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Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPod by Griffin Technology
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Griffin Technology Brand: Griffin Technology Edition: Electronics Model: 4040-RDTRPB Publisher: Griffin Technology Studio: Griffin Technology Music Label: Griffin Technology Product features: - Compatibility: iPod touch, iPod nano 3rd generation, iPod classic, iPod with video,iPod nano 2nd generation
- Charge your player while listening to music through your car's stereo system
- SmartScan technology finds, memorizes, and selects the three clearest radio frequencies with the touch of a button
- The flexible steel neck and model-specific adapters create a custom-install look
- Built-in antenna and SmartSound Plus technology ensure clear sound
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPodCustomer Review: Pretty good product Summary: 3 Stars
This FM transmitter caught my eye because of the "smartscan" technology, design, and other positive reviews. I wanted a transmitter that would allow me to easily scan for new stations while I was travelling without having to pull over and search for 10 minutes to find a blank station.
I have used this device with my iphone 3GS and my 8G ipod nano.
Cons:
When I received it, it took me nearly 10 minutes to get into the box because of the hard plastic packaging. (Not a major issue, mind you, but frustrating nonetheless when you are excited about your new toy!) It was especially frustrating when I realized I had torn a tab off of what was supposed to be a permant part of the pack that kept all the adapters for the transmitter in their own individually labeled slots. Now that is useless to me and I have a jumble of adapter parts--not fun!
The transmitter does provide multiple adapters for a variety of ipod/iphone devices, however, it can only be used if your device is NOT in a case. I found that to be a bit frustrating--It is annoying to have to remove my iphone from the case to listen to my music, then put it back on before I get out of the car!
The product pictures and information seemed to indicate that the radio station numbers are shown clearly above the buttons on the transmitter. This is not precisely the case--The display is actually located somewhat behind the buttons, making it difficult to see when you are driving down the road. They are blue, which helps, but are very tiny and not easy to read when you are only giving it a glance so you do not drive off the road and wreck. (Thus the reason for purchasing a "smartscan" transmitter in the first place!)
The Griffing FM Transmitter only has three buttons and they are labeled play/pause, fast forward, and rewind. They serve a dual purpose as the function buttons, which I found to be a bit confusing since they are written on the screen, not on the actual buttons. Again, when you are driving down the road, this is nearly impossible to see! Once you get used to how they work it is not that bad, but there is a bit of a learning curve!
Pros:
The Griffin FM ipod transmitter is made from very durable material. It fits snugly into the lighter and the stiff neck is perfect for holding your ipod steady while driving. It is hard to remove the adapter from the lighter, but as long as you follow the instructions and grip it by the base you will not damage the product. The neck is not too stiff and I found it easy to adjust to a comfortable position that allowed easy access yet did not block my temperature controls, which I was concerned about since my lighter is very close to my controls. The rubber buttons are large and easy to press and once you get used to what button does what, you can even operate it without having to look the entire time.
The adapters for the different devices are a bit tough to remove and change out (there were not any instructions about how to do so either!), but that makes for a secure fit with no wobbling! I keep the two adapters I use in the car so I can easily switch them out (Too bad I can't use the box they were supposed to stay in since it ripped!)
I love that there is a ring around the base of the transmitter that indicates whether your ipod/iphone is charged--red for low battery, yellow for partially charged, and green for fully charged. It is great to be able to tell at a glance when your ipod is charged.
The sound quality is always subjective due to the quality of your car's radio and the static on the station that is chosen. However, aside from a few crackling issues during a storm (which is to be expected!) I have not had any trouble with the sound. The transmitter easily picks the three clearest stations when you press the smartscan button and saves them into three pre-set slots. You can then choose which station to try. Sometimes one is better than the other, but it is great not to have to manually search for another available station. And, if you have trouble with any of the stations it has selected for you, all you have to do is scan again and the transmitter will select a different set of stations. The transmitter stores the stations even after the car is turned off and back on again so there is no need to scan for new stations every time!
Overall:
Good quality product with some nice features. A bit difficult to get used to due to the hard to read menu selections on the screen and dual function buttons, but once you get through that, it is easy to operate. Ipod must be removed from the case to use. Goood sound quality.
I would recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a decent quality FM transmitter for use around town or when travelling. There are more expensive products and cheaper products out there, but this is a great mid-price range product. Much better than the last one I purchased!
Description of Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter with SmartScan for iPodRoadTrip is the do-it-all charge and play solution for your iPod and iPod nano. Fully redesigned from the ground up to be easier to use than ever, RoadTrip unlocks all the entertainment options your iPod can deliver, wherever the road takes you. RoadTrip incorporates SmartScan technology to find, memorize and select the three best frequencies for use in broadcasting your iPod on your car¿s FM stereo system. Get away from cords and complicated docking systems with the RoadTrip from Griffin. A new, flexible steel neck and model-specific adapters keep your iPod within easy reach, as it pumps your favorite tunes through the existing stereo system. SmartScan technology will find the three clearest broadcast frequencies, automatically programming them to pre-set buttons. SmartSound Plus technology delivers clear sound no matter where you're driving.
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