What should I look for in a portable radio?

Display size
Not surprisingly, the bigger a portable radio's display is, the easier it is to see. Also, the number of lines in a display determine the amount of information it can show you. Luckily, most portables offer you six display lines. Most satellite radio/MP3 player combos also feature bright, easy-to-read color displays.

Design
Ergonomics do play a role when selecting a portable radio, especially given the fact that you can carry it around with you. You'll want to find one that's lightweight and easy for you to use. Aesthetics matter, too — you'll probably want your radio to look good in your car, and to blend well with your home stereo components.

Portable satellite radios let you listen to XM or SIRIUS just about everywhere you go.

Wireless FM transmitter frequencies
As mentioned above, a wireless FM transmitter helps you use a portable radio with any in-dash stereo. The more frequencies on which an FM transmitter can broadcast, the better. More choices mean you're more likely to find an unused FM frequency. This is especially helpful in large cities with high FM station density.

*Important note from Crutchfield: Current FCC rules limit the transmission strength of wireless FM transmitters to a point where transmission needs to take place very near your FM antenna. Sirius and XM include extra wiring in order to address this issue, but Crutchfield strongly encourages customers to use an auxiliary input, wired FM modulator, or cassette adapter to ensure your satisfaction with the performance and cosmetics of a satellite radio in the car.

Channel presets
The more channels you can save as presets, the easier surfing and finding your favorites will be, especially in the car. Presets are usually stored in banks, one channel per number button per bank. For example, if your radio has three preset banks, and ten number buttons, you'll be able to save 30 presets. Most portables offer 30 presets.

Internal memory
Portable radios let you store anywhere from four to 50 hours of satellite radio programming in their internal memories. You can capture live broadcasts, or set the radio's timer to store broadcasts you want to hear later. You can access stored material at any time. This feature is ideal if you want to listen to satellite radio content in places where you can't receive a live satellite signal.

Portables that let you upload digital music files typically only allow you to use up to half of the internal memory for your MP3s and WMAs; the other half is reserved for satellite radio content.

Song memory
Portable radios also let you save the names of either song titles or artists, then will alert you whenever they're playing, no matter what channel you're currently listening to. When a song or artist comes on that you want to hear in the future, you can save it. Later, when it's playing again, you'll hear a beep, and have the option to switch over to it by pressing a single button. Twenty names is usually the limit, although some can save more.

Info extras
Most portables can show scrolling, customizable information on their displays. Usually, these are either sports scores or a stock ticker. In most cases, you can select the teams you'd like to see updated, and the stock symbols you'd like to follow.

Wireless remote
Portable radios usually come with wireless remotes. They make controlling the radio in the house (or from the backseat of a car) much easier.

Extra accessories:
Some portables come with extra accessories, such as an external antenna. You can connect it to your portable, then clip it to your shirt (or hat) to get even better reception when you're using the radio in portable mode.