Satellite versus MP3s for your car
August 3, 2006 - Story and photos by John LeBlanc

That’s it! The 8-track in the ol’ Pacer has finally crapped out. I guess its time to cave-in and pop for a CD player, eh?
CDs? Hey Bub, like where have you been? Waiting in line for Honeymoon Suite tickets? Fumbling around with those shiny disks is like sooo last millennium. It's because of my Luddite leanings that I’m probably your best guide to helping you decide on how to appropriately update your wheels for full audio integration.

Ooo, ‘audio integration’, dem’s big words from a guy who once had a hard time spelling B-M-W?
Do you want my advice, or not? Satellite radio and MP3 players both allow you to listen to audio in your home, or in the case of your Pacer, on the road. For satellite radio, let’s use Sirius as an example. And on the MP3 side, we’ll use Apple’s ever-popular iPod. The quest is to find out which is the better choice when it comes to content, accessibility, compatibility with your Pacer’s current in-car-entertainment system, and last but not least, how much will this take away from your weekly donut allowance.

Hey, a good cruller is hard to come by, my friend. Look, I listen to just about anything in the car, from talk radio to sports to all kinds of music, even from bands without mullets. So which of your two suggestions gives me the most variety?
Instead of being limited by the broadcast range of a land-based radio station or what’s available in your CD collection, both satellite radio and MP3 players offer so much more variety. With Sirius, you get 110 channels, including 60 music channels that are commercial free, plus dedicated sports, news and exclusive Canadian programming. With an iPod, the world is your, um, podcast, and the variety is unlimited. Music, news, sports, talk shows, audio books—hey, there may even be some kind of Pacer report for all I know. Apple claims that you can choose from over 1 million songs, 25,000 podcasts, or 1,000 music videos from their iTunes site alone. As with any MP3 player, you’ll need to invest some of your own time searching, downloading, and organizing your content. With satellite radio, all the hard work has been done for you.

What if I don’t have a computer, or Internet access?
Well, you’d be in the minority, but in that case, no iPod for you. You’ll need to either download songs or podcasts from the iTunes site, or copy files from your own existing CDs. This where satellite radio is more accessible. Turn it on; adjust the volume, away you go.

I’m not much of a gadget guy; in fact my VCR’s been blinking 12 a.m. since 1989. So which of these two will be easier to install in my car?
There are various satellite receiver models, but the Sirius Sportster I tried out requires the professional installation of an antenna and a power source for the receiver to play on a designated FM channel on your car’s radio. With an iPod, you have a couple of options. Many manufacturers offer integration kits that allow you to connect your iPod via a cable, usually through the glove box. But like the Volvo V50, which acted as a test bed for this comparison, some companies don’t have the kits available yet. Dealing with older cars is a whole other kettle of fish. Nonetheless, there are all-in-one wireless FM/power adaptors for the iPod solution that are truly plug and play.

Give it to me straight: What will all this new-fangled ‘audio integration’ cost me?
For your car MP3 solution, you don’t need video, so a 1GB iPod Nano with a 240 song capacity ($169), plus a Belkin Digital FM Transmitter/Auto Charger ($99) is a good, low cost solution for around $260. The wild card is your content costs. This will depend on if you use files from your current CD selection (I’m assuming the Suite’s Big Prize is there), or how many iTunes at 99 cents each you can afford—and of course—if you have a compatible computer and software. A Sirius Sportster receiver ($210) includes the vehicle installation kit with a remote, and a one time activation fee, plus an estimated $50 for installation. Sirius offers various subscription plans, but the base is $14.99 per month.

My head’s spinning. You pick for me.
If you want unlimited content, it’s hard to argue with the variety that an Apple iPod connected to the Internet can provide. Beyond your Pacer, there’s the portability factor also. However, the Sirius solution is more accessible, easier to get up to speed with, and is cost competitive. If your focus is in-car entertainment, satellite radio seems to be the way to go.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com

© National Post 2006. This article originally appeared in The National Post's Driving.