iPod on the Road

I spend a good deal of time traveling in my vehicle. I use that time to catch up on my favorite podcasts and listen to audiobooks. In a later post, I'll share my favorite tech podcasts, but today I want to talk about FM transmitters for iPods.

FM transmitters typically plug into your cigarette lighter (power point) and broadcast your iPod's programming to your FM radio, often while charging the iPod and providing a handy cradle. I've been using a DLO Transpod for several years. The Transpod provided a clear, static-free signal and charged my iPod while I drove. The only thing I didn't like about it was that the iPod cradle only faced straight back, and if I was parked somewhere, I couldn't watch video podcasts without leaning over sideways between the seats.

I have been researching FM transmitters for awhile and settled on a Belkin TuneBase FM. My main selection criterion was that it has a flexible gooseneck, so I could angle the iPod towards the driver's seat and easily watch video podcasts (WHILE parked, of course!). I recently picked one up for a good price at a big box electronic store. Here, then is my review.

The first thing I noticed was that, where as my Transpod could tune down to 87.9, the TuneBase only tunes down to 88.1 - minor difference, but there are very few stations below 88 so that was a good frequency to keep set. One major selling point on the TuneBase is Belkin's "ClearScan" technology, which allows the unit to scan for an open FM frequency. While good in theory, in practice it is rather cumbersome while driving to push the ClearScan button and then redial your FM radio to the found frequency. I've prefer to leave my radio set to 88.1 and it works fairly well.

I have noticed more static in the TuneBase than with the Transpod, particularly when I get into an urban/city environment where there is presumably more interference. I also will frequently get blasted by programs from passing cars broadcasting their own iPods. This never happened with the Transpod, I believe because it used the lower FM frequency. The TuneBase has  a really nice three-way boost feature. "Pro 1" adds volume and base, "Pro 2" adds more volume and bass, and "Pro(talk icon)" provides even more boost in mono rather than stereo. Pro 1 is great for boosting most music, Pro 2 works great with quieter music, and Pro(talk) is perfect for listening to podcosts. I found I can lower the volume on my car stereo considerably by using the boost features of the TuneBase.

All in all, I am happy with the Belkin TuneBase. There is definitely more static than with the Transpod, but I can live with that for having the ability to position the iPod cradle in virtually any direction. The newer TransPods still have the same rigid mounting stalk. The TuneBase is also quite sleek, with custom cradles to fit all iPod sizes and shapes. Other features include an audio out jack and two programmable frequency presets. I realize there are other choices out there and perhaps I will have the opportunity to try a few more out and let you know how they compare.