13. Auto Kit For iPod - F8V7058-APL - Belkin
The Auto Kit For iPod allows a user to connect their iPod to a cigarette lighter to power and recharge the iPod on the go.
The Auto Kit For iPod is among the most useful of accessories that we received from Belkin. The Auto Kit For iPod is a lighter adapter that connects to the iPod via the dock connector at the bottom of the unit. Once connected, this allows both powering and recharging of the iPod.
Available in white to match the iPod, the Auto Kit provides an adjustable amplifier that allows the user to control the volume of the iPod when playing the iPod through a car stereo, when used in conjunction with the Belkin TuneCast or Belkin Mobile Cassette adapter, for example. The adjustable amplifier does boost the signal, allowing for enhanced playback. Engineered with a safety fuse to prevent power spikes and short circuits, the Auto Kit for iPod is well designed and offers a Velcro tie to keep the cables out of the way when the Auto Kit is not in use.
In our testing, the Auto Kit For iPod worked well and we liked the addition of the amplifier. The connector on the Auto Kit For iPod securely connected to the iPod dock connector, which is a solution to a previous problem in the past with other units for the previous generation iPod, caused by the necessity of the 1394 port. This is a very well designed lighter adapter that includes all of the features a user would want, especially the safety fuse. We recommend the purchase of the Auto Kit For iPod; however, given its suggested retail price of $49.00 US, you might want to postpone your purchase until it is on sale or you can find a deal on the Internet or other retailer. The price is a little high considering that it is really just a device that is a car lighter adapter/recharger for the iPod. Backed by Belkin's limited lifetime warranty, we can't think of any reasons (other than price) that you would not be satisfied with this purchase of the Auto Kit For iPod, particularly if you are on the go and need to use and recharge your iPod in your car or truck.