portable sirius/xm radio units?

[mishalah]

I just sent for a portable sirius/xm radio unit that is supposed to work just by plugging into the "power outlet" (aka cigarette lighter). I have the built-in package in my '05 Suburban, and I find that as much as hate the idea of paying a monthly fee to listen to music/other I really like not having to carry CDs or tapes anymore, and putting up with fading radio stations. I'd like to use this on my '96 and other cars....if it really works.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has used one of these portable units (it does both car and home)....and again, the question of whether or not we can still use our steering wheel controls for volume or channel selection. I'm guessing not channel selection, but at least the volume would be nice.

[Awake79]

I have a portable unit in my '05 Silverado and it works just fine. Mine came with a couple of different mounting options; a dash mount, or a vent mount. I mounted it on one of my vents, on the left side near my headlights. Its out of the way over there. The volume control will stick, no problem. But, in order to change the satellite stations, yeah, you have to use the unit provided. The only downfall with mine, and I'm guessing all, is that because it runs through the radio, you have to find a "static" frequency, or a channel no radio station is using. And, well, I've driven cross country a few times and have found that as you're driving, people may start broadcasting on that channel, so you have to find new static. Other than that, I think its great.