Sirius launches a tiny star
Sirius Star Mate
The product: Like almost any developing technology, satellite radio receivers get tinier and slimmer with each succeeding generation. Weighing a mere 6 ounces, the Star Mate has similar dimensions to those of the diminutive unit for its rival service, the Delphi XM MyFi. Still, it manages to support a three-line display, 30 presets, and an FM transmitter that can use any of 100 different frequencies to broadcast the Sirius signal. It also comes with a remote control and a windshield suction cup for instant car mounting.

The price: The Star Mate will be available this month for $129.95.

The prospects: Clearly, Sirius's answer to the competition's widely praised MyFi, the Star Mate is even lighter. But it doesn't offer key features that Delphi's model does, namely, the ability to record up to five hours of programming for later consumption and, amazingly, given the Star Mate's portability, a headphone jack. But it's also about one-third the price of XM's microreceiver. If you're planning to sign up for Sirius's service, the Star Mate sounds like a chic way to listen in.

By Sean Portnoy, senior associate editor, CNET Reviews