Kensington 33199 Digital FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)

• Combination FM transmitter/car charger for playing iPod through FM stereo speakers
• Transmits iPod tunes through any available FM frequency; easy-to-read digital display
• Plugs into car's DC power source (cigarette lighter outlet); simple up/down button selection
• Compatible with iPod nano (Gen 1,2,3); iPod (Gen 1,2,3,4); iPod Classic; iPod Touch
• 3 programmable buttons lock in station presets; ClearFM technology reduces noise

I've had 2 other FM transmitters (A Belkin and a Griffin iTrip). Neither came close to the quality of this transmitter. Neither charged the iPod (The Belkin required batteries, which only lasted about 15 hours of use), while the iTrip worked OK at first, but then started getting static no matter what station I used. In fact, I had to have the iPod in hand for the static to go away (and then, it was still not clear). The sound isn't as loud as some (it takes over the volume control, so you cant use the volume on the iPod.) Still, it's not nearly as soft as some I've seen. I found most music came through at a good volume (I did adjust a few songs in iTunes to pump them up). This unit, although it seems cheap and flimsy at first, is able to get a consistant, strong signal, even on stations which usually come in clearly. It powers through them, and the result is a very clean sound. It is a little hard to read at the regular angle, but once you set the 3 presets, you don't need to see the screen. Just set your radio to the same 1-2-3 configuration. Also, turning it at a 90 degree angle lets you see the screen much clearer. In all, I couldn't be happier.

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For days I researched which FM transmitter to buy. After everything I read, I decided to wait for Kensington to release this one. This transmitter was also highly rated by Ilounge. Bottom line...It sounds better than my FM radio. Absolutely no static! I love it.

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I bought this unit because of the rave reviews at many IPOD accessory sites. One thing that is awesome on this unit but is hidden is the ability to tune to 87.9FM. In most areas that frequency is unused and crystal clear buy most transmitters only tune down to 88.1. The trick is hold the two right preset buttons down and with your other hand (yes this takes two hands) press the tuner past 107.9. It will now go to 87.5 and 6,7,8,9 and then on to 88.1.

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I have tried two other FM transmitters for my iPod, and this one has proven to work the best. It includes enough frequencies that you shouldn't have any problem finding a clear channel (the lower 80's channels are poor in my area because of all the talk stations, but the high end of the dial works quite well).

The only thing I don't like about this transmitter is that it is nearly impossible to see when it is plugged in. The angle of the LCD is good if you're standing on your head since it is about even with the top of your seat. Also, the orange back-lighting makes reading the numbers on the display quite difficult.

If I were making one of these, I would tilt the display so it faces up, and I would use either LEDs or an LCD display where the numbers light up instead of back-lighting.

I'm still giving this unit 4 stars because the sound quality is really what it is all about, and it does well in that area.

I preface this review by acknowledging that I've tried only one other transmitter, also with unacceptable results. I bought this unit for my daughter (ipod) and decided to try it out before wrapping it. I tried it on 3 car stereo systems and was VERY disappointed in the lack of clarity. I live in a metropolitan area of 1 million + population and was able to locate one band that was nearly static free. The transmitter started off o.k. but within 3 seconds was transmitting unacceptable static. There was no perceptible reduction in static with, or without, the unit engaged. After all the positive reviews I read I was expecting a reliable device but was left to wander why so many reviewers would accept dirty noise with their music its like drinking fine wine from a dirty glass. Would these people also listen to a radio station with static? I, for one, would rather have silence.

I bought this unit from ANTOnline (lowest price should have been forewarned) and they were impossible to communicate with. There is no phone #, and when I finally e-mailed to convey a thorough complaint and request procedures for returning this unit they responded that I should answer 4 questions, yes or no, regardless of any other circumstances. After several cryptic responses they finally stated there would be no refunds for opened packages with parts or packaging missing. Though I reiterated that no parts or packing were missing I haven't heard back from ANTOnline in over a week.

Frustrated to the nth degree, I contacted Amazon, who quickly refunded the cost of the unit. In closing: Amazon has displayed great service and ANTOnline should be avoided as a vendor if there's any possibility of having to engage them after the purchase.