I wish it were better
Written: Feb 17 '04 (Updated Feb 17 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Style, small size, integration with iPod
Cons: Blocks the iPod hold button, audio quality variable.
The Bottom Line: Test drive before you buy.
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| jkloepping's Full Review: Griffin Technology ITRIP FM TRANSMITTER FOR NEW (4... |
I bought the iTrip as a companion for my new 40gb iPod. My hope was that this device would eliminate the need for a wired connection to my car and home stereos. In a perfect world, the iTrip would allow me to listen to my music collection in all my autos and garage stereo as well as my home stereo.
The unit is well designed, and matches the decor of the iPod perfectly. Unfortunately, there are a few problems with the iTrip.
First, the mounting position on the top of the iPod blocks access to the "hold" button. That may seem minor, but since I carry the iPod between locations, I need to use the hold button frequently. The iTrip design forces me to disconnect it from the iPod before I can activate the hold button.
Second, the quality of the audio is spotty, and varies with the receiver that the iPod is broadcasting to. In my Audi A4, the audio is adequate, but sometimes a whine not unlike a hard drive can be heard in the car speakers, unless I am holding the iPod in my hand, in which case the while is barely audible. My friend has the same iPod/iTrip setup in his BMW, and that car has terrible reception quality. I suspect it all depends on the location of the antenna, and other factors related to the auto environment. However, I was hoping for a bit more.
Third, the install software apparently only automatically works with a Mac. When I loaded the cd, I was asked if I wanted to load some third party jukebox software, and of course I declined. Perhaps I was missing something, but I didn't bother to investigate further, I simply copied the sound files into my music library.
Before purchasing this unit, I recommend that you test one in your car, or where you plan to use it. If it works it's very nice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 34
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Epinions.com ID:
jkloepping
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Location: CA,USA
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 2 members
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