Accessories

Thoroughly impressive technology for XM fans
I've been an XM fan for almost two years now, starting with a Delphi unit hooked up to my home stereo, which was later transferred to a Belkin boombox for bedroom use after I received a Polk Isonic standalone unit for Christmas to use in our living room. Both units are used daily without problems.

The only thing remaining was to have some sort of portable unit I might use on my daily walks. I purchased a Pioneer Inno (thru Amazon) two or three weeks ago and I'm absolutely delighted with it.

First, a caveat...You will find reception a bit "quirky" in that the signal will drop in and out at various times without a clear reason for it. I live in a metropolitan area, and there are terrestrial repeaters about, so if anything my experience should be better than someone who lives in less populated areas, I believe. Don't purchase this expecting the signal to be as accessible as any local radio station. I attribute this to the nature of satellite radio, not to any shortcoming of the Inno. It was frustrating at first, but I got the hang of routing my walking path in such a way that the signal was usually available (avoiding tree-lined sidewalks, for example).

Having said that, I believe the Inno is on a par with the Ipod as an example of superb consumer technology. The unit has a wonderfully solid "feel" and sound that is every bit as good as I hoped it would be.

The ability to record XM channels or songs and listen back anytime you want is marvelous. I cannot tell from the sound that I am listening to a recording and not a "live" XM signal. Recording my favorite music channel for a couple hours every night while the unit is charging allows me to play it back anytime I wish through the day no matter where I'm located (in that respect, it IS possible to listen to XM around the house any time you wish, as long as you have it recorded in advance--and this is a piece of cake. Just set it to record Channel xx every night from 2 to 5 AM and you're all set).

The screen interface is beautiful, and the outstanding documentation allows you to use the unit in all its functions immediately once it is fully charged. I wish Polk Isonic had spent some time studying the Pioneer documentation to learn how to write a lucid, easy-to-follow user manual. It is as good as any I've seen for any consumer electronic device.

I spent another $22 or so for a Belkin armband holder for the unit, and I'm glad I did. It happens that I don't strap it to my arm very often because I'm always changing channels and moving the unit around for better reception, but the armband serves as a very convenient handle for the unit.

Congratulations to Pioneer for engineering a wonderfully solid unit that does everything it should. If I had to give up two of my XM receivers and keep just one, the Inno would be the one I'd keep.

Doesn't quite live up to the promise, but still a worthwhile purchase
The Inno is my first satellite radio. I bought it mainly as a means of getting to listen to new music without having to go hunt for it, or listen to endless adverts. The fact that the Inno is portable was a major factor in deciding on this particular unit.

Pros - its reasonably well made (not as nicely finished as an iPod, but not cheap feeling either). It comes with a reasonable set of earbuds. The XM channel selection is superb!

Cons - the door to the battery compartment is held on with some really flimsy tabs, I wouldn't like to change battery often since these will likely break off after a few uses. The sound quality of XM radio is not as good as I thought it would be (this is not a comment on this radio, rather its a comment on all satellite radios - the talk shows sound like AM, the music sounds like some low bps MP3s. All in all the sound is quite murky and sibilant compared to an iPod and decent earphones. That said, its good enough for casual listening while outdoors. I'm just glad I didn't pay $990 to get XM fitted as an option in my car!).

The Inno does what I need it to do. What it doesn't do is play well as a 'live' XM radio outdoors. Trees and buildings (or even your arm) frequently get in the way of the signal, and the sound dies. Making it too annoying to use. Since nothing I listen to is time sensitive its fine to record big chunks of music and listen to that instead. Its painless to record many hours of music once a week, or even less frequently, and that works for days.

Indoors the unit works well with the antenna that comes included. Even with trees in the way it gets a strong signal, even when the antenna is quite far from the window.

Bottom line. In the future, when the technology advances and the bitrate improves, XM radio will be awesome. Currently its good, provided you are prepared to focus on the content and not the sound quality. The Inno is excellent for using when you are biking, running or walking, provided you are in an area with excellent signal and no trees, or you don't mind listening to recorded material.

The Inno was a good buy, and one that I'm thoroughly enjoying using. But, stil a few years off being perfect. I'm guessing I'll be replacing the Inno when something better comes along in a couple of years time.

Oh, since people mention this in other reviews - I've turned all the available recording space to XM use, and don't intend using it for storing my mp3s. It would be too annoying ot listen to high bitrate mp3s and then switch back to XM radio quality. Nor do I intend to use it in the car for live radio, I'm sticking to pre-recorded stuff.

Inno 2
I've had this 2 months and I have had no problems. As billed. Crystal clear recordings and XM radio, when there is a signal. Don't fool yourself and think this will work indoors and on the move without an antena hooked to it, but on the beach or on the back porch with a cool one it works fine. Much better than an IPOD! Fair battery life.

Pioneer XM Gex-Inno Portable - The best !!
What a great way to enjoy XM !

Now I can listen to XM Satellite between the the home and the car, without losing the end of my favorite song, and without missing one lap of action of IndyCar or NASCAR action. WhooHoo!

This compact radio allows you to listen to XM while on the go.
No need to connect or re-connect between the home and the car or the car and the home.

Just plug your favorite headset into it and listen to it anywhere!

FM Modulator Not What it Used to be
I owned a previous Pioneer Gex-Inno2Bk and was very happy with it. My other first generation XM2Go finally died so I thought I would get a second Inno. What I didn't know is that they changed the FM modulator in the Inno even though there doesn't seem to be a model change designated. Both Innos look indentical but the older one can broadcast from holder to radio just fine. The brand new one can't, even if it is right next to the radio. I have to use the sure-connect that comes with the auto kit to get it to work. The sure-connect takes away the AM portion of my radio though (connected to my windshield mounted antenna). It's rare that I use AM so I am not missing anything, but it irks me to sacrifice one thing for another like this, especially since my other Inno doesn't have this problem. I know they claim they needed to keep it from broadcasting to other cars, but they went way overboard. My iPhone has a broadcast device and they don't seem as concerned as Pioneer is about this issue. Therefore, I can't give this device anything higher than 2 stars.