Customer Reviews

Kensington 33199 Digital FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(142)
4 star:		(94)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

I've had 2 other FM transmitters (A Belkin and a Griffin iTrip). Neither came close to the quality of this transmitter. Neither charged the iPod (The Belkin required batteries, which only lasted about 15 hours of use), while the iTrip worked OK at first, but then started getting static no matter what station I used. In fact, I had to have the iPod in hand for the static to go away (and then, it was still not clear). The sound isn't as loud as some (it takes over the volume control, so you cant use the volume on the iPod.) Still, it's not nearly as soft as some I've seen. I found most music came through at a good volume (I did adjust a few songs in iTunes to pump them up). This unit, although it seems cheap and flimsy at first, is able to get a consistant, strong signal, even on stations which usually come in clearly. It powers through them, and the result is a very clean sound. It is a little hard to read at the regular angle, but once you set the 3 presets, you don't need to see the screen. Just set your radio to the same 1-2-3 configuration. Also, turning it at a 90 degree angle lets you see the screen much clearer. In all, I couldn't be happier.

For days I researched which FM transmitter to buy. After everything I read, I decided to wait for Kensington to release this one. This transmitter was also highly rated by Ilounge. Bottom line...It sounds better than my FM radio. Absolutely no static! I love it.

I bought this unit because of the rave reviews at many IPOD accessory sites. One thing that is awesome on this unit but is hidden is the ability to tune to 87.9FM. In most areas that frequency is unused and crystal clear buy most transmitters only tune down to 88.1. The trick is hold the two right preset buttons down and with your other hand (yes this takes two hands) press the tuner past 107.9. It will now go to 87.5 and 6,7,8,9 and then on to 88.1.

I have tried two other FM transmitters for my iPod, and this one has proven to work the best. It includes enough frequencies that you shouldn't have any problem finding a clear channel (the lower 80's channels are poor in my area because of all the talk stations, but the high end of the dial works quite well).

The only thing I don't like about this transmitter is that it is nearly impossible to see when it is plugged in. The angle of the LCD is good if you're standing on your head since it is about even with the top of your seat. Also, the orange back-lighting makes reading the numbers on the display quite difficult.

If I were making one of these, I would tilt the display so it faces up, and I would use either LEDs or an LCD display where the numbers light up instead of back-lighting.

I'm still giving this unit 4 stars because the sound quality is really what it is all about, and it does well in that area.

I preface this review by acknowledging that I've tried only one other transmitter, also with unacceptable results. I bought this unit for my daughter (ipod) and decided to try it out before wrapping it. I tried it on 3 car stereo systems and was VERY disappointed in the lack of clarity. I live in a metropolitan area of 1 million + population and was able to locate one band that was nearly static free. The transmitter started off o.k. but within 3 seconds was transmitting unacceptable static. There was no perceptible reduction in static with, or without, the unit engaged. After all the positive reviews I read I was expecting a reliable device but was left to wander why so many reviewers would accept dirty noise with their music - its like drinking fine wine from a dirty glass. Would these people also listen to a radio station with static? I, for one, would rather have silence.

I bought this unit from ANTOnline (lowest price - should have been forewarned) and they were impossible to communicate with. There is no phone #, and when I finally e-mailed to convey a thorough complaint and request procedures for returning this unit they responded that I should answer 4 questions, yes or no, regardless of any other circumstances. After several cryptic responses they finally stated there would be no refunds for opened packages with parts or packaging missing. Though I reiterated that no parts or packing were missing I haven't heard back from ANTOnline in over a week.

Frustrated to the nth degree, I contacted Amazon, who quickly refunded the cost of the unit. In closing: Amazon has displayed great service and ANTOnline should be avoided as a vendor if there's any possibility of having to engage them after the purchase.

This thing is pretty awesome. I read good reviews on this so decided to give it a try after trying out Belking and Itrip which both sucked big time - all I could hear was static. This thing is mostly static free (I say mostly since I dont think there is such a thing as no static at all on FM stations) This thing transmitts as clear as any radio station. I dont know why some people here gave it one star - they either got a defective transmitter or have a crappy radio? I have tried this in 3 different cars and works great in all.

I waited 6 months for the perfect FM transmitter to hit the market,and when Amazon began selling this I snatched it up. The sound it produces is of better quality than the radio stations in my car. No static, no problems, easy to use, small and not bulky whatsoever, this product is a definite must-have for anyone looking for an FM transmitter.

For a while I was considering Monster's version of the same product. I've had a lot of good experiences with Monster so it was very hard for me to be disuaded, but after reading some of the reviews comparing the products, I decided to go with Kensington. I've had this for about two weeks and it's worked really well for me. I rarely notice any static and I haven't had to crank up my volume all the way to hear the music (like I've seen with some other FM transmitters--iTrip for example). I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who plans to use their iPod in their car.

My previous experience has been with the iTrip, Belkin TuneCast II, and the Monster Transmitter/Charger. Here are my problems with each:

iTrip: Drains iPod battery, and barely works. Hard to find a solid station on it.
TuneCast: 2 AAA batteries last about 1-2 hours before signal quality begins to fade (3 hours until the actual batteries die). Full power quality is OK, at best. Display is hard to read, and the way it plugs in and 'hangs' off iPod can't be good for audio socket.
Monster: It worked well, but it fried my last iPod! After reading some of the reviews about it, I guess that's not an umcommon occurence.

I was a bit hesitant about the Kensington, as I live in the Boston area, and free stations are hard to come buy. But, I am amazed at how well works! Not only does it work well, I have found one station that works exceptionaly well from Manchester, NH, all the way down to Brockton, MA, and as far west as Worcester (even works in the O'Neil Tunnel!). I have yet to use another station.

Of course, the sound is just a tad better than FM quality, but I find that with the EQ set to 'small speakers' on the iPod, the quality is great, with very little static or fuzz or bass distortion.

The build quality is also quite good, as I accidently dropped the unit in my driveway a few days ago, but it still works perfectly!

As others have said, it is also a tight fit in my lighter port (2005 Mazda 3), but after a couple times of putting it in and taking it out, it fits better now.

The one quip is that there's no on/off switch, so you need to remove it when done using it, or else it will drain the car battery. So, it can be a hastle if used on a short 'around-town' trip. Also, I recommend plugging in your iPod after the car is started, just to avoid any type of undesireable power surge.

Otherwise, I think this is one of the best transmitters/chargers out there!

This is the second FM transmitter I have purchased for my iPODs and this one is by far the better of the two. I like that it has the ability to tune to any FM frequency and will store up to three presets. I used this little unit on a 500 mile trip recently and it performed flawlessly. It sounded as good as the radio or the CD player. I had no static. A great buy that I am very happy with.