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• Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter

  

  Good but not great.

  Written by DM from Huntsville

  Oct 23, 2009

  I bought this as a replacement for a Kensington FM Transmitter. I had recently bought a iPod Nano 5th Gen and my old transmitter wouldn't charge it because it was incompatible. So I went shopping for a new transmitter, and decided to find something that could run off the iPods battery as well as having the option to be plugged in for power. Which is how I ended up with this device.
  
  The device works pretty well for the most part, but the signal strength is not all too powerful. The SmartScan feature does what its supposed to find a clear station, but is not always too accurate. A couple of tries usually gets a good station. I wouldnt expect amazing signal strength from this since its power comes from the iPod whether its plugged in or not (The option to plug it in sends power to the iPod directly, and not to the FM Transmitter).
  
  There is an International Mode on this device, but accessing it is hidden. Setting the device to 87.7 or 87.9 really does help but there is still static sometimes. In order to get International Mode you press "Menu" until you get the option to reset the device. Once you see the option for reset appears press and hold "Reset" for about 5 seconds. You should then be able to scroll between US, UK, or JP. Choose the one thats best for you. Of course you should only use the feature when traveling overseas :)
  
  The Sound quality is decent, but not great. The sound from my old FM Transmitter sounds much better than this. There is a "SmartSound" feature but all it really does is increase the sounds. Switching between Stereo or Mono doesnt really help the sound either. I have noticed that sound does get a little weird sometimes and tends to change in volume every now and then.
  
  The device buttons are solid, and navigation through the menus is simple. The design is nice and stylish. Its also small enough to pocket and travel with. The option to display the song title and have some playback controls is nice for those using an iPhone or iPod Touch. The only real complaint I have on design is when the device is plugged in it doesnt sit flush with the iPod you are using because of the rounded edges. This can give a somewhat flimsy feeling to it and can make me worried that it will become unplugged or break off.
  
  The app for the iPhone is simple and easy to use. Whenever you plug it in it automatically ask you if youd like to download and install the software which is nice. Theres not much to the app other than tuning, presets, and audio control. The app itself seems more like a gimmick to me. I dont really consider it necessary since its just as easy to control the device from its on board buttons.
  
  The last thing I have to say isnt really a complaint but more of a "heads up". Most FM Transmitters when unplugged will pause your iPod, and eventually the iPod will turn off. This particular one does not pause when you unplug power, or when you unplug the device itself. So remember to turn off your iPod on your own or else you have a dead battery!
  
  Overall I do like this FM Transmitter, and I do recommend it. Just be aware its not perfect. I hope this review helps! …More

  157 of 166 people found this useful

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• Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter

  

  OK.. here's the deal..

  Written by TD from Bay Shore

  Nov 24, 2009

  If you're going to purchase "any" unit for listening to your ipod, be sure to realize that the unit simply works well if a radio station with "no signal at all" can be found. If you live in New York, like
  I do, forget it. There are simply too many signals out there to be able to find a frequency with "no" signal at all. As Geddy Lee of Rush puts it, "signals get crossed". Take this rather good purchase with a grain of salt.. or move to Montana. Ite. …More

  47 of 51 people found this useful

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• Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter

  

  Does NOT work!!

  Written by TE from berwyn

  Oct 28, 2009

  So i bought this product last week online, i was so disappointed. its really hard to find a good clear radio station and as your car moves the sound starts to fade eventually you end up listening to another station, plus the quality sound its horrible!!
  
  Going to return it!! …More

  50 of 68 people found this useful

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