Satellite radios recently found their way into the car, but there's still only one broadcaster - XM Satellite Radio. Simply sign up for service, which costs $10 a month, then decide which type of receiver to go with - an XM-ready head-end for the dash, or a unit that piggybacks onto an existing tuner.
SPLURGE
Alpine TUA-T020XM XM Tuner and CDA-7895 Head Unit
If you can't pull in the XM signal, the rest of a satellite receiver's features really don't matter. Thanks to its hypersensitive tuner, the Alpine system is one of the few that can hold on to your music and talk-show chatter without occasionally dropping the signal. The head unit gives you a top-notch interface for accessing artist and title information. Combine that with MP3 capability and a CD player, and you'll never run out of tunes.
$720, www.alpine.com.
BEST BUY
Sony DRN-XM01C Car Package With Cassette Adapter
Admittedly, tape players are a less common item in cars these days, but if you happen to have one, this Sony package will put you on the XM bandwagon in no time. Unlike the others, it's portable, so it can be moved between vehicles or used with your home stereo, all while pulling in a strong XM signal. Sony also offers the DRN-XM01R, the same tuner with an FM modulator for decks without cassette players; plan to drop an additional $100.
$299, www.sonystyle.com.
OVERRATED
Pioneer GEX-FM903XM Universal Digital Satellite Tuner
The Pioneer tuner works with the receiver that's already in your car. Plug your antenna input into this system, which sits in the trunk, and find an unused frequency for XM audio. A separate dash-mounted control panel lets you change stations. But it's more difficult to navigate and has a longer delay between switching channels and picking up a broadcast than the Sony and Alpine units. And as with most FM-modulated devices, you'll need to have it professionally installed.
$300, www.pioneerelectronics.com.
PLAY
Summer Sequels
Arcade Warriors
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Agony of the Beat
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Tools of the Spy Trade
Japanese Schoolgirl Watch
Hovergrass
Altar Egos
The Jedi Dictionary
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What Tomorrow Holds
Read Me
Douglas Adams Speaks
Flexibility Rocks
Office Posturing
Blow Tech
Point and Click
Face Value
Free-Range Chat
Pocket All-in-Ones
Open Sesame
Music From Above
Do-It-Yourself Wi-Fi Antenna
