Product Description
Listen to your MP3 player in your car with the Kensington Universal FM Transmitter. ClearFM technology reduces noise and enhances stereo separation, providing superior wireless audio quality and FM reception. Three pre-sets and the bright display let you store available FM stations quickly and easily.
Customer Reviews:
No good in Atlanta, either.......2007-12-14
I drive a 2004 VW Phaeton, which has neither a cassette player nor an MP3 jack, so a transmitter is the only way I can get songs out of my Zune and into my car. I have a Pioneer Inno XM receiver/transmitter which does a really good job, even in this urban market. The Kensington transmitter does a poor job, so I can't simply blame the crowded airwaves. This unit simply lacks the chops to get the job done.
Great product.......2007-12-10
This is a great FM transmitter. It works better than the other one that I had. It does not pick up hardly any interference from my phone (use my phone to play MP3s). When it does the interference is very quiet. The base is also better. The only reason that I did not give this five stars was the fact that it is very hard to read the display if you are not looking strait at it.
Easy way to add MP3 capability to car audio.......2007-11-29
This unit is easy to use, thanks mostly to the digital tuning feature. You just match your receiver signal to the frequency displayed on the unit -- if you can see the display. It helps to plug the unit into a cigarette lighter extension or multiple outlet adapter, so you can turn it to a good viewing angle, unless your power outlet is in a good viewing position. The only other drawback is trying to find a free channel to tune it to. Where I live and drive, there's not much of the FM spectrum left unused, so I find a lot of interference with nearby stations, and have to try new frequencies in some parts of town. Switching the stereo to "Local" doesn't seem to have much effect. At least it's easy to retune when necessary.
Well intentioned but flawed execution.......2007-11-27
I bought this to provide audio playback in my vehicle for my new Sony Ericsson W580i. I had previously used a Griffin iTrip with an iPod 3G 20GB to broadcast tunes to my car; the interface was horrible and the transmitter was underpowered. Not a good product to use. My sister uses a Kensington transmitter for her iPod Nano (the Kensington FM transmitter with the iPod dock connector) and it seems to work very nicely.
PROS:
I like the tuner and the preset buttons...much better idea than other tuner mechanisms in competing products. Cord is adequately long. Transmit power is very nice; I've used it in my vehicle and my wife's vehicle, and it can seem to drown out almost any strong FM signal. As a result, I don't find myself needing to use the tuner or the presets as often as I would have thought.
CONS:
This thing cuts out when it doesn't detect a significant signal within 10 seconds (a threshold which is regrettably not user-modifiable). That means if the transitions between songs are soft, or a song is not adequately normalized, the transmitter powers itself down. The only way I've found to turn it back in is to unplug/replug it into the outlet. This was VERY distracting on a car trip, whether I was the driver or the passenger. I had the volume set to about 75-80% of max, but it didn't seem to matter; every few songs, it died on me. HORRIBLE. If I raised the volume above 75%, I got the expected audio distortion (which is identical to what I received when using the Griffin iTrip) but the tuner didn't turn itself off as often. So the user has to play an elaborate game with volume to prevent this feature from interrupting your music, or you have to be lucky enough to have an audio source that can normalize its output.
It also has some kind of Arielle signal processing chip inside to theoretically make the sound better. From what I could tell, it sounded as if the audio was continually being adjusted (treble slightly up and down, stereo widening in and out) depending on the frequency balance of the music. This would be similar to buying a digital camera that applied too much color compensation and noise smoothing; I expected a faithful facsimile of the original audio, not a frequency-tweaked estimate.
I would never recommend this product to anyone...it is a shame that the actual FM transmitter is such high quality, but the "features" get in the way. Also such a shame that Kensington is a relatively high-end choice in iPod/MP3 accessories...definitely not the case for this device.
Works like a charm.......2007-11-27
My wife and I used this transmitter during a cross-country drive from San Francisco to Vermont and back. It worked perfectly. In areas where the radio frequencies are very crowded, the sound gets distorted (as expected) which clues me in to the need for finding a new unused frequency. All in all, a great item at a great price. I would have paid more if they included a now-standard USB-format charging cable.
Product Description
Why fumble with CDs when you can play your iPod in the car on virtually any FM radio station? Now you can do that and keep your iPod charged at the same time with iCarPlay Wireless Plus. Programmable, backlit station presets make it fast and easy to set and change stations on the go. With some other FM transmitters, finding an FM frequency clear enough to play your iPod through can be tough especially while driving through different areas and terrain. But since you can tune iCarPlay Wireless Plus to almost any FM station, you have full FM tuning flexibility in getting the best sound, free of interference. Simply tune your car radio to any clear FM station, tune iCarPlay Wireless Plus to the same station, hit play on your iPod and you're ready to roll. Change presets any time you need a clearer station. For added flexibility and convenience, Monster Smart Digital Charging technology rapidly charges your iPod, and then switches to a trickle charge to optimize its performance. It all makes iCarPlay Wireless Plus the best way to enjoy full stereo sound from your iPod in your car, no matter where your travels take you. Compatible with - iPods with Dock Connector (including iPod mini) - iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Mini, iPod Video, iPod Photo, iPod U2, iPod 4th Gen with click wheel, iPod 3rd Gen with dock
Amazon.com Product Description
Why shuffle through stacks of CDs and tapes to find the song you want in the car when you can listen to the iPod? The Monster Cable iCarPlay Wireless Plus FM transmitter gives your car stereo great-sounding, wireless access to your entire iPod library, all while charging the portable jukebox to keep the music playing. Simply plug one end of the iCarPlay Wireless Plus into the 12-volt cigarette lighter and the other end into the dock connector on the bottom of your iPod. Once you select matching FM stations on your car stereo and the iCarPlay device, you're ready to roll. Your favorite music will transmit wirelessly to your car stereo using FM frequencies, and because it offers full FM tuning flexibility (excluding 87.7 and 87.9 MHz), you're guaranteed top-quality, interference-free sound. Meanwhile, Monster's Smart Digital Charging technology will rapidly charge your iPod when the power is low, and when its fully charged, the transmitter switches to a trickle charge to optimize the iPod's performance. You'll never have to worry about running out of power when using the iCarPlay. Additional features include three programmable "favorite station" preset buttons, an easy-to-ready LED display, and 24k gold contacts for maximum corrosion resistance and power transfer. The iCarPlay is compatible with all iPods that utilize a dock connector, including the iPod mini.
iPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video
Customer Reviews:
Too much buzz.......2007-12-24
This product was returned because of the incessant buzz. I could not find an fm frequency that worked well, and the product was hard to use. Frequency change was not intuitive.
DO NOT BUY THIS ITEM.......2007-12-12
The first one I got was out of order and I had to return it. The replacement lasted only 2 months since it broke into pieces. On top of that, the receiver was so weak that every certain miles I had to reset it - while driving. The connector to the ipod is probably the least user-friendly connector I've seen. I bought it because I've had execellent experience with Monster products in the past, but truly, I cannot believe how bad qaulity this product is.
The best I've tried so far........2007-12-07
This is the 4th transmitter I have tried and it has the best sound so far. It's very clear and low to no static. I've tried a Belkin, a DLO and a Monster iTrip. I haven't used it long, but so far so good. I'd recommend it.
Better than the rest!.......2007-11-27
I bought iCarPlay a few weeks ago after purchasing several other fm transmitters. The Monster is the best yet! I have a Honda Accord and it would not pick up a clear signal from any other transmitter. Then, I bought the Monster. Its signal came in clearly on all three channels. Switching channels is easy with the lighted presets. I am very happy with the product and wish I had not spent $99 on an inferior transmitter.
A GOOD BY FOR THE PRICE.......2007-11-26
I AM HAPPY WITH THE ITEM. ONLY BAD PART IS BECAUSE IT IS DIGITAL, IT IS HARD TO SEE THE STATION IT IS SET TO DURING THE DAY TIME.
Product Description
You can enjoy all your music and keep your iPod charged up at the same time with Monster iCarPlay Wireless 200. With other FM transmitters, finding an FM frequency clear enough to enjoy you iPod on can be time consuming and distracting-especially while driving, The Monster iCarPlay Wireless 200 incorporates exclusive Monster AutoScan technology that automatically seeks out and tunes in the clearest FM frequency available. Now you can find the best station to enjoy your tunes with one touch of a button. In addition, iCarPlay clearly displays all essential information on your iPod's screen and features easy 3-button control to directly access features and settings. For added flexibility and convenience, Smart Digital Charger technology rapidly charges your iPod. It makes it easy to enjoy iPod music in your car, no matter where you're traveling. iPod screen displays station information Ultra low profile power adapter minimizes dashboard clutter Take Your iPod for a Spin on Any FM Radio Station Keep it charged up along the way
Customer Reviews:
Great idea........doesn't work.......2007-12-26
Apparently Monster has some real quality issues, this is my second bad experience with their products. Unit intermittantly stops transmitting, have to unplug to reset. Autoscan......great idea....needs more work. 120 sec to scan and you still have a busy station. Amazon was great on the return policy though, prepaid shipping.
Excellent Product!.......2007-12-26
This is an excellent product - works exactly as advertised. I highly recommend it, especially if you live in a city with lots of frequencies in use.
Great Product.......2007-12-24
Does go out from time to time, but that's mainly due to the fact I live in LA and there are no free radio stations anymore. Great deal!
Auto scan is a great addition.......2007-12-18
I have tried the old monster cable and wasn't very happy with it as there was a lot of static with it. This auto scan cable allows you to do a search to find the clearest channel. We've had the new cable for about a month and would recommend it to others.
do not purchase if you have the ipod touch.......2007-12-04
I purchased this product last week because a few people i know have used this and said it is the best fm transmitter for the ipod. 5 minutes after it came in i went to my truck to hook up my ipod, there was nothing. I am not sure why, but the radio station will not appear on the ipod touch screen and will not allow you to know what station you are tuned into to set your radio to. On monster's website ( as of 12/3/07) this is the first product listed on the page for touch accessories. After waiting on hold for over 30 minutes to talk to a tech support rep. from monster, i found out that the page on www.monstercable.com was wrong and that if you have a ipod touch, you should not buy this. Monster agreed to send me the correct one in exchange for this one. The one that is being sent to me is the Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus.
Product Description
The Zune Car Pack gives you everything you need to be your own DJ, listening to your tunes through your car stereo while keeping your Zune charged.
Amazon.com Product Description
If you're taking a road trip, the Zune Car Pack gives you everything you need to be your own DJ, listening to your music through your car stereo while keeping your Zune charged. This device transmits music from your Zune into an FM frequency that can be picked up by your radio tuner. You can automatically select an optimal station for broadcast using the auto-tuning Zune FM Transmitter. It often takes more than one station to stay tuned in if you drive between different regions with different stations, that's why the Zune FM Transmitter has two presets so you can easily swap back and forth between your most commonly used broadcast stations. To keep up with a long road trip, you can charge your Zune while listening to music in the car. The magnetic storage clip allows you to keep wires out of your way, and the dashboard grip pad provides a great place to rest your device in the car. It is compatible with the Zune 4 GB, Zune 8 GB, Zune 30 GB, and Zune 80 GB.
What's in the Box:
FM transmitter/charger, dashboard grip pad, product quick start guide, product manual.
Customer Reviews:
piece of junk.......2007-12-22
I recently purchased the car pack for my new Zune. However, there was way too much static to even enjoy it. After a while, I couldn't even get any audio from the Zune just from the radio station. I was only able to hear the device depending on my location. If you do buy it keep your receipt. Mine is going right back to the store. Terrible!
Far different experience...I have one & my experience is superb.......2007-12-21
TAKE NOTE: Don't turn your radio on UNTIL you have found a clear FM station with the Zune Car Pack 2. Turning your radio on FIRST seems to prevent the device from finding any clear FM station.
None of the harsh negative reviews are accurate IMHO and with respect to these people. It really makes me wonder of their validity in every single claim. The reviews greatly differ from the excellent and flawless product I just received and used. It could be that these well meaning people simply missing something on how to use this very simple and EXTREMELY effective device. My experience was a 100% POSITIVE with ZERO trouble! The Zune Car Pack 2 actually shocked the hell out of me because of the negative above reviews (I was already prepared to send it back). Like most everyone I read the user comments before I buy anything. I called Amazon to verify I could send this product back before I bought because of the horrid reviews above. Sometimes I will gamble anyway with a product purchase like this and this time and it paid off BIG. I got exactly what was advertised and what I wanted in my car.
1) I live in a VERY URBAN area. Nearly every single radio frequency is occupied. I plugged in the adapter hooked up the Zune used the auto-tune to find a clear station. Turned on the radio, tuned it to match the clear frequency and the sound was flawless. I honestly could not tell any significant difference from direct input. No kidding it works that well and that easy. There are also online resources that can locate some good clear FM frequencies by zip code if you should need extra help.
2) No static at all! Believe me I tried to get it. I shook my Zune like a nut, I shook the transmitter like an ape, I even placed metal objects on the cord and put the transmitter in every weird place I could think of. Perfect no static. I could not make static no matter how I tried (Man, I forgot to wrap everything in aluminum foil...now that may have a chance)! I tried my hardest to make this accessory sound bad and hear the static claims in the previous posted reviews. But the Zune Car Park v2 remained superb.
3) The Zune pad the is designed to hold the Zune on the dash or somewhere flat. Now I had my doubts about this set-up because I drive rather aggressively. I dusted off my dash and place the Zune on the pad. The thing is rock solid and I would trust it in almost all driving circumstances with confidence except for a hard hitting accident. A fender bender won't move that Zune a bit.
Try it out for yourself. You can always send it back to Amazon if you do not like the way it functions.
Plug in the adapter in the cigarette lighter, plug in the Zune, use auto-tune to find a clear station, turn on the radio, tune it to match the clear fequency and WOW!
The Zune Car Pack 2 is easy, static free, and movement DOES NOT effect the sound at all. As I said before I TRIED my hardest to get static but could not (with the exception of wrapping everything in aluminum foil).
The Zune Car Pack 2 is an excellent product in every respect.
That is what my real-world URBAN experience PROVED to me. I also learned you cannot always trust the reviews you read. Though I would not like to shop without them.
Give it a try as there is really nothing to loose----
I think that the problem is the device is so simple that people are not following the correct process for the device work properly (and the instructions could be better).
Remember to get the clear station tuned with the Zune Car Pack 1st and then turn on your radio and tune to the clear frequency.
Put your $80 towards a new car stereo w/ AUX input.......2007-12-15
I have a brand new Zune 80 which I love, but I have an older car with a stereo deck that does not include an AUX input. I heard mixed reviews (mostly negative), but decided to give it a go.
I purchased this pack at a local store, took it out to the car to try it and was utterly disappointed. I found a single station that barely came in. I moved the Zune all around the car, nothing. I moved the Tuner portion of the car pack around, nothing. I walked back into the store with it and returned it. Save your $$$ and buy a car stereo w/ AUX input. Amazon doesn't allow 0 stars...
Zune Car Pack.......2007-12-07
Works great out in the country away from a lot of radio stations. But in town (where I use mine the most) there is WAY to much static and can't get it to work very good. Would not recommend.
Very Suprised.......2007-11-23
At first I was suprised that it didnt get much low channels and so I gave up (at first) but because I put the metal part on the power chord part it was staticy but If you situation is like mine if you plug the pack in regularly and put the tuner part on the passenger side dashboard where their air bag is then alot of channels are very clear and I put the zune on the pad on the dashbaord ( it do get staticy if you move the zune around some) but over all it works fine
Product Description
Recommended for iPod 3G, iPod 4G, iPod Photo, iPod with color display, iPod Mini & iPod nano / Dock & charge iPod devices securely in the car's cup holder Full FM spectrum 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz for the clearest channel Easy-to-reach power on/off switch, frequency up and down buttons, and quick channel switch button Automatic last used frequency memory Tilt,backlit LCD display with easy-to-read characters Designed to accept Apple dock insert shipped with iPod nano and new iPod Three docking inserts included for different sized iPod Color - Black
Customer Reviews:
Ok but not very good.......2007-11-16
I ordered this to use with a Sansa E250. It works utilizing the included patch cable for sound only, while the base does charge my Sansa it does not pass the sound from the device to the base. The device sounds like a distant AM station on my truck's radio, I am not impressed at all. Think long and hard before spending money on this one. If I could have heard it first, I would not have bought it.
best transmitter I have ever used.......2007-11-12
I have used several transmitters in the past and could never find one that would work as well as I wanted. I seen the good reviews on this one and figured I would give it a try. When I started using it I could not Believe how flawless it worked. In the past I have always had trouble with radio Interference and if it was not that it was a crummy tinny sound.
I am happy to say that this one has none of these problems. I am using it with one of the new 3rd generation ipod Nanos and it is so nice to just plop it in the docking station and have it charge and play all at the same time. Also you dont have to plug a cable into the ipod like other transmitters this is all done through the docking port.
So if your looking for a transmitter/docking station for your car don't bother messing around with anything else this is the way to go. I think I am even going to buy another just to have for a spare. I dont want to ever be with out one of these.
Good, but needs Classic adapter.......2007-10-25
I did some research before selecting this item and was very impressed. I went to the MaCally website and read about it and read the reviews listed here on Amazon also. The McCally site says that it fits the new iPod Classic while that is not mentioned here. I took at chance and bought it anyway since I could not find the exact same match as the one from McCally site. I installed it yesterday and overall it works fine. I ran into one problem though. Since the Classic is just a touch smaller than the 5G iPods it doesn't sit quite right in the cradle and I would lose the sound from the left speakers unless I held the iPod up. I have temporarily fixed it by using a quarter and a dime behind the iPod when it is inserted in the cradle. It holds it up right and the sound that comes through is good. At times there is some popping from the station but I think that is from external interference.
Good product, just be forewarned that the Classic do not quite fit and you may have to tweak it.
Excellent Quality!!.......2007-09-14
I have had this ipod docking station channel transmitter for about 1 month and I can just say it's great. Now I can finally listen to music in my car without all the distortion in the background. The sound quality is awesome!! I have bought Itrips before they s.... I threw them away but this one I can sincerely recommend it to everyone. All my friends are getting it. A+
Works great.......2007-09-12
The FM cup works great. I cannot benchmark with other products but I hear interference is a big issue and I've never had the problem with this one. It fits nicely in your cup holder. A bit pricey, but hassle free.
Product Description
iTrip, it's not just for iPod anymore. This one is called Plus with its ability to charge your player by means of a built-in USB port.
Customer Reviews:
Make it as a option, not primary need........2007-12-25
Great product, but as we know that we still need significant improvement on wireless technologies. Cannot compete wires.
sound is only average.......2007-12-18
The sound is only average. I have to turn the sound on my mp3 player almost all the way up and turn the car stereo up quite a bit as well. I wouldn't say it is CD quality but it sure beats static on some longer trips where radio reception is poor.
Look ma, no batteries! & works fine in crowded NYC airspace.......2007-11-26
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.
Near Perfect device.......2007-11-18
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.
No 87.9???.......2007-11-14
Works fine, but it is pretty disappointing that the tuner starts at 88.1 instead of 87.7 or 87.9.
Product Description
The versatile TuneBase FM plays your iPod tunes through your car stereo as it powers and charges your device. By seamlessly integrating an FM transmitter with the versatility of a car power adapter, the TuneBase FM for iPod offers the outstanding convenience of an all-in-one solution on the road. The holder secures your iPod and features an innovative, flexible-steel neck for easy repositioning. This package includes tray adapters to fit various iPod models. Offering improved FM transmission, TuneBase FM delivers crisp and clean audio performance for an unsurpassed listening experience in your car. Its built-in FM transmitter wirelessly connects to your car stereo and operates on multiple FM channels from 88.1MHz-107.9MHz. This lets you listen to your iPod on the best available frequency. Four programmable memory slots let you easily find the clearest frequency, and toggle among them for best performance.
Amazon.com Product Description
The versatile Belkin F8Z049-BLK TuneBase FM for iPod plays your tunes through your car stereo as it powers and charges your compatible iPod. By seamlessly integrating an FM transmitter with the versatility of a car power adapter, the TuneBase FM for iPod offers the outstanding convenience of an all-in-one solution on the road.
The Belkin F8Z049-BLK features improved FM transmission that delivers crisp, clean, best-in-class audio performance for an unsurpassed listening experience in your car. The built-in FM transmitter wirelessly connects to your car stereo on the full range of FM channels, from 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz, letting you choose the best available frequency so you are sure to find a channel without interference.
This unit lets you use the iPod display for quick and easy tuning, and features four, single-touch programmable preset buttons that let you find the clearest frequencies, and toggle among them for optimal performance. The TuneBase's holder provides a secure and stable connection to your iPod with a custom-designed swivel cradle, and features an innovative, flexible-steel neck construction that allows for easy repositioning inside the car.
With tray adapters allowing compatibility with most iPods with a dock connector--including the iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 4G (Click Wheel), iPod color, and iPod 5G/5.5G Video--the F8Z049-BLK comes in black, and is backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Belkin F8Z049-BLK TuneBase, interchangeable trays for iPod video, 4G, photo, nano and mini, user's manual and warranty information.
Customer Reviews:
Depends where you live..........2007-11-30
Periodically, I fool myself into trying yet another iPod FM solution for my car. This unit is very well made and easy to tune, but because the airways in Boston are so crowded it turns out to be just as useless as its predecessors. This is not the manufacturers fault, of course, but Boston dwellers shouldn't waste their money (if you do buy one, the weakest external FM signal is 99.9 - good luck.)
Horrible Product Don't Buy.......2007-11-20
I have used two of these transmitters and both have broken. One just fell out of the power socket one day while I was driving and fell to the floor broken. The other one broke when I pulled it out of the power outlet and it left a piece in my power outlet that I can not get out. It got horrible quality and was always cutting in and out of my songs. Do not buy!! It's a terrible product!
What you would expect........2007-11-14
I though it worked as well as it should, because the audio quality was average. I do not know how any other similar products compare, so not being able to offer another alternative I would say this is a safe buy. The functionality is great and does what it's supposed to do.
Just OK.......2007-11-08
The product works OK but not great.
You will be able to listen to your Ipod on the FM Radio but the quality is not that great.
Also the charger is not very good since I can play the Ipod in the car but the battery will die right away when I take it out of the car.
Disappointing for what I expected
Efficient and Easy to Install.......2007-10-10
If you're not expecting audio perfection, this is an efficient product for listening to your ipod in your car. Where I live, in the Seattle suburbs, it sounds like a very clear radio station. I didn't have to read anything to plug it in which was nice. I would recommend this product highly.
Product Description
iTrip Auto for Sansa plays your music on your car's FM stereo as it charges so you can listen as you ride. Four user-programmable presets make this the hardest-working iTrip for Sansa ever. Play your Sansa's music on your car's stereo system without wires as it charges so you arrive at your destination fully charged, ready-to-go. Just plug into your car's 12 V accessory outlet or cigarette lighter, set your radio to one of iTrip Auto's pre-sets and iTrip does the rest. iTrip's digital FM radio broadcaster sends music from your Sansa to a clear, open frequency on your car's FM radio in crisp, clear FM stereo. Once you find that perfect station, iTrip Auto can remember the setting with one of four user-programmable pre-sets.
Customer Reviews:
I don't rate anything a 5!.......2007-12-14
Just on principle, I don't rate anything a 5 star, but if I did this would be it. It worked as advertised and right out of the box without reading a manual. Sound quality is good and hit has enough signal even when you get near areas that have a station at the same frequency. I also like the battery recharging. FYI I am running a Sandisk Sansa View with this transmitter.
Disappointed.......2007-11-28
Hard to find an empty FM Station these days, especially on a road trip.
Traveling through states I have to fumble to find another empty FM station. I get a lot of static, sound quality is poor, some songs comes in great while others you have to crank the volume just to hear it, which then causes the next song to blare. I am constantly playing with the tuner, then the iTrip tuner to sync and/or the volume in the car, not a safe thing to do when driving, I ended up giving up (unless I have a passenger) and went back to my CDs.
Pretty good product........2007-11-17
At first, all we heard was dead air. Not static, just dead air. So I had a feeling it was the player and not the transmitter. I checked SanDisk's website and found the firmware wasn't up to date. So after a firmware update, the device worked flawlessly. Pick an empty station and play to your heart's content! Charging it at the same time....makes it all worth it.
Product Description
Spend more time enjoying your iPod tunes and less time searching for a station. The QuickSeek FM transmitter for iPod finds the best FM signal in seconds, while the ClearFM feature ensures great sound. The FM transmitter and charger play iPod tunes through the FM radio in your car or wirelessly through your home stereo. Charges your iPod while it plays through your car stereo. Detachable car charger also recharges USB powered devices, such as mobile or smartphones, PDAs and more while transmitting.
Amazon.com Product Description
Spend more time enjoying your favorite iPod tunes and less time searching for a high-quality audio signal with the Kensington QuickSeek FM transmitter/car charger. Like other FM transmitters, the unit broadcasts your iPod's music through your vehicle's stereo speakers, so you can groove to your full digital music collection without buying an expensive iPod-compatible car stereo. But unlike with competing models, you don't have to fiddle with the transmitter for several minutes to find a static-free station. Instead, the unit's QuickSeek technology locates the best FM signal in mere seconds, making tuning easier than ever. All you have to do is connect the transmitter to your iPod's dock connector, plug the car charger into your vehicle's 12-volt power outlet, and you're set.
The QuickSeek boasts Kensington's ClearFM technology, which delivers richer lows, crisper highs, and superior stereo separation with a "concert hall" effect--all through your regular stereo speakers. The ClearFM circuitry also includes the company's patented filtering technology, which results in the lowest harmonic distortion and signal-to-noise ratios of any FM transmitter on the market today--up to three times clearer than Kensington's competitors. Handiest of all, the detachable car charger isn't for iPods only, as it also works with other USB-powered devices, such as mobile or smartphones, PDAs, and more.
Other details include three programmable preset buttons for storing FM stations, an ultra-bright display, and a detachable spacer to ensure a custom fit with iPod models in a case. The QuickSeek FM transmitter is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box
FM transmitter, car charger, user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
Best, as far as radio transmitters go.......2007-11-30
I purchased this product a few months back and have been pretty satisfied. This transmitter has a fairly strong signal and comes through pretty clear. The car charger attachment is a great feature and ensures your ipod has always got juice. The only potential downside is that the part that attaches to the bottom is quite large, so if you have a case or a car holder you may want to take a closer look at the picture to make sure it will fit, otherwise you might be taking it in and out of your case alot (I use an I-skin, which I cut some of the material out of the bottom, works great and I don't have to take it off). A caveat is that you will experience a small amount of static occasionally, this is unavoidable with radio transmitters especially if you live in the city. If you want perfect sound you're gonna have to chop up your stereo and put in a line.
Probably the best for its price, But.........2007-11-23
Its great. it works pretty well, but it doesnt always find the clearest station and I wish they would make it so it stays attached to the ipod better. In all im glad I bought it though.
simply does not work as advertised with my classic........2007-10-22
What can I say. The QuickSeek button almost never finds a station, and returns me to the main menu. The controls are not intuitive at all; the device is slow to start up or respond; it is frustratingly difficult (in fact, as far as i can tell, impossible) to manually set the station, at least in my unit - i have to rely on trial and error with QuickSeek (which, itself, often fails to respond properly - the "progress bar" remains a motionless dot until it times out and does nothing).
I could go on, but I think I've made my point. Kensington's other recent FM Transmitter is "highly recommended" with an A- review on ipod lounge, and is recommended by another reviewer here. I'm going to try to return my 33384 at the Apple Store tomorrow, and I sincerely hope they don't give me any trouble.
As you can see from the other reviews, the product works beautifully for some people. From what I've gathered, my problems may only apply to the iPod Classic (I'm using the 160 GB model); which makes me wonder if there's a firmware update available for the Kensington unit (I guess installable via a 4-pin / 6-pin usb cable, which I don't actually have. And the latest Classic firmware update (1.0.2) seems to be causing more problems than it fixes (perpetual disk spinning -> battery drainage for many users).
Play it safe. Go with either the other Kensington product, or something else. "QuickSeek Technology", as mentioned by another reviewer, is, indeed, a gimmick. Having used various other FM Transmitters with manual controls in the past (which were all stolen from me. I hate West Philly), I can tell you that it's really not too much of a hassle to find and set a reliable frequency or two yourself.
But it does manage to charge my iPod. At least they got that part right.
(and, in fairness, when the product DOES work, it sounds great; but I've spent more trips trying to get the damn thing to work while not killing pedestrians than I have actually spent listening to my music).
Yeah. For $90, I'm pretty livid.
Confusing and did not operate as advertised.......2007-10-14
I plugged this thing in to my car and it seemed to do something - it would show me a frequency on the iPod display, but when I went to the frequency, there was no signal from the iPod. The instructions tell you how to set up presets manually by moving up and down the dial using the left and right buttons but I couldn't get that to work either. Got it to work once I think by random luck but when I turned the car off and on the frequency had changed and my attempted presets were gone. The connector to the iPod seemed a little loose so maybe that could have been the problem but I wasn't willing to try and bend it at the risk of damaging the iPod.
Ended up with a manual cable/charger from a different mfr with the little transmitter in-line with the wire. Worked well from the moment I plugged it in. I might have to change channels when travelling but that's a compromise I'll make.
It's a cool idea, just didn't work for me.
Works great on the 1st Generation iPod Nano.......2007-10-08
Works great for me. Plugged the iPod Nano (4GB 1st Gen) into the transmitter and plugged it into the power outlet (a.k.a cigarette lighter) and within a few seconds I had the recommended frequency tuned and my music playing. The transmitter is small enough that you can hide it in your palm but large enough you can velcro it to the dash and it'll support the iPod Nano, and maybe a larger iPod.
Product Description
Drive + Play puts the familiar iPod menu on a backlit display right on your car's dashboard or windshield, where you can read it at a glance. The system is controlled by an intuitive interface that mimics the navigation on your iPod, and is just as easy to use - browse by artist, album, song, genre or composer. Mount it someplace convenient and you can scroll through playlists or switch tracks at your leisure, all while keeping your eyes on the road. The control knob is virtually identical to iPod's Click Wheel so it is immediately familiar to iPod users. With three mounting bases for the most comfortable placement, the Drive+Play will be your favorite car control. It's also compatible with the iPod nano.
Customer Reviews:
Now that prices have dropped..........2007-12-26
For the money it is impossible to go wrong with the Drive+Play. The FM transmitter is very strong, eliminating a lot of the static and interference that is the norm. The wired FM transmitter eliminates the static and interference completely. If your head unit has Auxiliary In you can use that for an even cleaner interface.
Install is fairly straightforward so if you can or have installed a car stereo head unit you can easily install the D+P.
Poorly Preformed.......2007-12-24
This product did not preform like I expected. Granted it was not pared with an Ipod, but after talking with the manufacture tech I had problems connecting system properly so it would power up. When I played music from my MP3 (crestive labs) player it sounded as if a lot of the insturments were filtered out. The volume although maxed out on bot player and radio was not very loud.
Flawed but Hey It's the Only Act in Town.......2007-12-23
It's weird with lots of nutty things, like it forgets the playlist you're in after a awhile, it forgets your settings if you unplug the ipod, it won't display a song unless it's assigned an album name, etc. etc. But this unit and it's newer brother (which is also weird) are the only acts in town for an external ipod controller for the car. I get the feeling HK outsourced the design of the unit to an overseas company and the engineers there had never used an ipod and spent minimal time in the planning process. Most of the weird glitches are no more than firmware mistakes that should have not gotten through.
Just ok, neither bad or the best!.......2007-12-22
I bought this last year around this time. It was very easy to install. The A+ is that, you can view your playlist or access it just like your Ipod. Sometimes the nozzle control doesn't always want's to work right. I have to play with it or unplug it from the aux lighter. I do think having a aux. input in the back of your care stereo keeps the clear sound great! The FM transmitter receives some white noise in the background when operating your drive and play through the radio.
Great Idea/Poor execution.......2007-11-03
The idea of the Drive+Play is great. Weeks of music from your iPod, a screen that lets you keep your eyes on the road, and a simple user interface. The reality falls short.
As an earlier reviewer correctly said, the FM transmitter is weak. The same reviewer incorrectly stated the FM was your only option. You can actually wire directly into the radio, if your radio has a direct input. Sound quality is fine. Unfortunately, HK neglected to provide any powerup muting, so you're greeted by a big thump when the thing comes up. This could have been easily rectified, if they had given a fig.
The display is a little weak in contrast. It requires a lot of backlight in daylight hours, and then it blinds you at night as soon as you start your car. I find this mighty distracting and a little dangerous on a dark road. A bigger weakness of the display is the fact that it doesn't display any characters with diacriticals, such as umlauts or accents grave. Instead, you're greeted with a blank space. If you like European or classical music, this will be increasingly irritating. And there are some character strings that it can't display. For example, if I play the NY Times Science Podcast, the bottom half of the title is cut off--it's as if someone bit through the letters. This is bizarre.
There are navigation issues as well. The Drive+Play doesn't know anything about audiobook chapter markers and treats an audiobook as a single long song. Podcasts don't show up in the top level at all, although you can find them by genre. There are other problems.
Now it may be that some of these issues have been resolved, but this raises what is another issue in my mind. The device is not upgradeable. An iPod is a substantial hard disk. It would seem to me that a flash upgrade could be downloaded to the iPod and then over to the Drive+Play. The iPod has grown in capability. The Drive+Play is a snapshot of the iPod of 3 years ago.
And did I mention that mine stopped working after about a year of operation? First it got flaky, then it stopped seeing my iPod. Tried another iPod--same thing. All in all, this seems to exemplify the fall of the once-mighty Harman Kardon. The product feels rushed, and I just don't think they give a damn. Two attempts to reach customer support via the web site were met with stony silence. I spent the better part of a day installing this thing. Haven't ripped it out yet, but I'm getting there.
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