Entered CNET Catalog: 12/09/2004
SKU: irock440fm
Manufacturer: First International Digital
Manufacturer description
The irock! Beamit 440FM broadcasts tunes from your favorite portable audio device to your car's FM radio. Listen to your MP3 player or enjoy your favorite audio book CD while commuting. Virtually any device with an audio output jack is a candidate for beaming - just plug, tune, and play. You'll be beaming from ear to ear. irock!, do you?Product summary
The good: Plugs directly into your cigarette lighter socket so no batteries are needed; controls easily accessible while driving; long, springy stereo cable.
The bad: Device occasionally pops out of lighter socket when you hit some rough road; FM transmission works but sound quality is noticeably compromised; only 12 channels; plug-in design makes it less versatile.
The bottom line: We're not so fond of FM transmitters, but if you have to use one, we recommend the handy 440FM from iRock.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/21/2004
Unlike most FM-transmitter devices, which run on batteries, the 440FM has an integrated 12V DC adapter that plugs directly into a cigarette-lighter socket. Once plugged in, the transmitter's interface is easily accessible, more so because it's fixed on a hinge that can be adjusted to your viewing perspective. Underneath the power button lies a small, backlit LCD that displays any of 12 FM frequencies. The 440FM's digital stereo tuner can transmit at the lowest and highest FM bands, from 88.1MHz to 88.9MHz and from 106.7MHz to 107.9MHz. While these frequencies are generally the least used, some other (albeit more expensive) FM transmitters can tune into dozens of channels. Below the LCD are two rubberized and relatively large channel-tuning buttons. It's a good thing that the device is easy to use and read, as we did our fair share of changing frequencies while hurtling down California's Interstate 5 at a solid 90mph.
A thin, coiled cable stretches from the bottom of the unit and can plug into any device with an audio-out headphone jack, including the iPod, a CD player, or even a portable synthesizer. The stretchy cable ensures that backseat DJs can still have their say. Our tests results varied depending on our proximity to urban areas where there are dozens of active FM stations (the device has a range of from 10 feet to 30 feet). Away from the city, we hardly needed to change the tuner from its default 88.1MHz setting and received clear, if not sonically pristine, audio signals. While the occasional static fuzz didn't irk us, we did notice the sound quality from our iPod rated somewhere between AM and FM quality, and certainly not close to that of a CD. In the big city, we experienced much more static, although the 440FM's signal can overpower weaker stations. We did notice that the entire 440FM would pop out of its socket once in a while after hitting a bumpy patch of road. This wouldn't be a horrible thing if not for the loud static buzz that erupts from the speakers when the 440FM's signal cuts out.
The device also has a power output that, when used with an optional cable, can power many hard drive devices.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6out of 6 user reviews
Don't waste your money on other products.
Pros: sounds great. Quick to setup.
Cons: No complaints
out of 6 user reviews
Works great as long as you don't charge simultaneously
Pros: 10 channels to choose from, well lit display, no batteries
Cons: Interference with power adapter, only 10 channels to choose from, have to crank up the volume
The only other annoying thing was that you have to turn up the car stereo volume pretty high, which is only a problem when you switch back to the radio and it's blasting.
Overall, a good inexpensive solution for people whose car's don't have an auxiliary input.
out of 6 user reviews
AWESOME!!!
Pros: Ease of use, compatability, quality of construction; sound quality
Cons: none in my opinion
out of 6 user reviews
Excellent for RF tuner
Pros: $25 w/ shipping, auto-scans, easy to use, portable
Cons: volume could be louder, only works at ends of spectrum
out of 6 user reviews
poor performance
Pros: none i can think of
Cons: static and lots of noise
Stay away
I have owned a lot of transmitters but this got to be the worst one ever!!!!
irock is known for bad products, you just got to stay away!!!!
I have owned a lot of transmitters but this got to be the worst one ever!!!!
irock is known for bad products, you just got to stay away!!!!
out of 6 user reviews
Well worth the money
Pros: Great clear sound 95% of the time
Cons: Slightly loose plug, some minor static in urban areas.
