Thoughts, awards, HEXUS.right2reply, HEXUS.where2buy
It was quite difficult to make direct comparisons and choose overall winners in this test because the products were all so different and three out of the five were dedicated iPod models.
Although we've talked about the relative merits and performance of some of these units around the home, the conclusions and judgements here are based solely on in-car performance and ease of use.
If you own a compatible iPod, it's probably a toss up between the Griffin iTrip Auto and the Kensington Digital FM.
If you've normally got a passenger in the car – and that person is willing and able to deal with the retuning - the Griffin iTrip Auto is the best option because of its superior sound quality.
If there's normally just you and the steering wheel, the Kensington is the sensible choice. It doesn't sound as good but it's streets ahead in terms of in-car usability and convenience.
For people who don't have a compatible iPod and need an FM transmitter that connects via the headphone socket, then the Belkin TuneCast II would be our recommendation - and it's very keenly priced, too.
Although the Belkin's transmission performance in battery-only mode isn't as good as for the icast (though still better than the Griffin iTrip Auto), the inclusion of four presets makes this the most practical choice for in-car use.
That said, if you have an iPod and like the idea of being able to use it with any radio, any where at all, then consider the Griffin iTrip paired with the PowerJolt kit but only once you know that the loud thump between tracks caused by the firmware glitch has been sorted out. We'll try to keep you posted on that subject.
HEXUS.certification
All five FM transmitters do exactly what they set out to do. Consequently, each merits HEXUS certification. However, we're withholding that for the Griffin iTrip until we know that the company has sorted out the firmware and done away with the loud thump between tracks.
Belkin TuneCast II
Griffin iTrip Auto
icast universal
Kensington Digital FM
HEXUS Awards
We're comfortable recommending all four of the FM transmitters that have been granted certification. We'd feel the same way about the Griffin iTrip were it not for the firmware issue. But, if that is resolved, we'll test a fresh sample to make sure and update this piece with an appropriate award.As you can see, though, there is no one product that stands head-and-shoulders above the others. Each has its merits for one situation or another.
We'd initially decided not to single out any one particular FM transmitter for an Editors' Choice award but, eventually, the Belkin TuneCast II won us over by its combination of versatility, ease of use and low price.
That's not to say it's necessarily the right product for you - though, hopefully, this group test will make that decision easier.
Belkin TuneCast II
Griffin iTrip Auto
icast universal
Kensington Digital FM
Griffin iTrip Auto
icast universal
Kensington Digital FM
Belkin TuneCast II
HEXUS Where2Buy
All prices include VAT and deliveryBelkin TuneCast II - Amazon UK (£14.96)
Griffin iTrip - Amazon UK (£17.84) Griffin Technology UK (£42.11)
Griffin iTrip Auto - Amazon UK (£19.49) Griffin Technology UK (£57.11)
icast universal - LaptopStuff (£33.98)
Kensington Digital FM - Amazon UK (£37.38)
HEXUS Right2Reply
At HEXUS.net, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any of four companies choose to do so, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.You, too, can have your say, of course. Drive over to the HEXUS.community to share your thoughts on this review and FM transmitters generally.
HEXUS.links
HEXUS.community :: discussion thread about this articleHEXUS.lifestyle - reviews :: Griffin & Porta-Charge iPod mains chargers
HEXUS.lifestyle - reviews :: iMainGo combi iPod case and speakers
HEXUS.lifestyle - reviews :: Bose TriPort IE inner-ear headphones
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Apple iPod passes 100M mark (and saves the world?)
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Latest hacks turn Apple TV into £199/$299 Mac computer!
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Apple iPhone on schedule but OS X Leopard delayed 4 months
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Hackers turning Apple TV damp squib into hot item?
HEXUS.lifestyle - news :: Apple falls foul of Greenpeace for not being green enough
External.links
Belkin UKGriffin Technology
iStuff UK
Day Trips to Europe
About John Hill
John Hill created the UK's first web site dedicated to day trips to Europe, perversely-named DayTripsToEurope.co.uk.This, in one of his more modest moods, he described as "Utterly brilliant and completely without equal".
John is a technology journalist and comedy writer and has been for over 20 years. He's earned a decent living as a journo but sadly hasn't yet made it big on the comedy scene (nor, in some people's opinions, is he ever likely to!).
