3. Belkin TuneBase FM For iPod

• TuneBase FM for iPod -...
• • ElectronicsPLUS
  • $5.23
• • tartanhill
  • $19.99
• • ItsElectric
  • $24.99
• • globalstore
  • $44.33
• • Instawares
  • $90.26

It's bigger and more expensive, but the Belkin TuneBase delivers quality sound even in crowded airspace.

The TuneBase is a combined iPod holder, charger and FM transmitter; you put your iPod into the holder, plug that into a cigarette lighter socket, and tune in using the controls, with the frequency shown on the screen of your iPod. To stop smaller iPods from rattling around in the base, you get eight adapters for different variations of the iPod Nano, Video, Photo, Mini and 4G (it doesn't work with 3G iPods or other MP3 players).

The TuneBase is black plastic with an acrylic case, so it matches your car better than your iPod. Its sturdy and the flexible metal neck makes it easy to position the controls where you can easily access them from the driving seat (though obviously not when you're driving). It's heavier than an external transmitter, so the power adapter has extra protrusions, a rubber flange, and an optional size adapter to make sure it stays snugly in the socket. The connection is through the dock, so the TuneBase can control the iPod, saving favorite frequencies and pausing music when you unplug it or turn off the car engine. There's an option to switch from stereo to mono, and to adjust the transmitted volume - this is useful, as different iPods have different line out volumes; the Nano is quieter, for example.

The TuneBase produces an excellent signal, even if there's a broadcast on the same frequency or one nearby. This is one advantage of the directly powered transmitters - the sound quality was the best of the units in this test, and the stereo separation was also good. The TuneBase is twice the price of other FM transmitters, but it does more, sounds better, and keeps the inside of your car cable-free and neat.