Griffin 4031-RDGC RoadTrip FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod (Charcoal) Reviews

• Very pleased after EXTENSIVE testing

  
  By AHCVWPLA1O4X8 on 2006-04-26
  I recently purchased this product and took it on a 30 day roadtrip across the country. I used it all over the nation, from the Midwest (where it's relatively easy to find a frequency), to more congested areas like around Washington DC and Philadelphia, where its not easy to find a signal. Through it all, the Roadtrip provided incredible sound quality for an FM transmitter.
  
  The cradle and mount is very handy in that you can adjust it so that you can view both the Ipod's screen and the frequency the Roadtrip is on without really having to take your eyes off the road. As one would imagine, I had a lot of stuff in my car on the trip, so I didn't want to mess with a typical corded charger and transmitter. This allowed my Ipod to be mounted close to my radio controls and didn't take up any space on my floor or console.
  
  A couple of things to note here, however. First is that the mount comes with two pieces, one which you plug into your cigarette lighter and one which is an extension piece if the Roadtrip is in your way. I used the extension and was very pleased with it, but over time the sheer weight of it would not let it fig snugly in my cigarette lighter, and it tended to move around when I went around corners. Taking off the extension solved this problem, and, while it was not as conveniently placed, still allowed me to see and use it easily.
  
  The sound quality of this product is also not as good in my other car (a '97 Grand Am), but I suspect that's the fault of the car itself, not the Roadtrip. The antenna on that car doesn't pick up very good signals anyway. Overall this is a great product, certainly a great asset for me on my cross-country adventure.
  
  

• My complete Review

  
  By A219JTU93RHU6E on 2007-01-15
  First, and foremost, we are talking about FM transmitters. Therefore, nothing will sound like CD sound or direct cable connections when it comes to music quality. You will lose some highs, and you will lose some lows, and you will have nowhere near great quality. That being said, sometimes there are no alternatives, and some transmitters can get the job done. In addition, I have owned and tested all of the following transmitters, to which I will review for you now to save you the time and money. A note: I have 2 vehicles, a SUV and a Saturn.
  
  First up: Belkin Tunebase
  I bought this after my Roadtrip base was stolen with my iPod, and I thought I would try an alternative. I liked the flexible connector in my SUV to allow reaching of all controls. However, it was disastrous in my Saturn, only preferring 1 position - lying down. It is a pain to control the iPod when driving in either vehicle, as the flexible arm gave too much in order to advance unwanted songs or control the iPod in general. Although a wider range of highs and lows was evident, the strength of output of this device is way too low; easily outcompted by either of the following transmitters. In the SUV, it is very good at broadcasting and being received by the radio. However, in the Saturn, it was an absolute disaster. I am transmitting on a completely free channel, and in my Saturn I got feedback from the background radio hiss! I even had the hiss increase in tune with the windshield wipers! How awful. This is not a bad transmitter in a larger vehicle, like my SUV, but in a small vehicle, you don't want to risk it. Finally, you can't disconnect the transmitter like the Griffin items. So, it's use in your car, or don't use at all. Although you rarely need to use it outside of your car, the other two below are the same price or cheaper, so you're already paying for it. Avoid this item.
  
  Next - Griffin Roadtrip
  Although this comes with an extension, the fixed location of the holder interferes with many of the car controls, even with the extension. However, the transmission is much better and can even be picked up in nearby cars at clear enough reception. I again had trouble making turns in the Saturn, as the roadtrip does slip around; but not nearly as bad as the Belkin. The transmission is good, but not great; as you do need to find a completely clean frequency in order to get a good reception. Finally, controlling the iPod is easy, as the adapter is a sturdy adapter and holds the iPod quite well. It got the job done in both cars, but didn't exactly knock my socks off.
  
  Finally - Griffin iTrip
  The best of the bunch. I doubt the transmission is greater than the griffin Roadtrip; based on the fact it runs off of the iPod, but it doesn't matter. You can move your iPod into position to be right under your antenna and get fantastic reception. In addition, because it doesn't need to be connected to the lighter, there is no interferce with the controls of the car and the iPod is easy to control. Finally, purchase this with the Powerjolt and you've spent the same as either of the above and can charge your iPod at the same time; except with a cable to keep the iPod clear of auto controls. I was expecting very little from this tiny device, but I am quite pleased. The only drawback is that, since there is no holder, there really is no secure place to put your iPod; as it will slide all over the dash. Putting it near the controls of the car (like in the center compartment area) obviously takes away its advantage over the Roadtrip. However, some velcro backing to it or sticky tape should afix it to the dash temporarily and you can remove it when you leave the car. But then you have tape on the back of your iPod....so..... Well, it still is the best choice, as the transmission is clearest because you can get it close to your antenna; and it is the only transmitter that worked well in my Saturn. In the SUV, all worked well.
  
  

• Best FM transmitter for iPods on the market!

  
  By ALUSNZATIXQQU on 2006-01-07
  After having bought the "Monster Cable iCarPlay Plus Wireless FM Transmitter/Charger for iPod" (and then promptly returned it because there was just too much static/interference), I decided to try the Griffin RoadTrip. First, I was shocked at the difference in sound quality between the two products. The Griffin sounds crisp and clear and there is NO static! I live in Boston and have set the frequency to 88.5 and have not had a single problem. Second, the Griffin is so much more convenient and easier to use because you just plug it in and turn it on (it remembers whatever frequency you used previously). No wires, no having to dangle my Nano around the rearview mirror just to get music to play (albeit with frequent static and a constant hissing sound in between songs), and I have a nice, solid, safe place to put my Nano that's right at my fingertips. My only caution is that the holder-adapter that's designed to fit the Nano will only fit if I take mine out of the leather "Marware" protective cover I bought to keep it from getting all scratched up (I have the 2G Black one). An easy solution (at least for me) was to keep my leather cover on and simply use the "larger" holder instead of the smaller "Nano-sized" one. Griffin conveniently provides two different thicknesses of padding to customize the fit for virtually all iPods (except the Shuffle, of course) so I just put in one of the pads and my Nano stays nice and secure and will never get scratched. I highly recommend the RoadTrip and am frankly, shocked that others have rated it so poorly. I love it and could not be happier with my purchase!
  
  

• fits my iPod just fine

  
  By A2F4966IWMQ4LV on 2005-11-27
  I've talked to many people who have different adapters for their cars and I've come to realize that this is the best. It's a tad bit bulky but I would rather have something that's bulky and works great and is realiable.
  
  

• incompatible

  
  By A2V76SM47HS0M1 on 2005-11-14
  according to your review the griffin roadtrip fit all ipods. According to apple it does not fit the new video models. Please clarify. rsvp
  
  
• Great product as far as fm transmittion goes...
  By A10BM6VYPTXRTN on 2006-05-30
  After reading many reviews of the fm transmittion criteria, I found myself in the market for one. The best reviews that I could find where the Monster IcarPlay (newer) and the Kensington 33185, I could not find either specific model anywhere near me, so I went down to the local bestbuy and got myself the Griffin RoadTrip. I was quite skeptical to see how this would perform because I read many negative reviews regarding Griffin products. After purchasing it for $118 CAD (about $105 US), I went in the car and tried it out. the set up is quite basic and after a few minutes I was listening to my nano with decent sound quality (same as local radio stations). I live in the biggest suburbia in North America, Mississauga, Ontario and the transmittion is quite good.
  
  Pros:
  It does not skip, even as the ipod wiggles from the road bumps
  It stays in tact
  Easy to use
  Good sound quality
  Comes with everything you need, every ipod model capability
  Can be used with your PC or Mac to transmit sound for you home stereo
  Convinient
  comes with Doc+holder+clip (s)
  
  Cons
  Constant access to the ipod battery could mean that the battery's life is ending faster than it should.
  the sound quality isn't top notch. (after all it is a transmitter, very minor complaint)
  
  
  Ipod users limit your sounds to minimum when the ipod is playing because it will not have an effect on the transmittion at all.
  This is probabbly a good thing.
  
  Over all I'd like to give it a 5, but 4 seemes more appropriate, due to price and capability.
  As far as fm transmittion goes this product will not dissapoint you.
  
  
• It's good...honest!
  By A3891ZLY74467Y on 2006-01-25
  Ok, based on many of the reviews written here, I decided to give the RoadTrip a shot. It arrived today from Amazon and I couldn't wait to try it out.
  
  Real men don't eat quiche and real men don't read manuals (unfortunately, real men don't eat well and real men break a lot of things...but I digress). I was able to determine what pieces I needed to rig the RoadTrip up to my truck, tune it into a station, and begin playing my library of songs within 30 seconds of opening the box.
  
  One star for ease of use.
  
  Tuning the FM transmitter to a station (preset 88.1) was actually easier than finding that same station on my truck radio (the Ford factory install isn't exactly navigation friendly). But as soon as I hit the correct station, the tunes began to flow. At first listen, it's not bad quality. I had no static and got decent (but not mind blowing) bass.
  
  One star for quality that is quite tolerable.
  
  I have two cig-lighter outlets on my dash. The one I thought I would use (the accessory outlet) isn't the one I ended up using. I found that the shorter extension arm in the cig-lighter outlet closer to my steering wheel was more convenient. That puts my unit just inches from my hands at any time making tuning and adjusting fairly simple. The short arm in combination with the extension should give enough options to find the right position on any dash.
  
  One star for mounting options.
  
  The fact that my IPOD (5G video) will charge while in the unit is a huge plus. I get a holder, a tuner, and a charger all in a nicely bundled unit. It'll give the nice option of keeping the backlight on at all times while in the charger -- something I couldn't dream of doing while on battery power.
  
  One star for juicing my pod.
  
  If I did my math correctly, that's 4 stars. I have to deduct one star for a few minor issues.
  
  First, I'm not getting anywhere near the output (volume-wise) as I would from a my head unit directly. Not that I have a need to vibrate any windows, but if that's what you're looking for, the RoadTrip isn't gonna get you there. I also think the RoadTrip is just a tad chincier looking than the photos might lead you to believe. It's not a solid looking polished and refined device. But then again, I have Yosemite Sam floor mats so I'm not too disappointed. The only other detractor is the angles at which the mounting arms adjust. There's a nice up down, forward back, and tilt adjustment range. But I haven't discovered any magic that will allow me to rotate the POD towards me or the passenger. It's pretty much straight forward. Again, because of my dash layout, it's not a major problem. But I can see where one might want to rotate the device so that you have a full frontal view (trying to keep the post PG rated).
  
  Bottom line, I got as good as I wanted. For the price, I'm quite pleased and I'll be able to carry my collection anywhere. With the addition of some DVD ripping and converting to MP4, it'll be nice to have some movies on board for those traffic jams.
  
  
  
  
• RoadTrip This . . .
  By A1374T04T6CGQ6 on 2006-03-18
  The Roadtrip is a quality product that functions as one would expect for the price. Knowing that ipod to tape player units certainly have better consistency, fidelity, and longevity...I choose the roadtrip anyway. Check it out . . .
  1) It charge the iPod . . . which means it can play forever!
  2) It's powerful enough to overpower most non-major radiostations
  3) Digital display makes sure you know exactly where to tune
  4) You can change the freuency to any imaginable recievable FM frequency
  
  the bad . . .
  1) It needs your car A/C adapter to function and/or be hooked through your computer's USB port . . . so no using this bad boy on the job with the boom box etc.
  2) It's definitely an addition to audio system in your car in terms of size... it kind of looks like an alien arm extending out of the console.
  3) You can't put a gel cover on your ipod because then it doesn't fit in the bracket which holds the ipod in place. Major bummer.
  
  
  
• Griffin Technology 4031-RDGC RoadTrip FM Transmitter & Auto Charger
  By A1U66356ZHNFSG on 2006-08-23
  This was easy to install and use, and I had no problem finding a station to transmit to. However, I did have two issues. first the low position of the Griffin sometimes limits its transmission. If I could move it around a bit I would get perfect reception, but since it is stationary I receive good reception which in all honesty isn't half bad. The other issue is the fit of the iPod into the cradle. It is designed to fit the iPod snuggly into the cradle, however I bought an iSkin to protect my iPod and I have not been able to use it because the iPod doesn't fit in the cradle in its skin. I could take off the skin (which I did) when using the Griffin transmitter, however it is a combersom process to put it on and off, so I decided to buy a differenct type of protective cover where the iPod can be removed easily.
  
  
• Warning! NOT for iPod Mini!
  By A2N6850P9TDYFW on 2006-10-26
  Yes, yes, I know. Griffin has iPod Mini compatability all over their RoadTrip web page. But the sad fact is, when you recieve it you will NOT find an adapter for the iPod Mini in the box although there are adapters for other iPods. When you read the instruction book you will find that you must purchase an adapter from Apple Computer to make it work. Calling Apple, I find that they no longer sell the adapter. When I called Griffin I was surprised to find that if you have any other iPod than Mini and the adapter is not in the box, they will send you one. They recommended that I return the RoadTrip, which is what I did. Save yourself the aggrevation -- if you have an iPod Mini stay away from Griffin Technology.
  
  
• Better than the Nano ITrip
  By AAEU6JJKOJGO on 2006-12-12
  The Roadtrip proved to be more dependable than the ITrip for the Nano in so many ways. The Nano attaches securely and easily to the device, whereas my Nano used to slip off the ITrip device. Also, the RoadTrip can accomodate all IPods, not just the Nano (though I'm not sure if it can accomodate the 1st generation Ipods...) The Roadtrip transmission comes in very nicely. With the ITrip in my car, you had to wave the unit at the right angle to get a clear reception, and then hold it there. Usually, this would be at an uncomfortable position where you just couldn't set the ITrip down. I also bought the RoadTrip on sale, and it was a lot cheaper than the overpriced ITrip. Plus, it comes with a charger so you never have to worry about your IPod running out of batteries. My only problems with the Roadtrip is that it gets a little tedious trying to change the songs and keep your eyes on the road at the same time. If it came with a remote control, the RoadTrip would be absolutely, positively perfect. As far as transmitters are concerned, this is the best on the market.
  
  
• It works on Ipod Video
  By A20L7G7BMJK2ZR on 2005-12-30
  I just got this for my ipod video and it works just fine. It moves a little in my cigarette lighter, but that could be becuase my car is a 96 Camry. The unit is fine and the extention piece works well/ One issue with the extention is the ipod will pull it down if you try to extent the unit to the right or left. Overall, I am glad I have this..
  
  
• Well Beyond Expectations...
  By AMK4NYSHX1UFM on 2006-02-06
  I entered into this purchase, not really expecting too much, as everyone from the other reviews pretty much states, "well, whatever you get, it's going to be FM technology." Yes, there will be some static, and yes, you may have to look around for a station a little bit.
  
  A little background - I live about 50 miles outside of Birmingham, AL, so there's a decent market for radio stations in my area, but not quite crammed like the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area, for example. Surprisingly, when I play my music, it comes in pretty clear most of the time. Several have suggested finding a channel in the 80's, but I've got mine set to 96.1 and have had better success with it there than the low end of the dial. So, if you get this model, you might want to scout out what's available further up before settling - the transmitter can go up to 107.9. The transmitter can "mute out" whatever frequency you're tuned in on, for the most part. I have a little static from time to time on the empty station I use.
  
  The accessories that come with it allow for potentially any iPod to be connected to it. There are two different holders that come with it - one for iPods, current generation and before, and a smaller, slimmer holder for the iPod nanos (and probably the minis and shuffles). You clip the holder onto the RoadTrip to ensure stability. Additionally, there are pads to provide the best and snuggest fit possible. The RoadTrip comes with an extension for the power outlet, in case the RoadTrip comes out at an awkward position with the basic piece plugged into the RoadTrip from the outlet. You can adjust the pieces, slant them, so you can better see and reach the iPod and the FM transmitter.
  
  The transmitter has the ability to remember what station you were last set to, so when you turn the unit on, it immediately returns to that frequency. The pitfall is when you turn the unit off, you must hold in the button to the right for 3-5 seconds. If you press it, the transmitter recets itself to 88.1.
  
  The other accessory that comes with the RoadTrip is a cable that enables you to connect the transmitter and iPod to your computer, and broadcast. The curious thing is that if you have iTunes installed on your machine, all you have to do is open up iTunes, and you can play songs from your iPod.
  
  Other pluses: it charges up the iPod quickly; you can disconnect the transmitter from the charger, for whatever reason (probably the computer broadcast thing); you adjust all volume from your radio, no volume adjustments need to be made from the iPod. And it works with the latest version of iPods (5th gen w/ Video).
  
  Other minus: making sure that the iPod is seated in the port can be a pain at times.
  
  As a newcomer to using my iPod in my car, it's also beneficial for you to utilize the "On-the-Go" playlist feature on your iPod. Focusing on finding a song while driving takes attention away from driving, and could lead to an accident, imho.
  
  It's a steal at $57 through Amazon. If you find it at Target, Best Buy, etc., you're going to pay $90 for it. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• Expensive JUNK
  By A105YVLAZNYQUU on 2006-08-21
  This thing is awful. Sounds like garbage!!! I returned mine the very next day. Just plain awful!! How anyone could listen to this is beyond me. Direct plug-in is the only way to go.
  
  The only way I would recommend this is if it were FREE or under $10. Seriously, this thing is junk. You'd be better off buying a Thigh-Master because at least that has a picture of that blond from Three's Company.
  
  
• Not compatible with 2nd generation Nano
  By A2TFMB3C46OPKO on 2006-10-25
  Appearance-wise, this product is too bulky for a Nano, although it now ships with a Nano adaptor. Unfortunately, the adaptor does not fit the 2nd generation Nanos. This includes the new 8GB Nano. I wouldn't be rating this product if the description, either here or at [...], had warned me. Then again, it doesn't appear that there is an FM transmitter on the market that supports the second generation Nanos yet. To be fair, the only reason I found this out for this product is because it has such good reviews.
  
  
• Worked fine, until . . .
  By AZWPDGCC5GT9E on 2007-01-17
  Three days after the warranty expired, the RoadTrip started shorting out the 12V (cigarette lighter) outlet in my car. I replaced the fuse three times in one day before I figured out that the RoadTrip was the culprit (as opposed to phone charger, etc.). Other than that, it worked fine for me for a year. You have to understand the limitations, though. Don't expect CD quality sound, because you're not going to get it for this kind of money.
  
  
• A great way to listen to your Ipod in your car
  By A3IX3YZBLFBHM7 on 2007-01-19
  The RoadTrip FM transmitter will charge your Ipod and allow you to listen to your Ipod over your car speakers using the radio. First you need to find a station that is only static, click a button, and presto, your're in business. The cradle has an extension piece that plugs into your cigarette lighter. It can swivel in several directions, so you can adjust it so it won't interfere with your stick shift or radio buttons. A very well designed product.
  
  
• Not bad, but there are probably better alternatives
  By A2IY80G3S499PJ on 2007-02-09
  This was the first FM transmitter that I purchased. I liked that it had a sturdy platform to dock the iPod on. It made it easy to see the display and make adjustments while on the road. However, in order to get your iPod to mate with the Roadtrip, you had to use a special plastic clip to hold it in place. The box came with several clips for each type of iPod. I had to remove my nano from it's protective case in order to slide it into the Roadtrip clip (there isn't even enough room for a sheer case). It also didn't fit well and I had to fidget with it for a minute to get the iPod to connect properly. Also, no matter what station I chose, I had problems with static. Someone else mentions, and I agree, that the charger extension acts as a lever arm and causes your iPod to bounce all around. My charger kept vibrating out of the socket and I had to plug it back in.
  
  I went out and bought the Belkin TuneFM (and charger). I like it MUCH better. It doesn't require a special docking clip and can even connect to an iPod that is in a protective case. Another feature that makes it better than the Roadtrip is that it has a 4 preset memory. This comes in handy if you need to use a different station in different places in order to avoid static.
  
  
  
• Absolutely Wonderful!
  By AG1DQV3ZMFQGX on 2006-01-09
  I just bought this Griffin RoadTrip for my girlfriend's 30G Video IPOD and it is amazing. After trying and returning 2 other FM transmiters, I was grateful to have found this one. The charcoal color perfectly matches the interior of her car and it snuggly holds her IPOD without any movement. I loved the fact that there were so many attachments to fit any size IPOD, I would highly recommend this product to anyone with an IPOD.
  
  
• EXCELLENT!!!
  By A1JDMGOZFM4PJ2 on 2006-03-23
  I bought this for my 60GB iPod Video and am COMPLETELY satisfied! I have a 2004 Mustang GT with a stock radio in it and have no problem in the area I live tuning it to one station and having my music come through very clear. I do not hear static what so ever. Also I just got back from a 24 hour road trip where all we used was the transmitter and it worked wonders. We barely had to switch the station it was tuned to because the RoadTrip actually will over power any minimal station frequency that may occur. Even if I had to change it with it's complete range of frequencies it can transmit on it, it was very easy to find a new station to play on. It is really nice how it is able to charge your iPod while playing because then you can keep the back light on the whole time and is very bright and easy to see while driving late at night or when it is bright in your car. I would give my 100% recommendation for this product!
  
  
• "Roadtrip FM Transmitter & Auto Charger For iPod"
  By A2B1K8JSM703OT on 2006-07-11
  "Roadtrip" is awesome. It's unbelievable that I can have my entire iTunes library in the car. The sound is impeccable. A drawback, however, is a lack of support when using the extension arm. Being top heavy, with or without the iPod, I have to hold the unit in place when making the slightest turn, to keep it upright, which is very bothersome. I'd prefer an expandable-type cord, like a telephone handset cord, and lay the "Roadtrip" on the seat. Because of this only, it's 4 stars for me.
  
  
• Good Buy
  By AT8NRFNKRY4B9 on 2006-09-30
  I bought mine about a week ago and I haven't had any problems with it. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because it's a little hard to plug in & take out. But other then that I'm 100% pleased with it. It's not CD quality but it's very close. Good buy.
  
  
• Excellent Sound Quality
  By A13MTWEJ3213I on 2006-10-23
  I bought the Griffin RoadTrip about 4-5 months ago. I loved it as soon as I plugged it in. I live in Denver, and never had to switch frequencies to find a better sound. However, my Civic's dash comes out further from the cigarette lighter, and it was even awkward with the extension. I never quite got it postioned perfectly and found myself constantly messing with it to get it where I needed it. In the end, one of the screws fell out and the wires got severed. The Ipod seemed to be to heavy to be held in a good position and the thing would swing around whenever I went around a corner. At least I didn't pay full price for it :)
  
  As far as sound quality, it was excellent. But in my car it just didn't work out. I think I'll have to get a transmitter without a base.
  
  
• Not too bad.
  By A17RCSV0OC0CIN on 2006-12-19
  I purchased this because I was tired of listening to my ipod through headphones while I was driving and tired of searching for CD's.
  
  I am pleasantly surprised by this product. I heard mixed reviews from people and was not sure, but I purchased it for around 30.00 w/a special promotion going on, so I figured I wouldn't be out too much if it wasn't that good.
  
  Pro's: keeps ipod charged, it's amazing. It also has two attachments in case you want to extend the length and clearance from things, from the lighter. It has attachments for various ipods.
  
  Con's: some of the music you put on the ipod, may sound fine on the ipod through headphones but through
  the radio, some songs are muffled or not as good, but for 30.00, I guess just find a better copy of the song.
  
  Overall, I really like the product and 88.7 and 88.5 seem to be the best channels. Depends on where you are in the world when you are driving though.
  
  
• Very satisfied with a good product.
  By A779RQVW6RMAP on 2007-04-04
  I did quite a bit of research on FM transmitters when I purchased my 30 GB iPOD. I read numerous reviews about many products and decided to take a chance on this product. I was a little worrried about reports of static and whatnot, but I am very pleased with my experience. Let's face it, static is an inherent problem with this type of product, but unless you have zero patience, then this product is quite good. Other reviews indicate that areas around LA are problematic, but I drove through midtown Manhatten with absolutly no static. I have rarely experienced static, but when I did, I simply changed the channel and it was gone. This is a good product that has and I anticipate will continue to serve me well. The extension that comes with the transmitter works well in different vehicles with different clearances. Hooray for Griffin Tech!!!
  
  
• RE: Incompatable
  By A1XN0QM45K72S4 on 2005-12-29
  Phillip's review is incorrect. Though I don't personally own a video iPod and thus haven't tried it myself, Apple's site says that this product is compatable with the new Video iPod. Maybe they were just a little slow in updating their site.
  
  I've ordered this product myself for my 4th Gen 20gig iPod (non-color). I can't wait to try it out. I've owned the iTrip (another similar Griffin product) for my 2nd Gen iPod in the past and was pleased with it, so this product should be all the better since it has it's own powersource and many other neat-o features.
  
  
• Awesome FM transmitter - crystal clear in Sacramento, CA!
  By A3UZV0AWP0J0M8 on 2006-02-28
  This is my first and hopefully last FM transmitter - after discussing FM transmitters with a few audio "experts" (who basically stated that FM transmitters more often than not sound like crap) and reading several online reviews, I am so happy to have chosen the RoadTrip - so easy to use and virtually zero setup. I was so shocked, because a friend of mine has one of those hand-held Belkin FM transmitters - tons of static!...and he had to hold it a particular way to attempt to prevent the static.
  
  I live in Sacramento and work in Folsom (commute on HW 50) and have only heard a tiny bit of static once or twice in the last few weeks - virtually unnoticeable, though. I've found that 88.3 FM works best.
  
  I have a 2nd generation 2-Door Acura Integra - it fits perfectly with the single arm attachment. My 60 GB video iPod fits very nicely/snuggly in the RoadTrip cradle. There are very minor scuffs on the sides of the iPod caused by the iPod rubbing against the plastic as it slides in.
  
  Highly recommended! AND...buy it from Amazon, cuz most retail stores sell it for a whopping $90! (Note the pictures I submitted - this is the latest design which Amazon ships - at least this is what they shipped this month.)
  
  
• Love the product except not compatible with covers
  By A2YLBJTSS0TCFT on 2006-04-25
  I love the product. It works great in most areas and I travel around Los Angeles area (Orange County, Long Beach, Riverside County, etc) and I use 96.9 most of the time. Sometimes it gets fuzzy but very rarely and I just use 97.7 and it fixes. The only thing that I don't like about it is that it's not very compatible with cases or covers on your ipod. I actually modified my case and the holder so that it fits my ipod without taking off the case. I just warmed up the holder with a lighter until it got soft and then angled the sides out until it hardened. Seemed to work fine but then the bottom of the case I have had to be cut out to make a good connection. The biggest improvement they could do to it is to make the dock connector longer so that if you have a case with a large bottom the dock connector will still go into the ipod.
  
  
• As good as it gets
  By AC9VYVRIJ289L on 2006-06-26
  There isn't a perfect FM Transmitter on the market, but this one comes as close as possible. The one-piece design eliminates annoying cords, and keeps your iPod in a convenient and accessible position.
  
  
• Thought this must be the one ...
  By A13WXEV20ODBL3 on 2006-10-12
  ... but it's not. It's a nice, stylish design. Very sturdy and it is positive (and necessary) to have the option to dial in any frequency in the given range. However, music sounds muffled and audiobooks sound like muffled 'from outer space'. Does not work for me, just does not cut it because of the poor sound quality. This product may still be better than others because of the quality look and features. In my opinion this transmitter like others would have to be much stronger. So if your only alternative to singing the songs yourself is a FM transmitter, then this appears to be a good choice - if you expect for $50 more than 1930 radio quality, FM transmitters are not your way to go currently.
  
  

• 3-Year Extended Service Plan - Covers Electronic Items $0-$200 - Repair

• Griffin Technology 4030-ROAD RoadTrip FM Transmitter & Auto Charger and Cradle for iPod
• Macally Audio and Video Cable for iPod
• Speck Products iPod Video ToughSkin w/ Belt Clip - Black
• Belkin Protective Screen Overlays for iPod 5G, 5.5G (Clear)
• Apple iPod Video 60 GB Black MA147LL/A (5th Generation)