I noticed that XM and Delphi are trying to generate buzz for the new Delphi MyFi as a Christmas gift.  The MyFi is a handheld XM radio receiver with a built-in five-hour digital recorder (sort of a cross between audio TiVo and a VCR).  Given my experience with XM over the past two and a half years, I’m not convinced that this type of product is going to go over well. 

To receive XM in real time you need to have an unobstructed view of one of XM’s two satellites, which are in geosynchronous orbit over the continental US.  For heavily built-up areas (Dallas, New York, etc), where the view of the sky is likely to be obstructed XM has installed terrestial repeaters.  So if you happen to live in one of these areas, perhaps the device would work for you.  However, if you’re elsewhere, I would expect that simply going into an inner room in a house would cause you to lose signal. 

XM is great when you’re on the road, but I just don’t see how it would be a satisfying experience as a portable, given the potential reception issues.