If you own, or have driven a newer vehicle lately, it’s likely you’ve noticed increasingly more models are coming out with satellite radio as a standard option. Seriously, just google “satellite radio new cars standard” and you’ll see what I mean. Automaker after automaker seems to include an introductory package (typically a 6-month free trial) with a new car purchase.
That’s all well and great for those of us who may be in the market for a new car, but what about those whom are driving older models? Well, there are some options: pay an aftermarket audio store, of if you’re technically (and maybe mechanically) inclined, you can install your own in-dash system hardwired to your radio; use the old insert-a-cassette-tape method; or on newer-not-so-new cars, use the auxiliary jack. But you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 – $300 for the hardware as well as a subscription on top of that.
XM Radio has unveiled the XM Snap!, a transferrable satellite radio unit which is simply plugged into a car’s 12-volt (cigarette lighter) power supply for the low price of $49.99. Moving from car-to-car is extremely simple and convenient if switching cars often.I was lent a XM Snap! complete with a 14-day subscription to try out. I’ve been leery of aftermarket installations (I had a bad experience a few years ago and vowed to never let anyone install a stereo in my car again), but the Snap! didn’t require any help (or swearing). Snap! allows for the same radio frequency tuning or auxiliary plug-in, as other models, to achieve the clearest possible sound, but at an attractive price point.
The installation directions provided for mounting the antenna in an unobstructed location outside the car. By routing the antenna cable under the windshield sheathing, down the fender, around the carpet and to the radio, you can easily integrate the Snap! to your car audio.
It just made me sweaty.
If I were using the Snap! for more than 14-days, I may definitely would able to complete an installation myself with some sweating, but minimal swearing, I’m sure.
But for the short time I had the Snap!, I opted to place the magnetic antenna just at the end of the dashboard at the windshield and it worked perfectly fine. Not the ideal installation, but worked nonetheless.
The Snap! includes PowerConnect! technology to allow for receiving audio through your car stereo, via FM radio, or as mentioned, if you have auxiliary input or a tape cassette, you can use those methods as well.
The initial start up was slow as it searched for the satellite(s). I began to worry that I had done something wrong (commence swearing), but subsequent uses were fine. One trick: turn off the unit before turning off the car and it will save the station you were on before it shutting down otherwise you will start back at the beginning and will have lost your station.
Its sleek design makes for easy integration into the console. It doesn’t stick out, or interfere with other essential selections near the stereo. The fully adjustable arm looks long and awkward, but once installed it sits the Snap! at a safe and convenient height for operating.
My only gripe was even though the volume on the Snap! what at its highest, I still had to increase the speaker volume in the car to over three-quarters to achieve decent sound, which very well could have been something I overlooked, I don’t know.
The high contrast screen and larger centre dial makes for easy searching while the numbered presets allow to to save and access your favourites quickly.One pretty cool feature was the arrow keys designed to navigate categories; simply press the arrow to scan through categories. Then the dial to navigate to a station of your choice within the category.
Overall, if you’re looking to have satellite radio in your car, but without the price tag of the portable or in-dash units, the XM Snap! is a convenient and stylish unit which can be incorporated into any car but just about anyone – technically savvy or otherwise.
I received an XMSnap! free of charge for a two week trial period to test and review for UrbanMoms.ca. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. The images courtesy of XM Radio.
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