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DLO TransPod review (second generation, silver)

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CNET Editors' Rating

4.0 stars Excellent
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Average User Rating

3.0 stars 29 user reviews

The good: The DLO TransPod, designed for all existing iPods and other audio devices, features a combination charger/FM transmission cradle that is built for easy access and includes plastic adapters for both the iPod Mini and the iPod Nano. Its strong FM signal means static-free, wireless MP3 playback and excellent sound quality.

The bad: Setting up the cradle and arm of the DLO TransPod to fit the layout of your vehicle can be a hassle, and the supporting arm feels flimsy and easy to break. The overall design is bulky.

The bottom line: A worthy addition to your collection of iPod accessories, the DLO TransPod is one of the best FM transmitters on the market today.

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With so many models--many of them disappointing--on the market today, choosing the right FM transmitter for your car can be a harrowing process. But car-driving iPod owners with no other connectivity options, such as a tape deck or a line-in jack, should look no further than Digital Lifestyle Outfitters' $99 TransPod, a second-generation product specifically designed for iPods with a dock connector.

The DLO TransPod is basically a docking cradle held up by an adjustable multijoint arm. Simply plug the unit into a car lighter adapter, stick a dock-connector iPod (including the video iPod and the Nano) in the cradle, and adjust the arms for optimal comfort. We prefer these mount-style FM transmitters as they give users easy access--important when you're hurtling down the interstate going 90.

The DLO TransPod cradle is well designed, with no rough edges and a flush backing support, and the layout of the buttons is intuitive. The bottom of the device has a small blue-backlit one-line LCD screen that displays the current radio frequency and charging status. On either side of the display are two arrows for scrolling through radio stations. Navigate through up to four user-preset radio stations and turn on/off the display's blue blacklight using buttons on either side of the cradle. Conveniently, the cradle charges the iPod.

The initial installation of the DLO TransPod might be a little daunting at first since the box contains 10 pieces that fit together to form the adjustable arm that braces the cradle. With the help of the detailed instruction sheet, it took us a bit of experimenting to find the right position for our particular vehicle, but once the cradle was set up and plugged in, everything worked together well. The only downside is that the supporting arm is made of a cheap plastic that tends to flex when accessing the iPod controls; there's nothing major to worry about, but it's something to keep in mind while you're furiously smashing the Next button on the drive home. We fretted at times that a big bump would send everything flying, but bouncy rides were incident-free.

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Quick Specifications

  • Release date11/21/11
  • Product type Digital player car holder / FM transmitter / charger

Justin Yu covers headphones and peripherals for CNET. When he's not scouring eBay for useless ephemera or eating hot dogs for breakfast, he spends his time making fun of Internet culture every morning on The 404 podcast. Full Bio

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