Why XM Radio Pisses Me Off

For Christmas, my husband gave me a long-coveted XM Radio system for my car. We are music lovers, and commercial radio drives me nuts. I like some of the morning DJs, but not how they rotate the same 20 songs all day. Not to mention the assault of advertisements. I want to hear all the other songs and pieces of music that I read about, but will never hear on regular FM stations. And I’m willing to pay for it. But even I have my limit.

When the time came to install the XM Radio, I quickly realized this was no “out of the box, straight into the car” deal. My husband, who has installed more stereos and speakers than most, found it frustrating and cumbersome. So he took it to a car audio store and $80 later it was placed conveniently on my dash.

But I was pissed off. As much I wanted that satellite radio, I did not want a surprise. Especially an $80 hidden expense. Had it been included in the original price of the system, I doubt I would have cared. It was the fact that the XM Radio’s packaging is misleading. What if I had not had an extra $80 for installation? I doubt the store would have refunded my husband’s money after his attempts to put it in the car.

You would think I learned my lesson. But you have no idea how stupid I can be.

After the confusion and anger from the first XM Radio lifted, I was set on having the indoor Audio System, (basically a boom box for the XM radio) which would allow me to listen around the house. Or so I thought.

When my birthday came around, my husband gave me one. I was so happy! This was going to be great… I had plans to replace the brain-sucking cable TV with a house full of inspiring music.

Then I opened the box and set it up. I read the instructions. It didn’t work. Big shock. It wouldn’t pick up the satellite signal… then I re-read the instructions and realized that the external antenna needed to USE the system was not included… it was actually listed as an “optional” accessory. And it would only cost me an extra $50. That on top of the $100 they had already charged my husband. (And let me say that for $100, one would expect the AC adapter jack to stay plugged in the back!)

Now, I am not cheap. But once my intelligence as a consumer has been insulted, I will not buy what you are selling. No matter how much I might want it. Some might think that is crazy or foolish. But I am caught up in the principle. My hatred for companies who leave out pertinent information on their products is stronger than my love for music, and freedom from commercials.

Thankfully, I had not tossed the box or packing materials, so I successfully returned the damned thing. From now on, before I buy anything, I am going to research it. Hopefully someone somewhere will also post their negative experiences on the web and save us all the trouble.