Griffin Technology iTrip FM Transmitter for iPod (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)This review applies to the following products:
Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black)
Griffin Technology 9500-TRIPDA iTrip LCD/FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod
This transmitter works quite well if you understand its limitations.
First of all, it broadcasts on the FM band so don't expect the sound to be better than your FM radio. Secondly, it's designed to be small and portable, so it's not going to have a very powerful transmitter built in, not to mention there are probably FCC rules regarding how few watts a personal device like this is allowed to transmit (in order to prevent interference with other electronics).
If your car doesn't have an alternate method of connecting an iPod (such as via a cassette adapter, line-in jack, etc.), and you don't want to spend the money to upgrade your stereo, this is a good, cheap solution to listen to your iPod in your car.
The product description (on Griffin's web page, the product packaging, and Amazon) mistakenly states that the iTrip works with frequencies ranging from 88.1 to 107.9MHz. It's actually designed to broadcast from 87.9 to 107.9MHz. I was happy to discover that my unit was tuned to 87.9MHz out of the package, which is a barely used fringe frequency in my area, making it ideal for FM transmitters. I just had to change it from DX (mono) to LX (stereo) mode and I was in business.
The controls are extremely simple and user friendly. Changing the broadcast frequency is easy as moving the toggle switch on the side of the unit up and down. Changing it from DX to LX involves pressing the toggle switch for about 3 seconds, then toggling between the two modes, and pressing the switch again to save the setting.
The built-in mini-USB charging port is a very smart feature. It allows you to use the same charger for many popular cell phones (MOTORAZR, Blackberry, etc.) and GPS devices, reducing the need to carry around a proprietary charger just for your iPod. And unlike the iTrip Auto, you only charge when you want to, instead of letting it charge all the time (and possibly using up unnecessary charge cycles). Also, some people have reported interference when using car powered transmitters, especially if they don't have a noise suppressor installed in their stereo, so allowing the iTrip Dock to use the power from the iPod gives additional flexibility in that regard.
My iTrip Dock works pretty well if I leave it in the cup holder of my car, which is about a foot away from the stereo. I may hear a little interference if I shift it around, but for the most part it provides a satisfactory performance, and I can't really complain considering the price and convenience.
By the way, Griffin has a web-based station finder application called SmartScan that tells you the clearest frequencies in your area. Just google "griffin smartscan" and give it a try if you have problems finding usable frequencies. Good luck!
UPDATE: Be aware that the iTrip does not work well in cold temperatures. I left mine in a car overnight during a cold spell, and it did not work well (low volume and increased susceptible to interference) until the ambient air temperature warmed up. So try not to leave it in your car if you park outside in the cold.

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The Griffin Technology 9500-TRIPDA iTrip LCD/FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod is the most popular iPod FM transmitter in the world. It lets you avoid the hassle of bad reception and bad music on your car's radio by transmitting your iPod's music directly to your FM radio. The iTrip has a large, easy to read backlit LCD screen, memory settings, and a snazzy compact and self-contained design that's great for car travel. iTrip even has international modes for when you're in Europe or Japan and are looking for a frequency below what's available in the U.S. mode. Meanwhile, the new option of selecting between LX and DX modes allows you to hear audio with minimal interference from stations on crowded urban dials.
iPod Compatibility iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video

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