Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black)

by Griffin Technology

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 0.9 x 1.4 inches ; 1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000CSP8IO
• Item model number: 9781-TRP30BK-2
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (194 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Griffin Technology 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with LCD and Dock Connector for iPod 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. iTrip features a clear, backlit LCD screen that makes setting the digital tuner easy and intuitive. A switch on iTrip's side controls the broadcast frequency, but with iTrip's memory of broadcast settings, you might find yourself not changing the frequency often. The selectable LX or DX modes ensure optimal reception levels and cut background noise that would disturb your listening pleasure. It all comes in a compact, self-contained design that helps you control iTrip when you're busy coping with traffic.

iPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video

Product Description

The Griffin Technology 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with LCD and Dock Connector for iPod 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. iTrip features a clear, backlit LCD screen that makes setting the digital tuner easy and intuitive. A switch on iTrip's side controls the broadcast frequency, but with iTrip's memory of broadcast settings, you might find yourself not changing the frequency often. The selectable LX or DX modes ensure optimal reception levels and cut background noise that would disturb your listening pleasure. It all comes in a compact, self-contained design that helps you control iTrip when you're busy coping with traffic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My full review on FM Transmitters, January 15, 2007

By 

Ben Jammin (Isaac) "Musically aroused" (Cincinnati, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

First, and foremost, we are talking about FM transmitters. Therefore, nothing will sound like CD sound or direct cable connections when it comes to music quality. You will lose some highs, and you will lose some lows, and you will have nowhere near great quality. That being said, sometimes there are no alternatives, and some transmitters can get the job done. In addition, I have owned and tested all of the following transmitters, to which I will review for you now to save you the time and money. A note: I have 2 vehicles, a SUV and a Saturn.

First up: Belkin Tunebase
I bought this after my Roadtrip base was stolen with my iPod, and I thought I would try an alternative. I liked the flexible connector in my SUV to allow reaching of all controls. However, it was disastrous in my Saturn, only preferring 1 position - lying down. It is a pain to control the iPod when driving in either vehicle, as the flexible arm gave too much in order to advance unwanted songs or control the iPod in general. Although a wider range of highs and lows was evident, the strength of output of this device is way too low; easily outcompted by either of the following transmitters. In the SUV, it is very good at broadcasting and being received by the radio. However, in the Saturn, it was an absolute disaster. I am transmitting on a completely free channel, and in my Saturn I got feedback from the background radio hiss! I even had the hiss increase in tune with the windshield wipers! How awful. This is not a bad transmitter in a larger vehicle, like my SUV, but in a small vehicle, you don't want to risk it. Finally, you can't disconnect the transmitter like the Griffin items. So, it's use in your car, or don't use at all. Although you rarely need to use it outside of your car, the other two below are the same price or cheaper, so you're already paying for it. Avoid this item.

Next - Griffin Roadtrip
Although this comes with an extension, the fixed location of the holder interferes with many of the car controls, even with the extension. However, the transmission is much better and can even be picked up in nearby cars at clear enough reception. I again had trouble making turns in the Saturn, as the roadtrip does slip around; but not nearly as bad as the Belkin. The transmission is good, but not great; as you do need to find a completely clean frequency in order to get a good reception. Finally, controlling the iPod is easy, as the adapter is a sturdy adapter and holds the iPod quite well. It got the job done in both cars, but didn't exactly knock my socks off.

Finally - Griffin iTrip
The best of the bunch. I doubt the transmission is greater than the griffin Roadtrip; based on the fact it runs off of the iPod, but it doesn't matter. You can move your iPod into position to be right under your antenna and get fantastic reception. In addition, because it doesn't need to be connected to the lighter, there is no interferce with the controls of the car and the iPod is easy to control. Finally, purchase this with the Powerjolt and you've spent the same as either of the above and can charge your iPod at the same time; except with a cable to keep the iPod clear of auto controls. I was expecting very little from this tiny device, but I am quite pleased. The only drawback is that, since there is no holder, there really is no secure place to put your iPod; as it will slide all over the dash. Putting it near the controls of the car (like in the center compartment area) obviously takes away its advantage over the Roadtrip. However, some velcro backing to it or sticky tape should afix it to the dash temporarily and you can remove it when you leave the car. But then you have tape on the back of your iPod....so..... Well, it still is the best choice, as the transmission is clearest because you can get it close to your antenna; and it is the only transmitter that worked well in my Saturn. In the SUV, all worked well.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best at what it does, March 22, 2006

By 

Angel "Movie Star Bulldog" (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

Don't buy this or any other FM transmitter expecting excellent reception and sound quality. I think the technology itself just has some limitations, such as occasional interference and decreased sound quality. But if you are OK with those limitations, then I think this is the best product of its type.

What was important to me in looking for a transmitter was (1) that it be compact and easy to carry around (2) that I COULD charge my iPod while using it and (3) that I didn't HAVE to charge my iPod while using it. I saw some transmitter units that were also charging stations, like the RoadTrip, but with those you can't use the transmitter separate from the charging station. Then there is the corded inline iTrip that has the transmitter stuck halfway down the charger cord, and those also don't work unless the charger is plugged in. Then there's this unit, which plugs into the docking port and draws power from the iPod, and therefore you can use it without having anything plugged in. But I almost didn't buy it, because I hated the fact that, if my iPod battery was low, I'd have to disconnect the iTrip, plug in a car charger, wait for it to charge (not being able to use the iTrip in the meantime), etc.

BUT HERE'S THE ONE THING NO ONE TELLS YOU. IT'S NOT IN ANY PRODUCT DESCRIPTION OR EVEN ON THE PRODUCT PAGE ON GRIFFIN'S WEBSITE!!! You CAN charge your iPod while still using this iTrip. On the bottom of the iTrip is a 5-pin mini USB port. So, you can get Griffin's PowerJolt charger, which has a USB port on it, and get a USB A to 5-pin mini B cable, plug it into the iTrip, and you're charging your iPod while still using the iTrip. So you get the best of both worlds... the freedom of the iTrip running off the iPod power, plus the ability to recharge while using it if you WANT to. Still have no clue why this isn't mentioned in any product info. It's only mentioned on Griffin's iTrip support page under a FAQ.

So, bottom line, if you have to use an FM transmitter to play your iPod in your car, I think this is the best option.

58 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Works great if you tape your iPOD to the antenna, January 25, 2006

By 

J. S. Schlatter "jschlat" (Midwest United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Griffin 9781-TRP30BK iTrip FM Transmitter with Dock Connector for iPod (Black) (Electronics)

I bought this at Best Buy for ~$50 for an iPOD Video expecting the same performance I got out of the iTrip that plugs into the headset jack. I tested it in the house on the home stereo. It worked great while the transmitter was <1 foot away from the FM antenna. At 2 feet there was noticeable static. Anything over 4 feet away was ALL static. When I returned it to the store the salesman said they had only been selling them for a week and had already gotten almost all of them back on returns for the same problem.

Summary: Terrible product!