Filed under: Hardware, iPod Family
Griffin updates the iTrip
The Griffin iTrip is an FM transmitter for the iPod. I've been using one for about a year now, and while I like it, I've felt that there's certainly room for improvement. Today's update looks like it makes some very nice changes, including the issues that have bothered me the most.First of all, the new iTrip allows you to change transmission frequency by turning a dial on the iTrip itself, and a LED display lets you know just what frequency you've got selected at a glance. No more fumbling for the iTrip playlist while you're trying to drive your car!
What's most interesting, however, is the iTrip's use of LX and DX modes of broadcasting. From the website: "This allows the user to adjust for the absolute best possible audio under real-world conditions. Even in the toughest situations, such as large cities with lots of radio stations crowding the dial, iTrip's DX Mode delivers a noise level that's below that of a cassette tape adapter, allowing the music to punch through cleanly. The results are stunning." I know that a number of users have complained about the quality of the signal. I live in a rural area, so I typically get a good signal, but when I'm in Boston I do end up fumbling around to find a good frequency.
I'd love to try one of these out (hint, hint, Griffin). It looks like a nice update. The iTrip is currently being offered at a special introductory price of $39.99US, and works with iPod Photo, the iPod U2 Special Edition, 4th Generation iPods (with Click Wheel) and 3rd Generation iPods (with touch wheel and buttons).
[Via Macminute]
Update: I just discovered that Playlist Mag recently published a review. Check it out.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan said 10:42AM on 9-02-2005
"Today's update looks like it makes some very nice changes... "
Actually, these have been at my local Apple Store for a little more that a week. Still no word how well they work, though. The packaging is much improved, noticeably nicer.
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iFelix said 11:36AM on 9-02-2005
I still get a little miffed that this is still illegal in the UK...
Why?
Because if you get one of these you would then be a radio station according to the law!!!
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william said 11:39AM on 9-02-2005
Is this the radio transmitter that makes a beep every time a new song is played?
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Bill Eccles said 11:41AM on 9-02-2005
That's an LCD, liquid-crystal display, not an LED display shown in the picture.
I only point this out because LCDs consume much less power than LEDs. Not that I'd expect another company to come out with an LED-based display, but if I had to choose between the two for a portable application, it'd be the LCD for the lower power consumption.
LCDs have their own problems of course. They don't emit light (hence they are less power hungry than LEDs), so you can't view them in the dark unless they have a backlight, which consumes power, too. And they rely on polarizing light through them, so don't try to use them with polarized sunglasses, unless you're willing to tilt your head (or the iPod) to see it.
Just an FYI--not a critique.
(Hi, MegaPosters! Keeping it real over there, Cai? Del?)
Bill
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william said 12:01PM on 9-02-2005
Is this the radio transmitter that makes a beep every time a new song is played?
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Wheels said 12:12PM on 9-02-2005
Sounds like all they did was to add the DX mode to bump up the transmitter power to change the signal to noise ratio, besides adding that nice LCD. Actually thats the only practical thing they could do. I'd also bet they focused much of the added umph on the bass frequencies, and thus the "punch through clearly" statement. Plus, by doing this, I believe they're not adding to the transmitter's range as much as they would if they amplified the full sound spectrum.
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MZ said 12:15PM on 9-02-2005
Looks much better. I hope it sounds better as well, as you said it yourself Dave, it can be difficult to find a good signal in very populated areas.
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icerabbit said 12:52PM on 9-02-2005
(as an owner of the previous model)
This is what the original iTrip should have been.
I think what some people in the comments above forget is the big change that with the new model you "dial in your frequency" on the iTrip itself and see it on the iTrip display -- rather than fumbling around through the playlist trying to lock in a usable frequency, only to find a while later you have to do it again to avoid interference with a different station, while losing track of the music you were listening to. (can be difficult with audiobooks).
It also eliminates all the frequency "songs" from your playlist / database, avoiding them to play during shuffle shongs; as those iTrip songs do pop-up between the rest of your music.
This new edition covers all the major issues I note with the original iTrip.
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mc said 1:59PM on 9-02-2005
does this itrip not support ipod mini's, or was that a typo?
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Brian said 2:50PM on 9-02-2005
"I'd love to try one of these out (hint, hint, Griffin)."
Hm, I wonder if you receive that iTrip if we should even bother reading the 'objective' review that follows...
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