Customer Reviews

Macally Docking, Charging, and FM Transmitter Station for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I recently bought this FM Transmitter-Charger-Docking Station for my iPod and I love it! The reasons:

1. The iPod signal is transmitted loud and clear to my RAV-4's radio;
2. It comes with adaptors for all iPods;
3. Works as an fm transmitter to portable cd players (or equivalent devices) by connecting the iCup to the headphone jack with the enclosed cable;
4. Charges the iPod;
5. Fits perfectly and securely to the back seat cupholder (adjustable cupholders won't fit securely), so your front seat cupholders and lighter are free. In RAV-4, the back seat cupholders are concealable;
6. Its black color makes it less conspicuous for the thieves.

The only minor drawback is that one has to remove the i-Skin from the iPod to make it fit inb the docking station. However, the sound quality and stability of the signal outweighs my minor complaint.

If you've got your iPod to use it on your car, don't hesitate on getting this.

After lots of research I finally made my mind on buying this handy accesory. I came out to be just what I needed. The FM transmitter is powerful enough to keep my audiophile ear satisfied (once you spend some time finding the best clear station in your tunner).

This is getting 4 out of 5 stars because of the lack of capability to set your own presets (the QS button just gives you the chance to switch between factory set stations). The problem with the bulky power cord could easily be fixed with a little time and basic electrician knowledge to hard-wire it under your dash (keeping your lighter free).

This is the second transmitter I buy and I've found it just great. If your car has a cup holder near your dash this is a must.

This FM transmitter is much better than the Itrips. It's easy to change the channels, and there's no need to fuss with programming stations into the Ipod. You just plug it in and go. The only trouble with the device is that it must be plugged into the cigarette lighter to function, so you can't use the power source to do anything else without a splitter.

I've been using this item for only a month, so I can't speak to its longevity or sturdiness, but I'm very impressed with (a) the fact that it works exactly as intended, and (b) its very classy, intelligent design, right down to the snug way it fits into a cup container and to the small LED screen that lights up long enough for you to read the frequency and then goes off. I'm glad I took the trouble of checking out the various Amazon reviews before buying this, and I can add my recommendation to theirs.

// Postscript, Dec. 2009: After a couple of years of satisfactory (though not very frequent) use, the item inexplicably and unaccountably stopped working. It simply failed to turn on, the dial no longer lit up, etc. A shame, because -- as I said above -- it seemed substantial and well-designed.

This is a very thoughtfully designed device for the price. Using the cup holder is brilliant! It makes for a very stable and convenient place to keep your I-Pod (at least in our car). The transmitter works well and the sound quality is fine. This is the best solution I've found for this type of device.

If you are ok with the size of this item then you will love this trasmitter. It comes with all the required attachments and fits perfect in my center console cup holder. It is definatly one of the strongest transmitters I have seen on the market. Also charges the iPod, I am happy!

If you have an extra cup holder in your car, this item will serve you well. The item is solid and can withstand some coffee spills. You can't beat the price and quality. The design allows for all ipod generations. The cradle allows you clear access to the "wheel" and the screen. I like the compact design compared to the separate AC and transmitter (EX., Belkin).

I can't believe this Ipod FM Transmitter works so well. It was a one step install. (OK three, plug in power, turn unit on and adjust to frequency). Toss your old Belkins and do not hesitate to buy this unit. Even in Sugar Land TX it receives clear reception.

Since my truck has a factory navigation system combined with the premium sound system, there is not an auxiliary input to the stereo. So I tried the FM transmitters you plug into your cigarette lighter and into your iPod, with a small low power transmitter in the cord, or in the DC power plug. Unfortunately, these are notorious for easily being interfered with by adjacent radio stations since they do not put out very much power. I also live in an area where finding a clear channel is quite a challenge, and more than once found the channel I was using was activated by another radio station in the distance forcing me to start over and find a new channel. Plus you also have to get used to having this cable draped through your vehicle, which also can pick up interference from other sources within your vehicle. I got hum from the lights in the shifter console if the cord got in the wrong posiion.

Then I found this little device. It sits in your cup holder with just a power cord coming out of it, so there is less interference from other sources in your vehicle (I have found none). Plus it seems to have better transmit capabilities than the inline transmitters and has made it a little less susceptible to interference from the far off stations.

While I will say this is not the ideal product for listening to your iPod in the car, I feel it is the best for the price. You can still get better fidelity by getting a wired interface to your stereo. But I have found this unit to be very acceptable for an inexpensive solution. The only down side is the power cord that plugs into the top of the unit. But there is no graceful way to get power to it, so I can live with this.

I'm here buying another one of these. I loved my first one. I went on a whim 2 years ago and bought this model instead of the regular small ones that are mainly just corded and plug into your iPod/iTouch. The sound and reception was always perfect. No static...no constant searching for a signal. My husband bought one of the others that I mentioned (the small cords) and he hated it. He is never able to keep a signal and is constantly irritated. A big plus for me is that it charges your iPod too. I never had to take my iPod out of the car, unless I used it while walking. My Macally worked perfectly for 2 years until it died. Can't find it in any of the stores. Amazon's price is the lowest by far and I can't wait for my new one to come in.