portable GPS + XM / Sirius device?
 

Hi,
I am looking for a portable device that acts as both a GPS Navigation and a Sat Radio (Sirius or XM) receiver. I have only found in-dash units or ones from non-mainstream vendors, e.g. Clarion N.I.C.E.

Does anyone use such a 2-in-1 device? Any recommendation and tips?

thanks in advance

Uh, Clarion is hardly a non mainstream vendor ;) They make some of the nicest car audio systems out there.

The Garmin Streetpilot 2730 and 7500 have XM radio built in, but you are looking at >$1000...

If you are looking for a handheld unit, then the Busnell Onix 400 would fit the bill.

But can you help us out with your exact requirements? And why you want them combined? By portable, do you mean something you can take on a hike with, or something for in the car that can be taken along with you?

The Garmin Streetpilot 2730 was/is a nice solution. I traveled with it for 2 years. It isn't as elegant as the new Nuvi models from Garmin, but if you want XM, it is the only option. It is sufficiently portable anyway.

You won't spend anywhere near $1000 for it. It is officially discontinued, so you will mostly find refurbished units or used units out there now. But a quick glance on ebay found 5 around the $300 price point. This unit was barely $1000 when it was new. I think I paid $850 new. It is significantly cheaper now.

thanks for the inputs
 

I want "something for in the car that can be taken along with you".

I meant "non-mainstream" GPS Navigation device vendor. I know little about car audio systems; I don't doubt Clarion is a very good brand.

I thought since both GPS and Sat Radio source signals from a Satellite, it would be convenient to combine both functionalities into one device. Guess not, :(

I have neither a GPS nor Sat Radio now, I was hoping to have to deal with only one device.

Heres the thing; any combo device will never be as good as separate devices. Yes, Garmin make a GPS unit with XM, but it's nowhere near as good as their current generation device, and while it does have XM, it's nowhere near as good as some of the stand along XM receivers you can buy (like the XM Helix, or the Sirius Stiletto 2).

I understand where you are coming from; combining gadgets sounds like a great idea, but seldom does it translate into a good product in reality.

Jensen makes a unit that supports an XM radio module.

Jensen Rock-n-Road GPS
Review video on http://www.g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/index.html at the moment.

After several unsuccessful biddings on eBay for a Garmin Streetpilot 2730, I am convinced there is a market for such a 2-in-1 device.

And my wife is steadfast that she doesn't want to mount multiple gadgets in her car. Oh, well, we may just go buy an in-dash unit.

Hi all,

Sorry to ressurrect an older thread...but as said on FT..."search is your friend" :)

I'm wondering if there have been any updates on the combined GPS/SiriusXM units? That is, are there any new types of units available, since XM and Sirius are now merged? Or are the ones mentioned earlier in this thread (now almost 2 years old), the only ones available?

Thanks for the help!