This past year saw the release of the Apple iPhone. It is truly a phone geared towards media. It has all the features of the iPod, which makes it the perfect companion for the car. Not only can one use it as a GPS device for navigation, they can also use it to carry music. There are several ways to play music from ones iPhone through their car’s speakers. One of these ways is with an FM transmitter. These devices plug into the iPhone. The cars radio is then tuned to the corresponding station to pick up the signal from the iPhone. What many may be asking themselves is whether or not they can buy a transmitter that is both iPod and iPhone compatible. The answer is yes. There are a few transmitters that will work on both. According to Apple then most of the iPod accessories that use the 30 pin connector should also work with the iPhone.
The first of the five transmitters to be analyzed is the DLO TransDockMicro It is advertised as being for the iPod yet it works with the iPhone as well. The listed price is 59.99. Occasionally there are deals on free shipping. The transmitter can be ordered from DLO direct. It also included a USB cable for charging purposes. There are other online websites to try as well. These include Amazon, and Newegg. DLO is a reputable company and 60 dollars would be well worth it for this item.
Another reputable company that has been in the iPod accessory market for years is Belkin. They have a number of different transmitters to choose from. One of these, the TuneBase FM is advertised for the iPod touch. It should work with the iPhone as well although it will go into airplane mode which will prevent one from utilizing the phone. If this is not a problem then this would be a perfect option. The price is 89.99 from Belkin direct. The steep price ensures minimal interference. The device will find the best FM frequency with the least amount of feedback. Another transmitter released by Belkin is the TuneCast 3 FM transmitter. It retails for 49.99. It too can be found here.
The fourth transmitter is put out by a company called Kensington. It is called the LiquidAUX. This transmitter is by far in the top of its class. The price is steep at 99.99. It is well worth it though. It features a remote control that can be mounted to the steering wheel. Not only is this more convenient; it’s safer as well. The AUX also comes with a mounting kit. Although designed for the iPod, it will hold an iPhone just fine. It is also high in quality in terms of limiting feedback.
The fifth and final transmitter is the most economical of the bunch. It costs a mere 24.29, and can be ordered online from here. A bright LCD screen makes it the perfect companion for those who do most of their driving at night. It is simple and easy to use. Just two buttons are all that are required to adjust the frequency. The iPhone FM Transmitter with LCD screen is also small and lightweight. Since it is cheap it also makes the perfect transmitter to buy for multiple cars. It also contains a car charger which is an added bonus to this little guy.
The above are only a few of the many FM transmitters that can be found. Anything made by Belkin, Kensington or DLO should be pretty solid. Check Apple’s web page for more information as they release the second and third generation iPhones.
