Version: 2008
  • On CHOW: Sexy vampire party
advertisement
Click Here

Griffin iTrip Auto for iPod
Reviewed by
Justin Yu
on 01/26/2006

See all products in the Griffin iTrip series
See all Griffin Technology Inc. products

Price range:

$13.51 - $34.38

Compare prices:

Amazon.com $34.38
Amazon.com Marketplace $13.51

Compare prices from 2 stores

Add to my list Product summary

Griffin's iTrip Auto is well designed and easy on the eyes, but it fails to outperform the DLO TransPod, our current favorite FM transmitter for the Apple iPod.

Read full review
See all prices

Compare this mp3 player accessory to:

CNET editors' take

  • Reviewed by:
    Justin Yu
  • Edited by:
    Jasmine France
  • Reviewed on: 01/26/2006
Griffin Technology's iTrip Auto is the newest member of the iTrip family, a line of FM transmitters designed for the Apple iPod. True to its name, the iTrip Auto can be used only in the car. The device can extract audio from any iPod with a dock connector and is controlled by an in-line remote that is powered by a cigarette lighter. The cable in its entirety is long enough for comfortable use in the car, but we would have preferred some kind of docking cradle in which our iPod could sit. In addition, it was strange to be tethered in this way to the cigarette jack, since we were so used to having a completely wireless experience with iTrips of the past, which were battery operated. Of course, there are obvious advantages to being connected to your car's power, such as recharging the iPod.

But we also disliked that the transmitter lacked preset buttons; although the Griffin iTrip Auto remembers the last station it was on before powering off, we'd rather be able to scroll through a series of preset frequencies to find the best sound. The most interesting feature of the iTrip Auto is the integration of two sound-quality settings: DX and LX. Recognizing the issues that arise in real-world application, Griffin gives users the option of switching between LX for stereo transmission and DX mode for a stronger but mono auditory signal. The iTrip is also capable of transmitting in both U.S. and international modes for a wide array of radio stations.

In terms of clarity of transmission, the Griffin iTrip Auto performed better than previous versions but still experienced bouts with static interference and fuzz in certain areas around the city. We weren't able to find a clear radio station that provided a continuous, uninterrupted signal for our music. Switching to DX mode helped with the signal but at the expense of the sound quality. The $70 price tag is worth it for a combination FM transmitter and car charger, but due to the absence of preset stations, the lack of a stationary cradle, and the sketchy audio transmission, the iTrip can't hold a candle to our current king of the ring, the DLO TransPod.

Most helpful user reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Griffin iTrip Auto for iPod

 ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Compare prices for Griffin iTrip Auto for iPod

Price range: $13.51 - $34.38
Amazon.com $34.38
Amazon.com Marketplace $13.51
Compare prices from 2 stores
advertisement
Click Here

Recent user reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Griffin iTrip Auto for iPod

 ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Special sponsor stores

advertisement

Griffin iTrip Auto for iPod

Reviews & advice
Site map
Editorial policies
Meet the editors
How we test
Forums
Internet speed test
Popular topics
Apple iPhone
Apple iPod
Cell phones
Dell
GPS
LCD TV
CNET sites
CNET Site map
CNET TV
Downloads
News
Reviews
Shopper.com
More information
Newsletters
CNET Mobile
Customer Help Center
RSS
CNET Widgets
About CNET
sponsored