Griffin iTrip Universal
Starting at: $46.99
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Griffin iTrip Universal is a small, rechargeable FM radio transmitter compatible with any audio source featuring a headphone output.
The bad: The Griffin iTrip Universal has limited range, a small screen, indistinguishable controls, and requires a USB connection to recharge.
The bottom line: The Griffin iTrip Universal isn't ideal as an in-car transmitter, but its USB power and small size make it well-suited for use around the home.
Despite their limited use and noisy sound quality, FM transmitters still fly off the shelves as a quick and cheap fix for beaming music from your MP3 player to an FM receiver in your home or car stereo. Unfortunately, the best and most powerful FM transmitters are neither cheap, nor especially convenient, making them a tough sell for cash-strapped consumers or use around the home. The Griffin iTrip Universal ($39) doesn't offer much in the way of transmission power, but its universal compatibility, rechargeable battery, and compact size make it one of the most convenient FM transmitters on the ... Expand full review
Despite their limited use and noisy sound quality, FM transmitters still fly off the shelves as a quick and cheap fix for beaming music from your MP3 player to an FM receiver in your home or car stereo. Unfortunately, the best and most powerful FM transmitters are neither cheap, nor especially convenient, making them a tough sell for cash-strapped consumers or use around the home. The Griffin iTrip Universal ($39) doesn't offer much in the way of transmission power, but its universal compatibility, rechargeable battery, and compact size make it one of the most convenient FM transmitters on the market.
The iTrip Universal's 2.5-inch-long design is no bigger than a Matchbox car. An included 5.5-inch audio cable offers just enough length to stretch from the bottom of the iTrip to your MP3 player or computer, without risk of getting tangled. Unlike FM transmitters made specifically for the iPod, the standard audio input of the iTrip Universal can be used with any type of audio source with a headphone or line output. The use of a standard connection on the iTrip Universal also means you can replace the included cable with any length of cable you like, so long as it ends in a 3.5mm plug.
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Donald Bell is CNET's senior editor for tablets and portable media players. He's also a musician, a hardware hacker, and a collector of vintage audio gadgetry. He appears every week on CNET's Crave video podcast. His band, Aloha Screwdriver, plays regularly around the Bay Area.
User Reviews
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"BEST THINGY EVAR!!!" By Regular_Person
Pros: It cooks breakfast for me and does the laundry while I am at school! It tuned up and washed my car this weekend as well!
Cons: That more people don't own this awesome thingy... :(
Summary: Get it if you want to be or are AWESOME!
"No practical use" By rdaveh
Pros: Rechargeable
Cons: The specs say a range of 10 - 30 feet, it's more like 10 - 30 inches
Summary: I bought this to replace a transmitter (an Audia X) that had great range, but I was tired of buying AAA's for it. I guess I'll be using my old one, this one is useless. I have to hold it right next to my car's antenna to ... Expand full review
