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November 23, 2004
Griffin iTrip
The Griffin iTrip is the CD-changer’s worst nightmare: when used in combination with your iPod, its ability to play up to 10000 songs will leave your George Michael and Dido CDs turning in their trays.
The iTrip is an FM radio transmitter designed to plug into the top of the iPod or iPod mini and broadcast the tunes on your iPod to the world (well, the few metres) around, through a standard FM radio.
And that it does.
You can get iTrips for any generation of iPod: for the original 1st and 2nd generation iPods there is the iTrip with fiewire connector, for the 3rd and 4th generation the iTrip for iPods with dock connector ports, and the iTrip Mini for the iPod Mini. Regardless of generation, the iTrip is very simple to get started - it is just a case of installing the software with the frequencies onto your computer and plugging in the iTrip. This is easy - you just fit it in the top of the iPod. There is no need to turn it on or put in batteries as it runs off the iPod’s power source. The software comes on a CD or can be downloaded from Griffin's website. In a flick of a firewire cable the software is loaded, then you are ready to start broadcasting.
If you find a frequency that is pretty much clear on your radio (ie, there are no other ‘official’ radio stations broadcasting on or near that frequency), then the iTrip is amazing. You can get near-CD quality, but have a selection of songs the equivalent of up to 300 albums. It is stated on Griffin's website to work from distances of up to 30 feet, and in station-free areas this can more than be achieved. The iTrip is small and light, doesn’t noticeably drain the battery power, and matches the sleek Apple design perfectly. It is the ultimate driver’s companion, but also perfect for broadcasting in the house when you want your tunes to come through the stereo. The sound is even better in the house than in the car as you don’t run the risk of entering another radio station’s broadcast area.
The only difficulty you may encounter is when trying to broadcast in urban areas, where there are a lot of radio stations. It can be difficult to find a clear channel to tune into, and then your tunes will sound crackly, which is exceptionally frustrating.
On a downside, the iPod-iTrip combo’s main asset is potentially a cause for its downfall. The massive choice of songs can prove a real distraction when driving. With all the iPod car holders coming onto the market it is inevitable that the majority of Griffin iTrips will be used in cars. Fiddling around with the click-wheel whilst trying to handle the steering wheel can prove a difficult challenge.
One suggestion is to travel with a friend to act as your own personal DJ, or just organise a playlist before you set off. The iTrip is the ideal companion to your iPod, and for the price of a couple of CDs, your iPod deserves to free its music to the waves.
In addition, OFCOM (the Office of Communications) have deemed the iTrip to be illegal for use in the UK and Europe as it contravenes broadcasting laws. However the iTrip can still be bought online as it can be used legally in other countries.
Posted by ipodworld at November 23, 2004 05:32 PM
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