Griffin Powerpod + iTrip

[mvo168]

Hi all, hope you could enlighten me with my questions..thanks

My updates in crimson-red..

1. Griffin Powerpod - thinking of getting this to charge my ipod(s) in the car.
Q1 - works with cars in KL, Malaysia? (A:Yes - email from Griffin Tech Support)
Q2 - works with both 3rd Gen iPod & mini Ipod? (i have both but obviously not using it at the same time in the car) (A:Yes - email from Griffin Tech Support)
Q3- Besides this product, what other car chargers can be used to charge ipods in car?


2. Griffin iTrip - I have 2 ipods - 3rd Gen & mini iPod.
Q1. Can 1 iTrip work for both ipods or do I have to get 2 separate iTrips? (Found that the iTrip for 3rdGen/4thGen iPods can work with mini Itrip but it just looks bigger on the iTrip)

Q2. Can iTrip work with cars which have tinted windows/screen? (A:Unknown - Email from Griffin Tech Support)



3. Finally, any good recommendations for mini ipod screen protector/case? I would like one that is clear, protects screen+clickwheel (which gets dirty so fast!) and allows me access to the wheel and does not cover it up. Decided on Lajo's clear case called "zipodmini" - it's an all clear plastic cover that has a zip at the side


Thank you!

[SlowBye]

1. Q1: If the car has the '"usual" little circular plug, it should work. You might want to drop griffin an email to make sure.

Q2: I believe it will work for the 3g and mini. It looks like all you need to do is plug in your firewire to dock connecter plug and you should be good. It also says that it works with all ipods but doesn't explicitly talk about the mini. You might also want to ask about this through email.

Q3: Xtrememac makes one that will definitely work with both ipods and its cheaper to boot.
Also, Monster Cables makes a car charger and fm transmitter in one. Will work with both ipods but is more expensive. It also doesn't have the ability to play on anything but a car radio like the itrip and isnt as small. I would stay away from this because the itrip also has many more stations than this.

2. Q1: You could use an itrip2 for both the 3g and mini. It will look pretty stupid and get in the way on the mini because it will hang off the edge. You do have an alternative though. The Griffin Roadtrip Will work for both your ipods, be a dock and car charger. It might be a good deal the itrip could get in the way and a charger could be a hassle and this makes them all in one smaller package.

Q2: I don't think there are any problems here. You may want to email griffin about it if you are really paranoid.

My suggestion is the roadtrip. You will get all your needs satisfied with this. No need to get things from different websites because that can be a hassle. It's what you want in one small package. It has more radio stations than the monster iCarPlay. (I'm sorry for my jumbled post, but I am not an expert and have not yet dealt with any of these products, although I want to help people get solutions for their problems)

Well on to cases. Two stick out to me. Tunewear Icewear is clear and probably almost exactly what you want. I think it isn't fully closed like the iskin is but there is the tiny chance of your mini falling out. Also, I don't think there is any screen protection. My suggestion would be the iskin mini. It has complete protection and a good screen protector. I think the arctic is somewhat clear, but I'm not sure. One thing the mini won't work in the roadtrip with an iskin on. I'm sure other people will also have other case ideas.

Enjoy my nice long post.

[mvo168]

Thanks for your reply SlowBye

Powerpod Questions
1 & 2. I'll drop Griffin an email to ask them about the Powerpod.
3. Thanks for the link to extremeMac, will check it out.

iTrip Questions
1. Yes, I checked the Griffin website more thoroughly and it said the iTrip will work both with 3rdGen & mini iPod. The only thing is of course the iTrip will be too large for the mini.
2. as for car tinting, have sent off an email to my friend here who has an itrip but not sure if his car is tinted.
3. The Roadtrip looks like another option to definately consider. Thanks for the link! Will go check out reviews and photos of it.

Thanks for the Icewear link as well but prolly won't get it - it leaves the clickwheel and screen unprotected which are the 2 parts which I really want protected!

Cheers, M

[SlowBye]

mvo168, I can try to suggest some other cases for you. You just need to answer some questions.
1. Do you want a hard case for very strong protection?
2. Do you want immediate access to the controls or is it okay if you need to open the case to acces the mini?
3. Would you prefer a skin case over something that is a little bigger but more protective.
I think I'll be able to find some cases for you if you answer these.

[SlowBye]

Damn, my 200th post was a double!!!!!

[mvo168]

Slowbye, thanks for your help!

I edited my 1st post above with some answers I got from Griffin Tech Support and also on the ipod case - i found what I wanted - a Lajo's clear case called "zipodmini" - it's an all clear plastic cover that has a zip at the side. I don't need a thick rubber case and I don't like having to take the iPod in and out of a case to access the controls. I am aware that this won't give me any protection should my iPod fall..touch wood! But my first concern is how easily dirty the click wheel gets on the matte white of the iPod Mini!

Any thoughts on how to clean it? Is it effective to just rub the white bit with a dry cloth?

Also, I have decided the Roadtrip & DLO's & Griffin equilavent is unnecessary for me.

I'm deciding between the
a) Griffin Powerpod or
b) Belkin Mobile power cord.
c) Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/ Dock Connector (what is the diff between b and c?!)

Any wise words of advice? The car charger must work with iPods+iTrip. This car charger thing is proving to be the most difficult and confusing to me. I don't know what line out to car aux means..

I will post my last question at the appropriate ipod-in-car forum.