FM Transmitter.... WHICH ONE????

[noshow]

Hey all 40GB, 3G iPod travellers!

Need one for road trips... So many choices...


--- BELKIN
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=166893

--- MONSTER
http://www.monstercable.com/computer/productPageComputer.asp?pin=2084

--- GRIFFIN
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip/


A car charger will be needed as well and I would like to use the
chosen product with the Belkin TuneDok;
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=153999

:confused:

!!!! HELP !!!!

[kloh]

Can't speak to the other products, but I've been using the Belkin transmitter for almost a year now. Not thrilled with the quality in certain areas, but if there isn't much interference, it does an okay job.

One word of caution -- no matter which product you choose, if it's a long road trip you're going to do, you'll likely run into pockets where reception isn't great. I'd get something that gives you a range of frequencies to switch between.

[AndrewHarrison]

i use the itrip and find it is very good, i use it on 103.9 which, near my home is not a radio station, but near uni it is, however i notice no difference in the quality, and no interference when the radio station near uni picks up.
In fact, the only way i know there is a radio station on that freq near uni is when i unplug the iTrip to take my ipod to class.
The closest other frequencies near 103.9 are 103.5 and 104.3, both of which i get no interference from.
In short: i'd go the iTrip. it matches the iPod, looks nice, and performs well.

[tanakasan]

I use the Monster iCarPlay in the wife's Benz. Fiber optic CD/stereo system so not an easy direct cable install. Plus she won't let me dig around behind the dash! Works great, of course limited (to FM band) freq response and occasional "fuzzing", as all FM transmitters.

Seems to get a good, strong signal, perhaps, since it is directly connected to the 12v system wiring like a giant antenna!

Also, try lowering the aerial when using a transmitter. Not needed with the rear roof mounted stubby of the Benz as its a strong radio, but it seems to help in some cases.

Wow, one vote each...not a lot of help, eh?

[hitcarl]

Originally posted by kloh
I'd get something that gives you a range of frequencies to switch between.

this is something that led me to the itrip; i love this little device. it's easy to use and has a great form factor. not only that, but it offers use on every odd frequency (in the u.s.) from 87.9 to 107.9, whereas others offer only a few channels for transmission. i drive around a lot, and unfortunately my deck doesn't have cassette or an aux input, but the itrip affords me the ability to not even care about the lack of such things.

[simon hutchings]

I'm very happy with my iTrip. I have eventually left it at its default value 87.9 and it gives me decent stereo. It fits neatly on the top of the iPod and therefore is easy to take out of my holder and either put in my bag or in the glovebox in the car. Link it with a car charger and you will have many happy hours of listening. Look on Griffin web site for a whole range of frequencies for Europe, US and Far East.

[manutd]

I have used (in my wife's car) the Belkin transmitter and wasn't too happy with it in the city. I have an AUX input in my car.

I took the Belkin on a road trip from Toronto to Halifax and it worked really well the entire time. Out on the the highways and in small towns it was damn near perfect.

cheaper than other models as well, and the other ones don't work much better if at all!

[noshow]

Thanks for all the replies folks...

I just picked up an iTrip and will try that out for the next week or so. I am going on a road trip to Vancouver Island this weekend and will post results when I return.

I didn't go with the iCarPlay cuz' it is limited to just in car use. If for some reason I wanted to use it inside, with a ghetto, etc.

So it came down to the Belkin and the Griffin products. I may pick up a Belkin transmitter for comparison purposes. I love retail's return policy!

....

One more wrinkle I may try. I may look at hardwiring my Grand Caravan with one of these bad boys...
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxinpconv.html

I will drop by an auto audio installation place and see what they say. Then there will be no issues and fantasic sound quality.

Any comments?????

Brom.

[kloh]

I will give iTrip style points, if that's important to you. Plus, it doesn't dangle on a wire, which is a bit of a pain.