Customer Reviews

DLO TransPod All-in-One Car Solution for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

I wasn't expecting a great solution when I purchased this item. I have tried similar products by other manufacturers and was disappointed. However, the Transpod gave me the sound I was looking for in an easy to install and use package.

Interestingly, I bought a direct connect via tape player type unit as well which is theoretically suppossed to deliver better sound quality. However, I found this was not the case at all. The Transpod does a much better job.

My unit also came with an extension bar so it could be mounted higher. This gets it up away from the ashtray. However, the criticisms about getting it to a place where it is safe to operate while driving is a real issue. It's not a big deal for me because I could make changes at lights or before I set out to drive somewhere. For others this may be a more serious problem, but really it isn't a bigger deal than fumbling with a cell phone while driving.

In order for this product to work properly, you need a very clean FM station that is not broadcasting. This is usually not a problem at the extreme ends of the FM broadcasting band in most locations. If this is a problem in your area, you may get static even on a fairly clean channel. I live in the Bay Area and I was able to find several useable channels.

I also think the design is well thought out in terms of travelling and needing to change channels. The device also you to set a number of alternate broadcasting frequencies as presets. This gives you the ability to change your channels easily while commuting. It is also very easy to change channels directly and the display is large and attractive.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this product. I'm a musician and pretty fussy about sound. I'm completely satisfied with this product and would recommend it to anyone.

I forked over the not insubstantial sum of money for the Transpod with intense skepticism. Having purchased, and been extremely disappointed by, two other iPod FM transmitters (Griffin iTrip & XtremeMac AirPlay), I was not expecting much from DLO. However, based on the recommendation of cNet and other generally good reviews on the web, I decided to take a chance.

Two weeks in and I haven't been disappointed. The Transpod seems to have a much stronger signal than my prior transmitters and I rarely hear any static or have trouble finding a strong frequency. Since finding the best frequency for my area (88.9 in Washington, DC), I have never had to change the setting. And the cradle is quite convenient for operating the iPod and is quite stable. (Some of this will depend on the location of your power jack, however).

Obviously, as with all FM transmitters, the sound quality is less than what you would expect from a casette adapter or, even better, direct wiring to an AUX jack. For me, the reduction in sound quality is most apparent in the bass and for tracks ripped from my CDs (songs bought on iTunes tend to sound great). Even with the reduction in sound quality, the sound of the Transpod is miles ahead of what I experienced with my other transmitters.

All in all, I'm pleased with my purchase.

Do not believe what anybody tells you about FM Transmitters (except me of course). This product works like a charm. You might hear people say that FM Transmitters don't work or that the sound quality is horrible, don't listen. It works great on the first channel (at least in central Jersey). The sound quality is fine and it is incredibly easy to use. It really fits in any car too. In my car I have a unique situation. The ciggaret lighter is jammed in a small corner right next to the gearshift. I thought there was no chance on earth that it would fit. I couln't have been more wrong. The extendable arm really dose the trick. It fits fine and doesn't even go near the gearshift. So don't worry about this product not fitting in your car, which is another thing people might tell you. This really is the perfect solution for listening to your iPod in the car. Put all of your worries aside and get it.

I have 3 of the older, white Transpod units. I purchased this one to better match my black video iPod. I was very pleased with the quality of my older Transpod units and have even given several as gifts. Honestly this one sucks. For my taste it is unusable. Maybe it would be passable for rap music, but for instrumentals or music other than gangster type, the music is not clear. It is not static or interferance, and I tried all frequency ranges. The quality of the output signal is terrible. I tried my old one again, and while it is not as pretty, it works great. Unfortunately I cannot return it because I threw away the packaging not expecting it to be junk. If you purchase one of these you will be very disappointed with the quality of the sound. If you can find one of the older Transpod units for earlier iPods you will be much better off.

This was my second DLO transpod. I had an older white one that I bought used. I figured I would "upgrade" to this one since my iPod and my car's interior are black. overall the thing performed similarly to my previous one, but with a few little changes.

For one the output of this unit is much lower than its older counterparts. That normally doesn't matter if you choose a good empty frequency, but as you start traveling you notice interference much more than you would expect.

Next, I can't turn it up any where near the volume I used to be able to on the older one without getting hissing and static. It seems that the decreased level on the output also increased the amount of electronic noise when using it.

Last, the most annoying part of this whole product, is that it turns off the radio transmitter after a period of no use. I have paused my iPod to take a phone call only to have very loud (since the level is so low on it you have to make up for it with stereo volume) static and sometimes radio stations coming through. Very embarrassing. Or when you stop your car and then come back, as soon as the radio turns on you are met with the same very loud noise.

Since my car doesn't leave me many options for stereo replacement, this is the best product for my specific situation, though I may try and get that old one back from my friend...maybe an "upgrade" to a newer one will settle the deal.

Don't get this unit. I purchased it because my other unit allows the iPod to float around the car, and I thought it would be good to have it mounted firmly. However, it has such a weak transmission, I have severe to moderate static at all times. I know it is a signal strength or interference issue because, when I pull into a covered structure (garage, tunnel, etc.) the static clears, and sound quality is fair. If you need a transmitter, I would recommend a Kensington 33199 Digital FM Transmitter, it works wonderfully.

Well, this is an excellent product. Out of all of the car-mounting, charging, docking, transmitters, this one offeres the highest quality and best performance available. It however, is not perfect. The only issue with it is that the volume is preset inthe machine itself, so it will only go as loud as your car stereo will allow, not as loud as the ipod AND the stereo. That's still respectively loud without distortion. So all in all, it's a quality product, a little on the pricy side, but as far as this arena goes, ya get what you pay for.

I first tried the iTrip for my Ipod and wasn't impressed. There was too much static and the least little touch caused noise. I've been much happier with the Transpod. I don't know if it's because it is plugged into something metal in the dash or what but the reception is much better, and it makes a nice dash mount holder.

On the positive side, I found the Transpod to be very convenient to install and use. There are no wires to run and no need to modify your dashboard or stereo. It also conveniently charges the iPod without a cable. Just plug it into the lighter plug, tune your stereo, and it works. Also, it does a great job of overcoming most static and interference on the FM channel. The included arms allow you to position the iPod any way you like, and it can be easily moved from car to car.

On the negative side, the Transpod has a very low signal output level, and the stereo has to be cranked very high in order to get your music to a decent volume. If you forget to turn the volume down before switching back to a regular radio program on another station, your ears get blasted and your young child gets startled and cries. By its very nature as an FM transmitter, you cannot expect great sound quality out of this product. It is a trade-off between convenience and performance.

Overall, I think it is an adequate product if (a) you are not particular about sound quality, and (b) you need an easy solution to get your iPod working in just about any car.

By the way, the transpod has a built-in audio-out plug. So if you can get the audio signal directly into your stereo, you can get much better sound quality without using the FM transmitter.

We have had a wonderful experience with the Transpot In-Car Cradle. Compared to the Griffin iTrip and casette audio adaptor, this device is a jem! We have used it for a few months on several long drives and local city commute, and find that it is worth every penny. It's key for long trips to have your iPod being charged as you drive. Also, the sound quality is great. Far superior to the iTrip. It's a breeze to change the station even while driving through various cities. The arm extends to a convenient height while keeping the iPod safe. We enjoy it so much we are purchasing it as gifts for friends.

Edit: two years later
We still love this TransPod, and have never experienced any difficulty or fault with it. Also, unlike other devices that claim to be the same, this one will never burn out your iPod battery.