Macally PodFM Transmitter for iPod (White)
by Macally
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: MacallyBrand: Macally
Edition: Electronics
Audio: English (Original Language)
Model: 2136-PDFM
Color: White/Gray
Publisher: Macally
Studio: Macally
Music Label: Macally
Product features:
- Listen to your favorite tunes in iPod through any car or home FM stereo receiver
- Frequency: 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz giving you the full FM spectrum to choose for the clearest channel
- Charge your iPod in your car with included charging cable
- Compatible with iPod, iPod Mini, MP3 player, CD player and any audio playing device with 3.5mm headphone jack
- Powered through car cigarette lighter adapter/holder on the road or AC Adapter (included) at home
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Macally PodFM Transmitter for iPod (White)
Customer Review: Great deal if you don't mind the inconveniences
Summary: 3 Stars
This accessory gives you several features for one low price. Of all the transmitters/adapters in the same price range, this is the best deal and least-disappointing. Considering I paid was able to find this for the same price as an iTrip (which has no charger), I'll live with its flaws.
Pros:
* Car Charger and FM Transmitter in one unit
* Powers and charges iPod
* FM Transmitter can be used without car charger
* Retractable audio cable
* Easy to use LCD-display for selecting frequency
* Decent quality (on par with any other FM transmitter)
* Can over power most radio stations
Cons:
* Uses headphones instead of line-out
* Transmits at a low volume (turn your radio up pretty loud)
* Must run two cables to iPod
* FM transmitter requires power (AC or Car)
* Short plug means it might not fit your lighter plug.
* Sometimes it can't overpower radio stations, even weak ones
You plug the transmitter into your cigarette lighter and then run two cables to your iPod. One goes into the Dock Connector slot and another goes into the headphones. You select a frequency, adjust your volume, and it's done.
But why could they not send the audio LINE-OUT signal through the dock connector back to the FM-Transmitter? Instead, they chose to use the dock-connector for power and a separate headphone cable for audio.
Unless you have an iPod holder (such as an iPod cupholder dock), it will be impossible to find a place to put the iPod. With a cable hanging off the top and bottom, it doesn't really fit anywhere in my car (and my cupholders won't fit a dock).
Try this test: hook up your firewwire/usb dock connector and your headphones; now try to find a place where your iPod is safe, won't slide around, and can easily be accessed. If you fail, consider upgrading to one of the more-expensive Charger/FM/Holder all-in-one accessories.
The second issue is common to most FM Transmitters (including iTrip). The PodFM hooks up through the headphone jack. This means I have to turn the iPod up to 60%-85% volume to transmit via FM (or leave it low and turn my radio up really, really high). I always forget about this and get a rude surprise the next time I use my headphones or turn on the radio. Ouch!
The cigarette lighter plug is too short so it barely fits in my cars. If you have a door/flap over your lighter, this thing probably won't fit. If your lighter is close the gear selector, it might impede you from putting your car into park or shifting into higher gears.
The FM Transmitter can be used outside of your car, but it requires an AC Adapter. There are no batteries and it cannot be powered off the iPod.
Description of Macally PodFM Transmitter for iPod (White)
Full channel Auto & Home FM Transmitter for iPodDigital Cameras & Photo Categories