Sirius / xm alternative?

[swbsam]

I quit Sirius because I really was not happy with the rate increases and removal of my favorite stations (Left of Center, Raw Dog changing format)...

I've used my MP3 player while commuting but really miss the ability to discover new music. I currently have an iPhone "1G" (edge) and Slacker radio/pandora works 80% of the time, but the choppiness of the other 20% makes it annoying enough for me to avoid those apps.

Is a slacker portable radio (g2) a better bet? Does anyone have any experience with it?

Are there any other options I should consider?
Thanks!

 

[TwiceOver]

I bought a G1 in the last Woot Off. If you are OK with Slacker.com and the selection there, then I'd say go for it. For what it does I'm happy. The G1 player isn't all that great so definitely get a G2.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I bought a G1 in the last Woot Off. If you are OK with Slacker.com and the selection there, then I'd say go for it. For what it does I'm happy. The G1 player isn't all that great so definitely get a G2.

How's the content? Does loading it up on wifi say once every X day give you all the fresh content you need, or do you notice a lot of repeats? I commute about 2 hours a day

 

[2soX]

Slacker is the best option because it stores the music in the phone, so it`s does not matter if the network or WiFi is slow.

I use it with a Blackberry.

 

[swbsam]

Originally posted by: 2soX
Slacker is the best option because it stores the music in the phone, so it`s does not matter if the network or WiFi is slow.

I use it with a Blackberry.

Really? On the iphone it only seems to stream. I'll poke around settings, but are you paying extra for the functionality?

 

[TwiceOver]

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: TwiceOver
I bought a G1 in the last Woot Off. If you are OK with Slacker.com and the selection there, then I'd say go for it. For what it does I'm happy. The G1 player isn't all that great so definitely get a G2.

How's the content? Does loading it up on wifi say once every X day give you all the fresh content you need, or do you notice a lot of repeats? I commute about 2 hours a day

I have the 4gb G1 grabbing 4 stations. I sync it every day, so not a whole lot of repeats. I would have to say that their content is somewhat limited in comparison to Pandora.

Since it has built in WiFi I can pretty much sync it wherever I am. I get over 10hrs battery.

Also, I have yet to have heard any commercials... I don't know if I automatically got a free trial of their subscription service or what, but even 3 weeks in now, I still don't seem to receive commercials.

 

[2soX]

I can only speak for the Blackberry. The music gets stored and refreshed when it`s connected by USB/PC (to the phones media card)...for me, overnight while charging.

I can choose to stream .....or play cached stations when I start the app.

I forgot to add...it`s free.

 

[austin316]

Originally posted by: swbsam

Originally posted by: 2soX
Slacker is the best option because it stores the music in the phone, so it`s does not matter if the network or WiFi is slow.

I use it with a Blackberry.

Really? On the iphone it only seems to stream. I'll poke around settings, but are you paying extra for the functionality?

Only BB and the Slacker G1/G2 allow you to store music to the memory card.