Griffin RoadTrip
8. Griffin RoadTrip
Some assembly required; you can even take the RoadTrip's transmitter off and use it with your computer.
Putting the RoadTrip together is a bit like assembling Lego; there are different holders for different sizes of iPods, plus a couple of adhesive pads in case you still can't get a snug fit. (Stick these to the holder, not your iPod!) A good fit is important for charging, as well as making sure the iPod doesn't fall out if you corner sharply.
Next, there's an angled adapter for the cigarette lighter socket - with a locking wheel so it stays at the right angle - and an extender if it's not long or high enough for you. The FM transmitter itself even pulls out of the base; plug in the USB cable, and you can use it to transmit sound from your PC or Mac to your home stereo.
The price is similar to that of the Belkin TuneBase. The design isn't as sleek, and the angled adaptor doesn't work as well as the flexible support. It takes up quite a lot of room, and it's a little fiddly, so if you knock it you can turn it off, but the removable transmitter makes it very versatile.
The RoadTrip charges your iPod, though the LED doesn't always change color to tell you that the iPod is charging. Since it's a dock connector, you get the usual advantages of the line out signal, as described earlier in this article.
You can't save frequencies, but it remembers the last one you tuned to, and there are four pre-sets; they may not be usable frequencies but they help you jump you through the frequency range quickly. The device produces a strong signal with reasonable stereo and sound quality, even if there's a low-powered signal on the same frequency.
Specifications
| Belkin TuneCast II for iPod | Belkin TuneBase FM for iPod | Belkin TuneCast Auto FM for Samsung | Kensington Pico FM Transmitter for iPod | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | External | Charging base | External | Base |
| Connects via | 3.5 mm headphone jack | iPod dock connector | Samsung dock connector | iPod dock connector |
| Works with | Any MP3 player | iPod Nano, Nano 2G, Video, Photo, Mini and 4G | Samsung T9 | Any iPod with 30-pin dock and click wheel |
| Memory | 4 frequencies | 4 frequencies | 2 frequencies | 2 frequencies |
| Power | 2 AAA batteries, 8 hour battery life - cigarette adapter will charge iPod with adapter, and power but not charge transmitter | Powers directly from cigarette lighter socket, charges iPod | Powers directly from cigarette lighter socket | Powered from iPod |
| Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Auto Charger for iPod | Kensington Universal FM Transmitter | Griffin iTrip Auto | Griffin RoadTrip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | External | External | External | Charging base |
| Connects via | iPod dock connector | 3.5 mm headphone jack | iPod dock connector | iPod dock connector |
| Works with | Any iPod with 30-pin dock | Any MP3 player | iPod 3G, 4G, photo, 5G, Mini and Nano | Any iPod with 30-pin dock |
| Memory | 3 frequencies | 3 frequencies | - | Last used + 4 presets |
| Power | Powers directly from cigarette lighter socket, charges iPod | Powers directly from cigarette lighter socket | Powers directly from cigarette lighter socket, charges iPod | Powers directly from cigarette lighter socket, charges iPod |
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