t3ch Review - Griffin iTrip DualConnect FM Transmitter

Ricardo Trejo Dec 28, 2010 Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Me Follow Us Apple, Audio, Exclusive, Gadgets, Music, Okay Geek Review, Reviews, iPhone

Product: Griffin iTrip DualConnect FM transmitter
Features

• Transmit audio wirelessly through FM radio stations
• OR connect directly w/ built in AUX jack for compatible car stereos
• DualConnect Charges your iPod while in use
• Charger plug hosts physical, lit up Play/Pause/Previous/Forward buttons
• Free iTrip app configures DualConnect w/ best stations for audio quality

My Experience

Depending on your cars build, you have two options: an AUX connection through your car’s stereo or the FM transmitter.

What’s the difference? Well, an AUX connection wires directly from the audio source (iPod) to the car’s stereo without any loss in sound quality, while FM transmitters wirelessly transmit the iPod’s audio through the car’s radio - which can cause static interference depending on local conditions surrounding the frequency selected.

The iTrip DualConnect offers both however, giving owners of cars who don’t have an AUX jack built into their stereos a chance to still listen to their personal playlists through the FM transmitter feature.

Setting up the device was quite easy the first time I used it.

First, the DualConnect’s charger plug needs to be fitted into into any standard cigarette lighter, which powers the device as well as charges your iPod or iPhone while in use. Next, the free iTrip app available for download on the Apple app store needs to be downloaded onto that iPod or iPhone — And since this particular Griffin FM transmitter can only be configured using the iTrip app, the DualConnect is compatible with only iPhones 3G, 3GS, and 4, as well as iPod touch generations 2 and onward.

Once the app is open, you have quite a number of choices as to which frequency you want to select as your primary and back up stations. At the top portion of the app you can see which station is currently selected, and at the bottom you can see which stations have already been preselected. You can use the Smartscan feature to automatically have iTrip search for the best frequency open, or you can go to the Tuner above to manually choose which station you feel sounds best. Once you’re happy with your choice, it’s time to check out the audio quality.

It’s safe to say that anyone who’s ever had to use an FM transmitter knows the static and poor sound quality that comes along when volumes are set too high. And while I really love the iTrip DualConnect, it’s not immune to this widespread problem. But hey, that’s just the price you pay for having a wireless solution for a car that is incapable of hooking up directly to your iPhone or iPod. However, problems with static can at times be as simple as switching the frequency chosen, since again it’s all dependent upon the open stations available in your local area.

When using the AUX jack, all that needs to be done is have the included AUX wire plug into your iPhone or iPod and then plug it to your car’s stereo; switch your car

Aside from the audio side of things, Griffin has added a nice safety feature on the face of the charger plug meant just for drivers. Y’know, when driving it’s always a risk to fiddle with your iPhone’s touch screen while looking for that right song you’re in the mood to hear, so to prevent this from happening the charger plug has 3 physical buttons that users can feel around for without having to lose focus on the road ahead. And it doesn’t end there; the buttons also light up so that they can be seen even in the darkest of hours. It’s an addition that wasn’t necessary, but it definitely gives the DualConnect extra points for thinking of the lives of its users.

Overall

Where most FM transmitters are satisfied with simply moving your iPod’s music from place to place, the DualConnect goes above and beyond by offering an optional AUX jack with an included wire, physical face buttons that emit light so users can navigate their playlists while driving, as well as being able to charge your device while it’s in use. In other words, it’s the ultimate FM transmitter. However, it’s $60 price tag may seem a bit too steep for those who are looking for a humble solution to their vehicle’s audio problem. But just know that if you invest in the DualConnect, there’s not much that can go wrong with so many features built in.

Pro’s

• DualConnect charges iPod while in use
• Physical face buttons for easy use while driving
• Included AUX wire and AUX jack

Con’s

• Average sound quality w/ periodic static interference
• Steep price for an FM transmitter

Price: $59.99
Where to buy it: Griffin, Apple

Photos

This review was done by Ricardo Trejo, who was provided an iTrip DualConnect from Griffin.