Customer Reviews

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Griffin's iTrip fills the technological void of .mp3 playability on existing audio systems through FM transmission, a Mr. Microphone for the 21st century. Whether you want to play music on your car stereo, or on the FM tuner of your home stereo, the ease of playing your iTunes could not be more effortless. A quick software load from cd-rom onto a personal computer updates iTunes with a special playlist that allows the user to select almost any frequency in the FM spectrum which iTrip is to broadcast on. Once the iPod is synched and updated with iTunes on your personal computer, the user can reselect at any time a preferred FM frequency directly from the iPod interface.

The range of the iTrip FM transmission is viable, as I could transmit at almost 20 feet with no distortion or loss of signal to my home stereo. 30 feet is its stated maximum range, yet in urban environments, half that range may be all one can coax from iTrip in a burdened FM spectrum.

Car travel with the iTrip can be hampered by power lines and other transmission sources which flood the signal with interference. The iTrip requires 50% volume output at a minimum from the iPod for an effective signal, and suggests no more than 70% output. At a higher output, I found the iTrip can deplete a new iPod battery within 3.5 hours. The iTrip requires no external power source other than directly siphoning iPod power using the headphone/audio output jacks. iTrip's size is that of a roll of coins, yet weighs as light as feather perched atop the iPod.

The largest drawbacks of Griffin's iTrip: external interference from power lines while driving, and battery drain. Yet with careful power monitoring and recharging, and keeping your iTrip/iPod in close proximity to your car stereo, a very satisfying experience can be achieved with the iTrip at a nominal price.

I was so sick of the CD clutter in my car and making mixed CDs that I decided to give the iTrip a try. I have used it in the car and on my home stereo and have had good results with both.

One complaint is that if you stray too far from the radio/antennae you will experience static. But in the car this is not a problem. I traveled 300 miles in my car and only had to switch a station once to rid the unit of interference.

I think the iTrip is an essential iPod accessory. If you have an iPod, you enjoy the convenience of portable music. The iTrip take this enjoyment to the next level.

I have a 4th generation 20GB iPod that I use this with. It is easy to use.

It took about five minutes to download all the stations from the Griffin software, to iTunes, then to the iPod unit (they give you all the stations on the FM dial to choose from: 87.9 - 88.1 - 88.3, etc.). I usually keep it tuned to 87.9 FM and the sound is very clear.

It states in the instructions to keep the iPod volume between 50% and 70% for best results. Sometimes I have to play with the volume on the iPod to get a slightly better sound. Not a problem.

If the station you have it tuned to has a radio station assigned to it, you just have to find one on the dial that is not transmitting. When you do, you simply go into the iPod and select that station - like you were choosing a song. Very fast.

I have used it over a few radios in my house with the same great result.

I think it may take a little bit of battery power away from the iPod, but if you have the iPod plugged into a charger, this will not be problem.

When I was considering the iTrip, there were reviews here that were either great or aweful. Very few in between. It made me a little nervous to buy it. I did, and I'm happy with it.

The manufacturer had to meet a good balance between providing a powerful transmitter and yet still not depleting the battery too fast. Consequently, the iTrip is not the most powerful transmitter in the world. However, if it were powerful enough to compare to blast out the big radio stations, then it would have to have it's own power source and would not be nearly as handy as it is. I think they hit the mark.

Additionally, I think some of the old reviewers were unrealistic about the performance. The music doesn't come across in CD quality. It comes across as a good FM radio station. Surprise??? It sounds like it should. Using a tape adapter, I get better sound. However, a tape adapter (or direct input into a receiver) isn't always convenient, nor is it always possible. I work for the federal government, and have to use their no frills vehicles on trips. They come equiped with with an AM/FM radio, nothing more. Additionally, on another trip, where I used a commercial rental car, it only had a CD player. I haven't seen any CDs with a wire hanging off the side yet. The iTrip was the clear answer for both of these situations.

While I have very sensitive hearing, and can tell that I'm not getting the best sound on the planet, the iTrip does what it can with the FM media it uses, and does a good job. I recommend also getting a car power adapter for the road trips to make it a no brainer for power consumption.

I bought this and I have to admit is was a little weary. There were alot of different reviews out there. I finally decided to buy one and its great. It was very easy to use and find a radio station to use. It works great in the car with very good quality. There is only a faint hissing sometimes as songs change. I find also that in order to use it on a home radio the ipod has to be very close to the radio. Those are my only complaints, but it is still a great product.

Excellent sound quality, does what is supposed to do. I have my Ipod in the living room and can enjoy music (with very little/no static) almost all through the house including upstairs in my bedroom.

No Problems/no static in both of my cars. Took a 500 miles trip (east coast) last week and had to change the channel only twice. Get an IPod car charger for longer trips as it draws small power from your Ipod battery.

Best FM transmitter - I tested 3 other brands.

So you want an iTrip?

It's lightweight, portable, drains minimal to standard power from your iPod works well with any free signal. I use it all the time at work and it transmits great no static, I can listen to my iPod for hours at a time no switching CD's.

On the road, I get interference heading into K.C. and other cities, Dead Zones, Cell Towers all cause interference. This is a minor inconvenience as it works hella good in my town.

Minor point, the stronger your reciever is in your car stereo the more static you'll get and the harder it will be to use the iTrip. This happens mostly with higher end stereos as I found out on a road trip in my friend's truck. My stereo a Kenwood CD/stereo works like a dream with the iTrip. Best money I could've spent...besides my beloved, snuggly-wuggly iPod. Yes, I endorse the iTrip.