Griffin iFM (Dock Connector) / FM Radio and Wired Remote Control for iPod

Griffin iFM vs. Apple Radio Remote

iFM Pros:
++ arrangement of buttons makes operation by touch a cinch
+ (cosmetic) available in black (only)

iFM Cons:
- Lowest volume setting is still a little too loud for certain circumstances/environments
- clip is somewhat flimsy

Radio Remote Pros:
++ iPod integration is great
+ volume can be adjusted in much finer detail compared to iFM (64 vs. 16 levels)
+ clip appears more sturdy and usable
+ includes a set of Apple earbuds which a shorter cord

Radio Remote Cons:
- arrangement of buttons makes operation by touch not as convenient as iFM
- (cosmetic) available in white (only)

Both seem about equal as far as FM radio performance is concerned.

While the Apple Radio Remote seems like the better of the two, I use the iFM (with the shorter Apple earbuds) when skiing because the button layout is much easier to use...Read more

I love my iPod, and what's more I love iTunes (especially since I have gotten a broadband connection.) One of the things I like doing in my apartment on Saturday mornings is listening to my music, but often, I alternate this with public radio from my iTunes (by way of a streamed URL feed.)

So, when I go out, I wander around town with my iPod, but I chose to get rid of my other portable FM radio a while ago when it broke, and haven't replaced it since.

Until now. I picked up the iFM by Griffin Technologies to test and review for as part of the local Apple User Group, and I was immediately taken with the device.

This is a great iPod accessory. To use it, you need any iPod with a dock connector (such as the mini, the nano, the video or the older generation iPod with a dock connector.) I use the device with my mini iPod.

The connector snaps into place and a cable connects you from iPod to the iFM remote. Then instead of connecting...Read more

Functionally, the iFM is great. I like to use it for workouts at the gym to watch FM transmitted TV's. However, the construction is extremely cheap. I bought two of them and both fell apart. One fell apart the second time I used it. The construction is so cheap that I couldn't put it back together because the controls don't line up. I wish there was an alternative but I can't find one. I like being able to switch between iPod tunes and FM, but will have to carry two devices from now on.