Official Slacker Forums

[sphere79]

My main concern is the caching ability of a Slacker device. I figured that Slacker would be getting out of the hardware business - but unfortunately there really isn't any Slacker-capable device to replace the G2 yet. The Sony player (not that I really want to buy anything Sony) only does 3 stations. The BlackBerry caches, but isn't it only via USB? I'm running Linux on most of my machines right now, would I even be able to update a BlackBerry?

And honestly, I know everyone loves streaming Slacker Radio on their iphones but it's simply an insane waste of bandwidth, money and resources imo - to be clogging up cellular networks "streaming" content that isn't even live. I know this model isn't necessarily Slacker's own creation but it's simply one I don't see myself participating in anytime soon - not when a data plan alone would be an extra $360 a year.

The bottom line is, if Slacker, the hardware makers, the infrastructure owners and copy-write holders can't figure out a way to keep me listening to cached music (updated via WiFi) and want to "push" me to paying out the a** to do this on a cellphone than I'll be done with Slacker.

I don't care who makes the hardware. But personally, I don't want or need it to be my cellphone. We need more Slacker caching portable music devices going forward, that's all. Zune and Xbox 360 capability would have been a big win I think - that would get to me to pick up a Zune HD, that's for sure.

[Pop1967]

My main concern is the caching ability of a Slacker device.

Agreed. Whether I stay with Slacker or not will be based on the availability of a reasonably-priced device (don't care who makes it) that can deliver the same functionality as a G2. Cacheing 15 stations would be nice, though I'd settle for 10.

[Firth]

Looks like this thread is dead. I was about to buy a G2 and then these Slacker apps started showing up on other products which made me wonder about getting the G2. Then I come here and learn the hardware is being eliminated and none of the apps support channel caheing on the other hardware I want to buy (Itouch, maybe Droid). What a frickin dead end.

[ljb6599]

Firth....The G2 is not being made any more but Slacker plans to continue support for both the G1 and G2.You can also cache music on the Sony Walkman X-Series(Only 3 stations) and Blackberry phones advertised on the Slacker web site.
Len

[MikeV]

And once RIM decides to give up its exclusivity on the caching feature (whenever that will be), it will likely find its way to the other platforms in future updates.

[FredFanTW]

I agree with most of what has been written above about a true portable with cacheing ability.
I have had 2 G2's that each had a short in the headphone jack. They work fine when still but any movement causes a channel loss. I really like running with my G2, but that has become impossible. So I am in need of a real portable now. I absolutely love the Slacker service.

I have ordered a Sansa Clip and subscribed to Rhapsody, we'll see how that goes.

TW

[sphere79]

And once RIM decides to give up its exclusivity on the caching feature (whenever that will be), it will likely find its way to the other platforms in future updates.

Yes but with so few caching devices and a dwindling portable library one really has to wonder if it behooves Slacker to keep the amount of caching users as low as possible. If they suddenly added caching to iphones, you'd likely find an increase of users upset at not hearing their favorite artists. At least the iphone HAS a way of hearing those artists I guess (using your data plan) - with the G1 and G2 you are stuck when they magically disappear.

The good news is while there are still no hardware devices like the Slacker portables, there are a few new music services that offer a similar "caching" ability either out or coming soon. That will likely be the best thing keeping Slacker on their toes - and benefit those who choose to stay with Slacker as well.

I really get a kick out of Slacker's official twitter account - whoever runs it has "tweeted" about Taylor Swift about three times. Yes, the same Taylor Swift that you won't actually hear on Slacker portable devices - it's not just "dinosaur rock" that's missing.

[nyhunter77]

Yes, I think that the fear that the G2 will be unsupported is really unfounded. I do hate the idea that there won't be any device like it though. I like the caching ability and it really is my only solution on plane flights and traveling overseas (for less than a month of course). Since getting slacker, I've stopped buying mp3s in lue of it's caching ability and very nice plus service.

I have an Iphone now and the Slacker service runs great on that but it doesn't work in train tunnels for example here in Chicago. I would like to put the vote out there that perhaps slacker can get a 3rd party to design a new portable player and to keep the caching service alive for the infinite foreseeable future for all the past G's.

As of this point, I use my Iphone just about everyday with Slacker but in the car, train, and traveling, the caching G2 is my only solution. You guys save me money on albums and hard drive space / cds for mp3s. I would have to buy soooooo much music if you guys ended your service. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one.

Just my 2 cents.

Hunter

[FredFanTW]

Got the Sansa Clip.
Nice little device.
Rhapsody has a system a little like Slacker, where you can create channels. Not as nice as Slacker plus it costs $14/ month. I would pay that for a nice portable from a partner with Slacker. The Sansa Clip is integrated with Rhapsody, I would guess with some exclusivity.
Maybe Sony would make a small portable MP3/Slacker model for $50. It wouldn't need internet/wifi access.
Just my $.02.
TW

[RomeE]

Yes, I think that the fear that the G2 will be unsupported is really unfounded. I do hate the idea that there won't be any device like it though. I like the caching ability and it really is my only solution on plane flights and traveling overseas (for less than a month of course). Since getting slacker, I've stopped buying mp3s in lue of it's caching ability and very nice plus service.

I have an Iphone now and the Slacker service runs great on that but it doesn't work in train tunnels for example here in Chicago. I would like to put the vote out there that perhaps slacker can get a 3rd party to design a new portable player and to keep the caching service alive for the infinite foreseeable future for all the past G's.

As of this point, I use my Iphone just about everyday with Slacker but in the car, train, and traveling, the caching G2 is my only solution. You guys save me money on albums and hard drive space / cds for mp3s. I would have to buy soooooo much music if you guys ended your service. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one.

Just my 2 cents.

Hunter

We just aren't going to do hardware ourselves, but there's plenty of opportunity for other companies to continue to. Currently there is the Sony Walkman that would do cache mode as well, and the BlackBerry Phones. I'm sure by this time next year they'll be many other devices that would allow you to listen when not connected to an internet connection.

Best regards,
Rome E
Slacker Support

[FredFanTW]

Yes, I think that the fear that the G2 will be unsupported is really unfounded. I do hate the idea that there won't be any device like it though. I like the caching ability and it really is my only solution on plane flights and traveling overseas (for less than a month of course). Since getting slacker, I've stopped buying mp3s in lue of it's caching ability and very nice plus service.

I have an Iphone now and the Slacker service runs great on that but it doesn't work in train tunnels for example here in Chicago. I would like to put the vote out there that perhaps slacker can get a 3rd party to design a new portable player and to keep the caching service alive for the infinite foreseeable future for all the past G's.

As of this point, I use my Iphone just about everyday with Slacker but in the car, train, and traveling, the caching G2 is my only solution. You guys save me money on albums and hard drive space / cds for mp3s. I would have to buy soooooo much music if you guys ended your service. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one.

Just my 2 cents.

Hunter

We just aren't going to do hardware ourselves, but there's plenty of opportunity for other companies to continue to. Currently there is the Sony Walkman that would do cache mode as well, and the BlackBerry Phones. I'm sure by this time next year they'll be many other devices that would allow you to listen when not connected to an internet connection.
Best regards,
Rome E
Slacker Support

I hope this is the case. I'll be waiting.
TW

[johnny99]

Any chance of getting Slacker on Tivo or Chumby?

[nyhunter77]

Good question, I hope u guys are still promoting the service, products, 3rd party suggestions to Sony and others.

There's been a drop off lately in tech news on Slacker as far as in magazines and periodicals as far as I have seen.

Keep pressing the public to entice them to get on the slacker bandwagon! Especially this time of year. I've seen Sirius and Pandora commercials and ads, keep working Slacker Marketing!

[sxverg]

It's ABSOLUTELY not right!!!

As for Slacker continuing their support - don't count on it!! My slacker G2 just stopped working a few months ago and after shipping it in at my own expense for a guarantee fulfillment OVER A MONTH AND HALF later. I have received NOTHING, no updates, nothing that even tells me that they received what I sent in. Numerous emails get the same response. "We currently don't have any estimated time when your specific return will be sent out, since our restock of replacement 8GB G2s is taking a bit to fulfill".

Of course, there's no number to call to speak to anyone. Rome E - shame on you for claiming that you're providing good customer service. I have a chain of emails that indicate otherwise. If you're thinking about a G2 - well...you decide...

[sxverg]

Right On Rome! Thanks for the clarification! I don't think it can be spelled out anymore simply than that. This guy wants a written guarantee, but no one these days provides an absolute iron clad guarantee for anything these days. I wonder how many Pontiac or Saturn owners who had manufacturer warranties from GM in writting woke up one day to find out those brands no longer exist. However, GM is still going to take care of them. So just because the hardware isn't going to be produced anymore doesn't mean Slacker is going to thumb their nose up at those of us who did buy the hardware when it was being produced and sold.

Sorry folks - they are literally thumbing their nose up at those of us that were suckers enough to buy the hardware. Sorry for the multiple posts, I'm just that upset at the non-replacement and the tone of the notes that I've been receiving.

[nyhunter77]

Wow, if they have no more though and are unsure of when they can get a replacement out to you, you should definitely get a refund IMHO.

That is just not right, mine is an integral part of my life and if I had to do w/o it for a month I would be super P/O'd too!

What's up with that Slacker? He should get some help!