The iTrip FM transmitter for the iPod can broadcast to any FM radio. For example: in your car, at a party, in the dentist’s office to overpower the Musak, wherever the mood strikes you, and there is a radio around.
The iTrip is clearly made specifically for the iPod and has certain advantages over similar devices. For example, with the iTrip, you can have the cleanest possible signal – because you can choose any radio station on the dial to tune for the best performance possible. You do this by ‘playing’ special station codes directly from the iPod itself.
Another advantage of the iTrip is that it needs no batteries, it receives its tiny amount of power from the iPod, and it can rotate out of the way to charge the iPod while still in use. No more batteries ever again.
There’s not even a power switch, just plug it in and go. Very Apple-like. It shuts off if automatically after 30 seconds of silence, just like the iPod. The iTrip is a great accessory for the iPod because it allows you to share the music beyond your headphones.
The iTrip FM Transmitter for iPod [Pre-order now – shipping Spring ’03] sells for US$35. Pre-order fro Griffin Technology here.
The Transpod also allows one to tune into any available FM frequency not being used in your area. However, it doesn’t really work very well in real life and I should think the iTrip will have the same problems. FM radios in cars tend to pick up distant signals off and on. These do interfer with the transmissions and cause static. When travelling in different directions a unused frequency may suddenly pick up a signal and your iTrip/Transpod will be useless with static and station noise. Also, the quality of the sound suffers. Obviously a car radio with a input jack would be preferable, although they seem to be few in number. My cassette adapter works better in my experience.
I’ve tried at least three different transmitters, from 10 bucks to a C-note, and they leave a lot to be desired for sound quality. I’ve seen a few write ups about this vaporware and just wonder how it’s different/better from C. Crane’s technology (which uses a digital transmitter that can lock into any frequency and who’s been into FM transmitters for years) and how you get off writing something glowing about a product no one has had a chance to even see, let alone test. C. Crane’s transmitter – whatever. Transpod – sucks. iRock – crap. This article – bogus.
After trying out a couple FM transmitters, I too am skeptical of any new product. But let’s give the folks at Griffin a chance – they have a good reputation – and the product looks like it’s well thought out. It also supposedly has an advantage over other products in, where most of them give you a choice of 3-4 frequencies, the iTrip will let you choose any frequency on the FM dial.
I’m not going to buy it out without hearing a lot of reactions from other people, but I’m definitely not ready to dismiss it out of hand either.
Well, as I said below, the Transpod allowed tuning to any frequency as well. The problem nowadays is that almost all (if not all) FM receivers in cars are digital. You can’t tune ‘between’ frequencies as you can on a rotary dial (Tivoli radios come to mind). FM transmitters work best in a home situation, not in a moving automobile.
I have bought two I-Rock’s (FM transmitters) and used them in my work van with great results. A friend of mine at work told me about it and he also loved it. He uses an iPod with it, and I have used it with my i-Book laptop as well as for a portable CD/mp3 walkman type player. I also have used it in my home through my home theater stereo as well as in my cars. My friend had pre-ordered the i-Trip since it is supposed made for the iPod. His i-Rock kinda broke also, forcing to get a replacement. Now I will admit, these FM transmitters are not as good as direct wires….but when you want to hear your music through something other than headphones, and can’t keep running wires, these FM transmitters do the trick at a reasonable price. My i-book sure sounds AWESOME blasting through my 6 channel Denon stereo at home. Heck, I even have listened to streaming internet radio tunes with relatively good sound. I only hear static occasionally if someone blocks the transmitter signal. I say give them a try. I know 3 people personally who like it.
smells like the marketing department at Griffin Technology isn’t too good at pretending to be “normal folk”.
Some time ago I used an FM encoder I picked in Japan as a kit. The sound was fine and the range in the house was at least 100ft. However, the frequency drifted with batter voltage. Potentially, this could be good. I saw one in the booth at MWSF but it that unit was not operational.