Displays tuning and setup info on nano's crisp screen
SmartSense volume control dynamically adjusts level
Draws power directly from nano; mono and stereo modes
Measures 397 x 055 x 157 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
Product Review
Product Description
Griffin iTrip for iPod nano - Digital player FM transmitter Marketing Description iTrip now uses the iPods high resolution LCD for optimal viewing of station information. Additionally the sled design and minimalist controls make this the thinnest FM transmitter for the slimmest iPod to date.Griffins SmartDisplay technology seamlessly integrates all functions and features with the iPod nano. iTrip information is displayed on the best screen in the industry: the gorgeous iPod nano screen.One touch navigation puts all iTrip functions at your fingertip. This also makes iTrip for iPod nano the easiest-to-operate FM transmitter, ever.The exclusive SmartSound volume control, dynamically adjusts iPods volume level for optimal audio quality. Additionally, users can control iTrips volume level through the iPods click wheel.iPod nano slides into iTrip and securely connects via the iPods dock and headphone connectors. iTrip accomplishes all this without adding bulk to the slim, sexy iPod nano. To stay securely attached it uses patented micro grip technology. This technology uses microscopic material to provide a secure grip without ever losing its holding properties.iTrips innovative selectable mono or stereo modes allow the user to adjust for the absolute best possible reception under real-world conditions. Enable the Mono mode in tough situations, such as large cities with stations crowding the dial for unparalleled reception. Switch to stereo mode for the best audio repr
Amazon.com Product Description
Free yourself from the tyranny of headphones with the Griffin iTrip nano FM transmitter, which sends your iPod nano's audio to any FM receiver. Perfect for car stereos or clock radios, the iTrip nano interfaces with the nano in a completely original way--it uses the nano's bright, clear screen to display tuning and setup information. Called SmartDisplay, the technology seamlessly integrates all the transmitter's functions and features in a single convenient place. As a result, you can use the nano's one-touch navigation to select a song, find an unused FM frequency on your radio, or search for an artist. The iTrip nano also sports Griffin's exclusive SmartSense volume control, which dynamically adjusts the iPod's volume level for optimal audio quality. As an alternative, you can control the iTrip's volume level through the iPod's standard click wheel adjustment.
The iTrip accomplishes all this without adding bulk to the nano. Simply slide the nano into the iTrip, where it securely connects via the iPod's dock and headphone connector. The iTrip's patented micro-grip material will provide a secure grip that never loses its holding properties. Other details include selectable mono or stereo modes for finding the best possible audio transmission under real-world conditions; a built-in USB mini-B port that lets you charge or synchronize your iPod while the iTrip is in use; and an operating range of 10 to 50 feet. The iTrip nano, which measures 3.97 by 0.55 by 1.57 inches (W x H x D), is backed by a one-year warranty.
Comment: The Griffin iTrip for the 2nd Gen Ipod has a very attractive design and if not the most sleek design compared to any other FM transmitters in the market. But that is where all the pro's end for this item. Its also the main reason I purchased as well, mainly for the looks.
This transmitter is powered by the ipod's battery power and I feel that its not enough for the transmitter to send out a strong signal. I live in NYC and this gets overpowered very very easily. Also every time I grab or move it slightly in my car it loses reception and emits lots of static noise.
The sound quality is very poor as well, you can still hear lots of static in the background and sounds worse the my AM stations in my state.
The quick fix to all the static and low transmitter power is by connecting a usb car charger to the iTrip. This gives enough power for the iTrip to emit strong signals and charge your ipod as well. But this kind of ruined the entire point of having such a sleek FM transmitter that was easy to carry around.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great investment 2009-09-23
Comment: I was pulled in by the price and some of the other reviews. I've had two other FM transmitters for my iPod nano so far and this one was easily the best purchase of the three.
My first one was one of the cupholder units that you dock the iPod in and it will charge while connected. This one was good for longer trips because it charged the battery while playing the music. The transmitter strength was very poor and every time someone passed me in another vehicle using an FM transmitter device I would be forced to listen to their music until we separated far enough for my transmitter to take over again. I hated that. The other problem was that it was a pain in the neck to carry with you and move to other vehicles. You had to have a place close enough to plug it in and it is meant to be placed in a cupholder, so guess what that's one less drink you can carry in the cupholders (if the vehicle is even cool enough to have cupholders in the first place). The last thing is that it was a gift so I don't know exactly how much it cost, but I do know it wasn't cheap. Not a good choice for the performance and price in my opinion.
I then purchased a Belkin unit that ran on two AAA batteries and plugged in to the headphone 2.5mm jack. It had decent portability as it wasn't very big. The problem was it basically was as poor a performer as the other transmitter I had (actually maybe even worse) and it ate AAA batteries like a bid dog. I did get it cheap though, so the price I paid wasn't bad. Buying a cheap turd still isn't a good feeling though.
Finally, I purchased the iTrip. This thing is awesome. It is basically the same shape as my iPod nano (second gen) and in my opinion adds only minimal size when attached. I am loving this thing. I don't have to charge it separately. I don't have to buy batteries for it. It came with a sweet little velvet type material bag for storage and transporting. I leave the iPod attached and slide it in the bag when not in use and it stays clean and doesn't get scratched up if I put it in my pocket. Oh Yeah, it fits in my pocket with the transmitter attached. The iPod battery powers the transmitter, so yes it does decrease battery life per charge. So what, though it is worth the trade off to me. It could potentially even be almost 35 to 40 percent less, but still worth it to me. The big reason is because it has a mini-usb port that I can plug it in to a cigarette lighter or just a usb cable and charge the iPod (using the term charge loosely it charges very slowly when connected to the transmitter so I don't recommend charging your iPod this way). Even though charging is poor with the transmitter attached the awesome twist to me is that I can use the same travel charging cord to charge my cell phone or keep the iPod rockin while rollin down the road. The other awesome thing is that I haven't been drowned out by someone elses transmitter signal yet. I'm not saying this thing is the strongest FM transmitter out there, but it is the strongest one I have used. It actually even seems to transmit cleaner when I have the charging cord attached (this may be because it is grounded to the vehicle, but not sure).
The bottom line is that for the price I paid for this thing (less than $20 shipped) it is the best iPod FM transmitter I have seen yet. I love this thing. I highly recommend buying one if you are considering it. I usually don't even take time to fill out these reviews, but I love this thing that much. If a slacker/couch potato like me is willing to put forth some effort you better listen up and take a piece of that advice. I hate giving up something for nothing, but I guess I'll have to convince myself that this was worth it.
Happy listening!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great if you can find a good place in your car. 2009-09-15
Comment: i bought this and thought it would work great where ever, but there are only certain spots in the car were it works. luckily i got velcro strips and put it on my dash. its clear there but at times in different areas can be a little fuzzy. good for the price though, but if you are looking for one with no fuzzy noise stick with an audio cable
Customer Rating:
Summary: itrip griffin for Nano 2nd Generation 2009-07-04
Comment: its an ok ok product
better that the off street products that i tried earlier
what i really like is that it fits very well with the old ipod nano
performance could be better as the signal varies when even kept inside the car
there is a hiss sometimes and interference
Customer Rating:
Summary: This is the best FM for iPod that I have found 2009-04-30
Comment: I tried a number of FM transmitters and this is the best one for this generation Nano. Easy to operate, great sound quality and nice size package.
This transmitter is powered by the ipod's battery power and I feel that its not enough for the transmitter to send out a strong signal. I live in NYC and this gets overpowered very very easily. Also every time I grab or move it slightly in my car it loses reception and emits lots of static noise.
The sound quality is very poor as well, you can still hear lots of static in the background and sounds worse the my AM stations in my state.
The quick fix to all the static and low transmitter power is by connecting a usb car charger to the iTrip. This gives enough power for the iTrip to emit strong signals and charge your ipod as well. But this kind of ruined the entire point of having such a sleek FM transmitter that was easy to carry around.