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| Home > Electronics > MP3 Accessories > Dr. Bott (0142-IPCK) Case, Cable, Car Kit, Connector, FM Transmitter for iPod |
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Dr. Bott (0142-IPCK) Case, Cable, Car Kit, Connector, FM Transmitter for iPod |
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About the Author |
brad's Experience
Written: Sep 25 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: You can use the Transpod as a car charger for your iPod.
Cons: Won't come close to adequately playing your iPod audio thru your car stereo.
The Bottom Line: This thing doesn't come close to adequately doing what-it-is that we want-it-to-do: play outstanding-quality audio thru our car stereos. Don't buy the Transpod; it won't get the job done.
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| brad's Full Review: Dr. Bott (0142-IPCK) Case, Cable, Car Kit, Connect... |
Greetings.
I bought the Transpod by Netalog about three weeks ago at J&R Music World (online). Got it $10 cheaper than at the Apple Store (or anywhere else).
I thought this might be a solution to a common problem, and if the Transpod didn't work, I thought maybe the iTrip by Griffin Technologies might be a solution (obviously, I didn't have a lot of confidence going into this whole ordeal).
This is a review of the Transpod, so let's get rolling.
In theory, this piece of hardware could be a viable solution for the problem of playing iPod audio to Car stereos. That is, in cases where the car stereos don't have cassette decks. After all, most vehicles these days don't come with cassette decks anymore.
The theory here, is that this device uses the FM frequency to broadcast the iPod audio from the iPod to the car stereo, on a certain frequency. The theory acknowledges that the best quality one will get is of FM radio. This isn't even of 128 bit quality for MP3s, if you're confused.
To add value to this model, Netalog decided to make it into a battery charger as well. It's actually a great idea, and the Transpod does work quite effectively as a car charger. The iPod "mounts" into the Transpod, with the audio out and FireWire port connecting to the base of the Transpod. The Transpod then plugs into a cigarette or 12v power plug in your vehicle. For the most part, this function works like a charm.
However, we want to play our iPod audio, not recharge the battery, right? Having the battery charging is only a bonus. We can always charge the battery at home.
Well, this thing does manage to sync up the frequency on the Transpod with a frequency on your FM tuner. However, there are several problems.
The biggest problem is the quality of the audio, but I'll get to that in a minute.
First off, you have to sync up the frequencies. You do this by adjusting a sliding button on the base of the Transpod into one of three positions: low, middle, or high. "Low" means the lowest third of FM frequencies, the "middle" the middle-most FM frequencies, and so on.
Once you set the button to one of those choices, you then have to use your car tuner to find the frequency at which the Transpod is broadcasting. In other words, you grab a hold of the tuner knob and start turning until you hear your iPod audio. Chances are fair that you will eventually find it. Okay, we cleared the first hurdle.
Once you find the audio, you have to do the best you can to adjust the settings on your car stereo to optimize the quality of the sound that's coming from the iPod. Your only recourse is to adjust the volume (you'll have to crank it), and to adjust the equalizers (if you have them). That's all you can do.
The audio quality is HORRIBLE. For one thing, you have to crank up the volume about 50% to adequately hear the audio. Beyond that, it sounds like AM radio. Seriously. It's bad. It isn't worth listening to, not by a long shot.
Finally, the signal goes in and out. You can't rely on the signal. As I said, you will likely find the signal, but it'll fade in and out while you're driving around. You'll have to keep adjusting the Transpod, the car stereo, or both, to keep audio going. With the audio not worth listening to anyhow, why bother? Why bother with the Transpod in general? I wouldn't, if I were you. I won't any longer.
At least this thing can be salvaged as a car charger. I spent $45 on it, including shipping, and that's pretty expensive for a car charger, but at least it's not a total loss. So, you can keep the Transpod if you already have it and use it to charge your iPod in the car, or, you can buy the Transpod and simply use it as a car charger.
The problem remains, however, that we cannot find a way to listen to our iPod audio thru our car stereo - not without a cassette deck. There isn't a solution for those with only CD decks. One can use headphones, but those will eventually make you go deaf and personally, I hate headphones. I want the sound all around me, and the old fashioned way, in my car.
Other notes...
I've read many complaints as to problems mounting old iPods into the base of the Transpod. This is apparently an issue for some who own the old iPods. I have an old iPod and I didn't have any problem mounting mine. For those who don't know - old iPods have a bit different scheme of front buttons and a cover over the FireWire port. Anyhow, I didn't have a problem at all, so if for some reason you're still thinking of buying this piece of junk, don't let the others dissuade you.
Parting thoughts...
This thing doesn't come close to adequately doing what it is that we want it to do: play outstanding quality audio thru our car stereos. That's the bottom line. Don't buy the Transpod; it won't get the job done. I'm trying out the iTrip right now, and it isn't looking promising, but I'll write a full review on that in the near future.
Yours, brad.
Recommended:
No
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Member: Brad Engelmann
Location: Helen Township, MN
Reviews written: 161
Trusted by: 94 members
About Me:
brad@engelmann.us (email address)
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