Aerielle i2i FM Transmitter and Charger for iPod and MP3 Players (Black)
From Aerielle, Inc.
Compatible to all iPods with dock connector. The i2i FM Transmitter is specifically designed for easy listening while on the road. It works over the full FM spectrum and charges your iPod Player from the car’s cigarette lighter. Features * Plays portable MP3 player tunes through any available FM radio frequency * Three pre-set buttons store your best stations * Powered by your car power outlet so no batteries needed! * Aerielle Enabled® technology reduces noise and enhances stereo separation providing superior wireless audio quality * Compatible with all MP3 players, including all models of iPod * USB port for charging * Audio cables and USB cable included
- Color: black
- Brand: i2i
- Model: FMT200-UNI
- Dimensions: 8.75" h x 2.25" w x 5.60" l, 1.00 pounds
--Posted July 28, 2008
The Aerielle i2i FM Transmitter and Charger for iPod and MP3 Players is perfect for listening on the road. It plays your favorite MP3 player or iPod tunes through any available FM radio frequency on your car radio. Connect your player through the standard 3.5-mm audio connector, and hit play; the device turns on when audio is detected. It operates over the full FM band (88.1 - 107.9 MHz), so you can always dial in a good signal. Aerielle-enabled technology reduces noise and enhances stereo separation for superior audio quality. Use the three station presets when you find good spots.
The transmitter is powered by your vehicle's 12V lighter socket, and since it features a USB port for charging, it'll charge any docking iPod through a USB/dock cable, along with various other MP3 players that charge via USB. The device turns off 60 seconds after your MP3 player turns off, so you'll never drain your car battery once you get out.
What's in the Box
Aerielle i2i FM Transmitter and Charger for iPod and MP3 Players (Black), USB cable, audio cable
Good little gizmo
I owned and used a DLO FM transmitter for the Creative Zen Vision:M until it fell apart (and the Zen Vision:M itself was replaced by a Zen 32GB), so I needed a new one. Not having an iPod narrowed down the choices considerably, and eventually, after doing a lot of research, I decided to risk the Aerielle i2i.
My reasons:
1. It works with any MP3 player because it functions via the headphone jack;
2. It can charge any MP3 player -- or any other electronic device, for that matter -- that charges on USB, and play music at the same time;
3. You can input any FM frequency between 88.1 and 107.9, especially useful when you're looking for an unused FM frequency in a big town;
4. It includes the 3.5 mm audio cable that will allow it to reproduce the player's sound. It also includes the USB cable, but most of us have dozens of those lying around.
Setting this FM transmitter up is straightforward and logical. Its compact body contains the LCD display that shows the FM frequency, the tune up and tune down buttons, three station present buttons and the power / cigarette lighter plug. The body is connected to a small extension by a short cable. This extension contains the 3.5 mm audio jack (for sound) and the USB connector (for charging). Although this layout seems awkward at first, it makes sense because you never have to remove the transmitter from the power socket to plug or unplug devices from the 3.5 mm or USB connectors -- everything is close by and easily reachable.
The Aerielle i2i seems to be solidly and well built, and its texturized finish is non-slip. It does exactly what it is supposed to do: transmit the MP3 player's sound to the car's sound system. The sound quality depends on finding a free FM band, not so easy in the congested big towns but not a problem the farther away you get from them. My first run with it was in a metropolis, so all I got was acceptable sound quality -- on par with my dismembered DLO. I'll complement this review once I try the Aerielle out on the empty road, but so far it is doing well.
Best value for the price
I bought two different FM converters from other vendors and returned them. This unit provides the best quality and flexibility to use with iPhone/iPod and a built in USB charger. Great thinking in design. Kudos to the product disigners.
-Alan.
Best FM Transmitter for MP3 Players
I have tried many FM transmitters for my Zune and this one seems to be the best available. It provides static-free reception much better than Monster, Griffin, Belkin, or the other devices on the consumer market. As another review stated, you must select a frequency where a station is not broadcasting. Otherwise, you will receive interference and bleed-over from adjacent stations. There is not a consumer-grade FM transmitter that is strong enough to block local stations due to regulations from the FCC and other countries.
