Belkin Auto Kit for iPod with Dock Connector (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am so torn on how to rate this, but I want to say first that I have read a number of reviews here on Amazon and elsewhere complaining about the "static" that this device allegedly produces. Anytime you mix power and sound, you get problems with grounding. There is a device called a "ground loop isolator" (GLI) that will eliminate the buzz. The buzzing is NOT a result of this being a crappy product, it is a result of poorly setup audio inputs in cars (either 3rd party or OEM). If you are not using a GLI, expect to have annoying buzzing when using a device like this, but don't blame it on the device itself.
I am on my second one of these, contemplating buying a third (and no, not because I like to stockpile them and/or waste money). My first one started to come apart between the wire and the part that plugs into the iPod. It may have partially been my fault, as people tend to tug the wire sometimes and it might have pulled loose, but I like to think that this thing should have been able to handle a little bit of that.
So I replaced that first one once it fell apart completely (mostly aggravated at that point by me trying to fix it), and the one I have now always cuts out the left channel. I have to unplug and replug the 1/8" connector over and over again to make good contact. It is highly annoying, and I am ready to replace it again. I think that the first one really might have been a problem of not enough TLC on my end, and the second one could very well be the one bad one out of a batch of many, but I really hesitate to buy a third at this point.
But the reason I am even considering it after all the trouble I have had is that when these things work, they work really well. It charges and plays the music all through one wire, using the audio output of the iPod (so the iPod volume doesn't come into play). It automatically pauses when I turn off my car (might be different from car to car depending on how the power to the 12v outlet is switched in your car) which is very convenient. I wish that it could somehow magically unpause when I started the car back up, but that is technically not very feasible. The bottom line is that when this works, this is an incredible product (that I have yet to find a good competitor for from another company).
Hopefully when and if I buy another one of these, I get a good one.

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The Belkin F8V7058-APL-BLK Auto Kit for iPod with Dock Connector (Black) connects your iPod device to your car's power source, and includes an exclusive Belkin cable that charges your iPod from your car's cigarette lighter. Perfect for those long road trips, the Belkin auto kit not only keeps your iPod fully charged, but when used with other accessories such as the Belkin Mobile Cassette Adapter or TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter (not included), it allows you to listen to continuous high-quality audio through your car stereo.
The Belkin Auto Kit features an adjustable amplifier to control your iPod's volume level, and a 3.5-millimeter audio-out jack that lets you play your favorite iPod music through your car stereo or other audio equipment when using an FM transmitter or cassette adapter. For safety purposes this unit includes an illuminated LED indicator that lets you know when it is properly connected, and a built-in, replaceable safety fuse that protects your iPod from potentially damaging spikes in power or short circuits. Your iPod locks securely to the auto kit via the dock connector, while a convenient strap lets you easily manage your excess cord length.
Compatible with any iPod with a dock connector--including the iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Click Wheel), iPod color, and iPod 5G/5.5G Video--the Belkin F8V7058-APL auto kit comes in a black that goes with anything, and is backed by a manufacturer's lifetime warranty.
What's in the Box Belkin F8V7058-APL-BLK auto kit, a user's manual and warranty information.

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