Griffin iTrip Mini FM Transmitter for iPod Mini

Design and Setup
The iPod mini is loaded with impressive features, but it's also an Apple product, which means that looks matter. A lot. And Griffin clearly recognizes this, because the iTrip mini is sleek and complementary. It's built to fit into the iPod mini's headphone and remote ports, from where its all-white body looks like an extension of the mini itself. Plus, the device measures less than an inch tall and exactly as wide as the mini, so it takes up almost no extra space--an important feature to people who value the mini's portability. The iTrip mini also works when plugged into full-sized iPods with dock connectors, but it doesn't fit as well shape-wise. Owners of full-sized iPods can buy alternate iTrips designed with their players in mind, including iTrips for 1G and 2G FireWire iPods, 3G and 4G iPods with dock connectors, and special-edition black iPods.

Features and Performance
The iTrip mini performs best when tuned to an FM frequency that plays nothing but static, with no audible words or music. Finding a good frequency is fairly easy, but it requires your full attention, so it's best to do so while parked. We tested the iTrip mini on three separate frequencies in a midsize market with varying success. The sound was generally good in two of the frequencies, less so in the third. This remained true whether the device sat next to the radio, in the backseat, or under a stack of newspapers. While driving through bad FM reception areas, the iTrip mini received a bit of static, but it usually passed in a couple of seconds.

The iTrip mini is designed more for convenience than elite audio performance, so listeners shouldn't expect CD-quality sound. When tuned to a clear frequency, it's about on par with the average FM station. If the volume is turned high, users might notice a slight hiss through the speakers, but engine hum and road noise will generally cover that up. However, listeners who value top-quality sound--especially people with expensive speaker systems that pick up every minor flaw--may instead want to add an auxiliary input to their car stereos to get the most from their iPod minis.

The main drawbacks to the iTrip mini are fairly minor, but will bother some users. First, the iTrip Stations playlist is stored as part of your overall music library, meaning the individual audio files can emerge during shuffle play--and the sound isn't pleasant. Listeners can remedy this by creating a new playlist with their entire music libraries minus the iTrip Stations files. Second, the iTrip mini draws its power from the iPod mini battery. This is actually both a plus and a minus, as it means you don't need to keep buying new AAA batteries every week, but you also won't receive as much power from each iPod charge. If this bothers you, consider purchasing an auto charger, which powers your iPod mini through the cigarette lighter adapter while you drive. Third, the iTrip mini isn't great for long road trips through crowded regions, because the available FM frequencies may change every 40 or so miles (or less), making it necessary to frequently retune the iTrip mini. On the flip side, it's great for long drives through the country.

Ultimately, the iTrip mini is a good value. The convenience will please iPod fans that have been clamoring for a way to play their music in the car. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere, but most other listeners should be satisfied. --Rivers Janssen

Pros

• Makes iPod music library accessible to anyone with an FM radio
• Sleek design fits iPod mini perfectly
• Simple, easy-to-follow controls using mini's click wheel
• Sound quality is solid, though not terrific

Cons

• Sometimes requires frequent retuning to find best FM frequency
• Hard to find good frequency in crowded urban areas
• iTrip audio files emit unpleasant noise when chosen for shuffle play, though problem is fixable

What's in the Box
iTrip mini FM transmitter, installation CD-ROM, user's manual.

Product Description
If you have an iPod mini you need an iTrip mini. The iTrip mini FM transmitter lets you play your iPod mini's music wirelessly through any FM radio - in your car, on the road, even at home through your stereo.The iTrip mini was designed exclusively for the iPod mini. Its form factor matches perfectly all the curves and lines of the iPod mini. It sounds even sweeter. iTrip mini gives you the best possible performance because you can choose any empty station from 87.7 to 107.9. Best of all you choose and change your iTrip mini stations directly from the iPod mini itself.The iTrip mini does NOT need batteries. It receives a tiny amount of power directly from the iPod mini - saving you from wasting hundreds of batteries a year. That's good news for the planet and even better news for your wallet. The iTrip mini can even be used while charging your iPod mini in your car or while docked. If you add the PowerPod iPod auto charger you can listen to your iPod mini while road tripping all the way across America. Now that's cool!iTrip mini doesn't have a power switch - it doesn't need one. Just plug it in and go. It shuts off automatically after 60 seconds of silence just like the iPod mini. You see, the iTrip mini is the ultimate iPod mini accessory because it lets you share the music and share the fun. Forget the headphones. Get an iTrip mini and go wireless!