Griffin iTrip iPod FM Transmitter - £16.25 delivered

MSE_Martin

What's the deal?

There's a neat piece of kit which allows you to play your iPod through any FM radio, and Amazon are currently selling one for under £17

How does this work?

The gadget, called an iTrip, is a transmitter which plugs into the bottom of your iPod. This allows you to play music that is on your iPod through any FM radio in the area. It's especially useful for listening to your iPod in the car.

These devices have been around for a few years, but have only recently been made legal in the UK. Yet as they were legal in other countries prior to this, technology's not new, so you don't have to pay 'new technology' prices either.

Where can I get one?

Amazon is selling the Griffin iTrip 9781* for £16.25 incl. delivery. It has a decent spec, with two sound modes and a backlit LCD screen to tell you what frequency you're transmitting on.

This unit has received mixed reviews; some have found sound/signal quality poor, while some have had no problems whatsoever. Thus, it's worth reading customer feedback before you buy one.

Which mp3 players will this work with?

While it's advertised as being for the iPod video, this gadget should work with any iPod which has a full size dock connector, which includes the latest generation of iPod Nano.

This particular product only works with iPods however, not mp3 players from other manufacturers. FM transmitters are available for these, yet be careful when shopping for one, as some are known for poor signal quality and interference.

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ComfyInNautica

I've got one of these and find it particularly useful in the car. You have to be sensible about it though, otherwise it could be dangerous.

Firstly - depending on where I put it in the car you can get a fuzzy reception. Always let the passenger hold the iPod, or get a little holder for the thing. Otherwise you end up putting it in your lap and trying to move it all the time to get the best signal.

Secondly, I'd advise getting a piece of free software for iTunes called The Filter. This can easily create personalised playlists on your iPod which means you don't have to touch your iPod while driving. (you dont have to skip tracks because they are all good) Think of it as creating the worlds best radio station just for you! You can download it for free from their website: http://www.thefilter.com

windym_2

If you live in Cornwall then don't bother, the reception is appalling wherever I go.

Idiophreak

There are plenty of MSing options for these, too...if you don't mind it being a little bigger. Play.com have generic FM transmitters for £9.99 and I've seen them for less in petrol stations etc.

boatman

Can i suggest the iTrip Auto if you plan to use it in the car, it has the car charger built in. I don't think the iTrip 9781 comes with a car charger. here

If you have a first generation Nano perhaps one of these

Transmitter for Other mp3 players here

noelt

I've had an iTrip for a couple of years, the best thing about them is that they have american and japanese FM frequencies on. Most of the other FM transmitters I've seen only go down to 88.1, I've got mine set to 87.9 or 87.5 and it works everywhere I've ever used it (gets used every single day, I don't have any CD's in the car anymore). I've got one that doesn't have the car charger bit on as per the original post. The added advantage of this is that you're not tied to using it in the car. We use mine most days in the office, just stand it next to the radio. You can get a car lighter adapter and mini usb cable to charge the OP one, get it off ebay for pence...

Highly recommended bit of kit if you have an ipod.

barginunter

I paid 99p at Home Bargains for a device that goes in the cassette slot and connects to the headphones slot of any MP3 player - works like a dream.

Spikey_2

how do amazon charge for p&p? especially if you buy from a seller.

marcustandy

Idiophreak wrote: »

Play.com have generic FM transmitters for £9.99 and I've seen them for less in petrol stations etc.

I bought one of the 'petrol station £9.99' FM transmitters and it has been great!! The main attraction for me was that it used 2 x AAA batteries and therefore didn't need the cigarette lighter socket for power.

I plug it into my Tomtom 910 satnav and listen to (5Gb) of MP3 music. During a recent holiday to Scotland the kids were watching DVD's in the back of the car with the transmitter plugged in. The 'stereo surround sound' effect from the 4 x car speakers was far superior to the little DVD player speakers.

A double adapter (for the cigarette lighter socket) meant that the satnav & the DVD player could be lugged in, while the FM transmitter was powered by batteries! So far, despite quite a few hours of use, we are still on the first 2 AAA batteries.

kosial

'A double adapter (for the cigarette lighter socket)' - where did you get it from? I've been trying to get one but no luck...

boatman

Maplin here