regardless of size, can sound like a large company.Connecting this on hold adapter to your phones is also as simple as hooking up a telephone answering machine.After acquiring this unit, contact GO On Hold to have a custom on hold message and music recording created to be used with the Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500.This unit works with any phone and allows for true hold-button activation. You won't have to push the star or the flash button to place callers on hold.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500 (OHP-6500)

Product Description:
The OHP6500 is pre-loaded with fully licensed music and messages with a free professionally voiced personalized on-hold greeting offer. USB connection to add new content to non-volatile digital flash memory. Great for any business, small or large!

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Logitech Squeezebox Radio Music Player with Color Screen (Black) Review

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Zune Home AV Pack v2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The version 2 home a/v pack is definitely the way to go if you have an 80gb or 120 gb zune.(Keep in mind that currently, only the 80 and 120 gb zune can output video via component cabling.)Something none of the other reviews have touched on is the fact that this model is the one that contains component out jacks on the back of the zune dock.You can, therefore, use any component cable (not supplied) for DVD quality output of movies, etc.

I can attest that the output looks absolutely fantastic on a 50 inch HD widescreen set.My wife could not see any difference in it and our high end upscaling DVD player.Of course, a lot depends on how you encode the video and the quality of the source.But assuming you get that right, you will be very pleased with the look of the video. (720 x 576 resolution with component) Also, the menu system itself doesn't look all that hot.But a nicely encoded video will sure treat your eyes once you fire it up.you have lots of choices now on encoding since the Zune 3 firmware supports .wmv, mpeg-4, and h.264 video files.

I have put about 10 movies on so far for our 2 year old to watch on an upcoming trip.Now, the audio output is strictly stereo; but I don't think that's much to complain about since what hotel or guest room is going to have you a surround speaker system set up.

Another reviewer has also stated that this kit does not work with the Zune 120 gb.He is very wrong.It states right on the front of the box that the kit works with all zunes.(and lists it specifically as well) The way they do this is by including various "faceplates" for the different zunes.I was worried about this initially, but they conform very nicely and you can't even really tell they are removable once they're in.It comes with a 4g/8gb labelled plate, a 30 gb labelled plate, and an 80 gb labelled plate.The 80 gb plate is the one to use for the 120.It fits perfectly.I've had no issues docking this thing at all; so don't quite understand the other comments regarding that.

Remote works very well with decent range.If you have an 80 or 120 gb zune and are looking to have an easy way to watch dvd quality movies on a TV while travelling, this kit is perfect for you.

UPDATE 12/10/08:I just got back from a trip where I got to put the kit to use.Everyone thought I was playing the movies from a DVD.The Zune functionality was also great seeing as how I was showing slideshows of a recent trip complete with music.When listening to music, the Zune puts up the album art that it scavenges from the online database; very cool.Couple things to point out.

1.The composite video out can't hold a candle to the component out.Spend a little extra to get a nice set of short, component cables.Also, the Zune sync software includes an option in settings to optimize video for TV output.Make sure this is enabled.It takes a little longer to sync video this way, but well worth the time.

2.If you are having an issue with volume through your tv when watching movies, make sure your actual zune unit volume is turned all the way up.Since the kit uses the headphone jack on the zune, volume is 1st dependent on how high you have the zune volume set.If your zune vol. is turned way down, you can max out your TV's volume and still only get a trickle of sound.So, in essence, you have 2 volumes to deal with:TV volume and Zune volume.May seem obvious to some, but it is easy to overlook when doing all the other connections while your 2 year old is yelling to see "Snow White."

3.If you don't see any picture on the TV after cabling the component jacks, there is a little switch on the back of the Zune dock that must be pushed toward the component jacks.Also, the black plate that hides the component jacks will not go back on the Zune dock until the switch is pushed back into its default composite position.

So overall, the Zune and home kit v2 performed wonderfully.I can re-emphasize the importance of this kit for any Zune owner.

UPDATE 1/10/09: Clarification on video output capability of Zunes.All currently available Zunes have video playback functionality on the Zune screen itself (4,8,16,30,80,120).Only the 30, 80, and 120 Zune can output video to a TV.Note, however, that the Zune30 is no longer manufactured.Also, if you are buying this kit for a Zune30, the Zune30 does NOT support component output; it supports composite only output(yellow plug).You need the Zune80 or Zune120 to use the component (HD) functionality. Just wanted to add this in since when I bought my Zune, I found this information very hard to come by on the interwebs.

UPDATE 9/20/09:Zune HD has launched and has its own dock.It's currently pretty pricey, but will drop just like the old dock did with a little time.For what it's worth, the new dock is backward compatible with the old Zunes.If you have a Zune HD, you'll need the new HD A/V dock.In addition to having a little different form factor, this new HD dock actually has an HDMI port AND a digital fiber optic audio port(toslink).This is a big deal.

Basically, you're going from 480i resolution (stereo sound) with the Zune 80/120 to 720p rez and surround sound, conceivably Dolby 5.1.This is a dream come true for travellers.Also you're getting a true digital connection simplified with the HDMI vs. the 3 component cables which is not truly a digital connection.Now the Zune HD uses the same interface on the bottom of the unit: i.e. connection with docks, car stereo cables, etc. so your existing stereo conversion cable you invested in is still gonna work fine. (mine is a Soundgate)

Also, it's worth noting that Microsoft is discontinuing my Zune, the Zune 120(as well as the previous zune models), in favor of this new lineup of the Zune HD.So if you want an older zune model, now's the time to pick it up.One other neat thing for those of you that took my advice and bought this AV kit for your Zune 2 is the new Zune HD shifts to a new custom UI whenever connected to a TV, instead of just displaying what's on the zune itself.Since I'm not what you'd call an early adopter, I'm not able to publish reviews yet on the Zune HD or new dock.Maybe I'll get one for Christmas.;)

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Product Description:
The Zune Home A/V pack gives you everything you need to amplify your Zune through your home stereo. The wireless remote gives you full access to your Zune device from anywhere in the room. Plus, you'll charge your Zune while you listen to music. The Zune Dock includes a longer cable to accommodate your home setup, and the Zune AC adapter is optimized to fit into most power strips by taking up less room. Half the size of the original, this new, smaller Zune AC adapter is more portable and easily fits into crowded power strips. For added convenience, the cable plugs into the side so you can fit it behind dressers and tables. With the AV output cables you can display photos and video from your Zune 30 GB and Zune 80 GB on your TV. For Zune 80 GB owners, you can purchase additional component video cables to watch movies in 480i using this kit.
What's in the Box:
Dock, three faceplates (one for each device size), wireless infrared remote, AC adapter, AV output cables, product quick start guide, product manual.

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