Customer Reviews

Griffin iTrip Universal FM Transmitter and Charger for MP3 Players

5 star:		(121)
4 star:		(119)
3 star:		(66)
2 star:		(70)
1 star:		(88)

 

 

I love this transmitter! When I first got it, I was disappointed that it seemed like you could not transmit in the best frequency of 87.9, but then I figured it out:

To change it to international mode (with the frequency 87.9 and so forth) all you have to do is hold the preset button for about 15 seconds, and the US will start flashing. Then you just hit the plus or minus to change to international mode, and voila! You now have the much coveted 87.9 frequency!

Since this transmitter will always be usable for any future mp3 player that I can imagine, (they are all going to have to have headphone jacks, right?) this means:

THIS IS THE LAST TRANSMITTER YOU WILL EVER HAVE TO BUY!

End of story. Get it. Now.

As an iPhone owner it took months for us to find a FM transmitter that gave us the ability to use our iPhone's iPod music capability in the car. Yes, this item is compatible with iPhone. Please see pros and cons below... (reviewed updated 6/21/2008)

Pro:
-iPhone and other MP3 player compatible (i.e. equipped with a "super minijack" headphone connection). Note: please don't confuse compatible with exceptional quality.
-Will power the iPhone and I think it can serve as a charger for it too
-Stores 4 pre-programmed stations
-Long cord could connect to a back seat lighter, not just the front (nice for those of you who have a lighter/socket in the rear)
-Acceptible broadcast strength, plenty loud as long as the iPhone volume is set loud.
-Price is reasonable relative to others on the market
-Buttons are flush with the front, fewer accidental button presses like I had experienced with my other (obsolete) transmitter
-In addition to buttons that cycle through the presets, there's up/down buttons to fine tune stations
-Socket has green LED when ready, turns amber when charging signaling that you are actually getting power
-Plastic case is less hard to open than others, the first that I can recall where I could pull it apart by hand (there's a tab in the back)... although a heavy pair of scissors are recommended
-Price is moderate, less than many (although not the least expensive either)

Con:
-Display is not backlit
-Broadcast strength and quality could be better
-Two cords, one plugs into the headphone jack, the other supplies power... a "quick and dirty" design (other competing models now use only one connector through the bottom connector, no separate connection to the headphone jack)

Nuetral:
-You must supply your own USB-based power cable. Since this is a one-size fits all device, it would be unreasonable to ask them to give you one for every player on the market...
-A small display... a pro or con, depending on the situation
-Made overseas, where quality often suffers (however, so far so good)
-Between the cable and the power cords, that's a lot of cable. I used the twist ties that came with the unit to help wrap up the excess wire to minimize tangling, you may want to too
-For iPhone users: the iPhone periodically emits a powerful magnetic field that interferes with this unit. I've found this true with other devices like my clock radio and phone at work

Bottom line: with recent advances now 3 stars (Amazon does not allow you to change the rating for an item once it is ranked). There are better items now on the market, but a low-cost option, especially good for non-iPhone applications due to random iPhone static interference.

This device works really well... IF you change it from US frequencies to International as explained by Random Bimms in another review of this product. (Thanks Random!!) I was having trouble finding a clear frequency in the D-FW area until I found the secret of setting it to 87.8 MHz. Too bad this tip isn't included in the instructions. With the USB charging connectivity, this is truly a universal transmitter/charger. Don't lock yourself into a unit that is dedicated to a particular brand/model... this one works with all of them that have a standard stereo headphone jack and USB charging.

It's great not having to have any batteries for the transmitter OR the MP3 player. Works fine despite crowded NYC airwaves. Only thing lacking is an on/off switch; I have to pull it out of the lighter socket to keep it from draining the car battery.

Recently purchased this "universal" FM transmitter. Using it for the first time I noticed a great deal of static as well as the "universal" connection was not charging the player.After making sure that all of the connections were done correctly and in working order I called Griffin tech support.They were helpful in telling me that they have recieved multiple complaints from Creative users and that the usb connection that recharges the player is not compatible.Thanks, you might want to put that little tidbit on your website.The one star is only because it sounded good when not using the sync/usb connection.So, if your a creative user who wants a FM transmitter that sounds good but can't charge your player go for it!Otherwise, I suggest trying another brand.

Does just as advertised. Except your MP3 player must be set to a high volume. I had trouble finding an unused frequency because I live in a giant urban area. I use 92.1, but as you go from city to city unused frequencies will change.

I have to say that this item is a much needed necessity if you happen to drive. Even though I was in a rush to use it, I read the small pamphlet and I was on the road. It was relatively easy for my to find the right station (89.1 FM) I have a Sansa e250 SanDisk SDMX4-2048-A70 Sansa e250 2 GB MP3 Player with microSD Expansion Slot. I must say that the music almost sounds perfect. The only complaint that I have is that I have to turn up the volume more than I usually have to get a good sound response. As far as the charging is concerned, this worked perfect with my Sansa e250 but it did not work with my Creative Zen Touch Creative Zen Touch 20 GB MP3 Player. On a scale of 1 to 10, I have to rate this item a 9 because of the volume and the USB may not charge all MP3 players.

I've tried several FM transmitters and never managed to find one that works for me because the airwaves are so crowded here. I decided to give this one a shot because else who had reviewed it was so excited about the international mode and I figured it had to work for me since there are no US stations using that frequency, right?

It never occurred to me that I should check the radio in my car to be sure it goes down that low. It doesn't.

That said, I've still managed to find a couple of frequencies that work reasonably well for me - not crystal clear, but better than wearing headphones while driving.

So, overall, it's definitely a great product. Just remember to check your car stereo before purchasing.

I have been reasonably pleased using the device for audiobooks. I wouldn't expect great results for listening to high quality music, but I haven't tried. I commute in an area with very few blank frequencies, and blank ones don't stay blank for much distance. I did switch to the "EURO" mode so that I could get down to 87.9, where I get a little interference, but not much. If you are listening to audiobooks, switch from stereo to the stronger mono setting.

As a first timer to using an MP3 player and any accessories, this was easy to set up and use in the car. Note: Volume may need to be adjusted on both the Sansa MP3 player and the car to hear it well. Since I did not go the Ipod route it took a while to research a good universal transmitter, but I am very happy with it.