Boomboxes provide a dock for a plug-and-play satellite radio, and can be used indoors or out.

Boomboxes

Some plug-and-play satellite radios will work with compatible boomboxes. Basically, a boombox consists of dock for the radio, an antenna, and a pair of speakers.

You can plug a boombox into the wall at home (a power adapter is included), or put in batteries (usually six to eight "D" size) and carry it around with you. This makes a boombox ideal for outdoor events like picnics and tailgate parties. Some boomboxes have other features, such as an auxiliary input for connecting portable electronics, such as an MP3 player.

Some radios work with portable kits, which let you listen to satellite radio anywhere you can get reception.

Portable kits

A very few plug-and-play radios are compatible with portable kits that let you use them as personal satellite radio players. You slide your radio into the kit, then plug in headphones. Typically, the headphones feature an integrated satellite radio antenna for receiving the signal. These kits are handy, but with the advent of true portable satellite radios, aren't quite as popular.