[Thorzdad]

Problem: daughter is facing a long cross-country trip in her car with a dead CD-player. Only option is radio or get her one of the following...

• Belkin TuneBase FM
• Griffin iTrip Universal+

I know these kinds of gadgets aren't incredibly great or anything, but she'd at least be able to listen to her own music on the trip, right? My gut leans toward the TuneBase because I like the way the iPod mounts to the transmitter. Nice and neat. But, if it's junk, then never mind.
Anyway...If anyone has any experience using these things, I'd love to hear about it, good and bad. Need to make a decision in the next couple of days.

Thanks!

[turtle777]

I don't like the TuneBase.

I prefer the iPod/iPhone on a long cable (like the iTrip), so I can take it in my hands and use it.
Trying to fiddle with the unit while it's docked in the TuneBase is most likely complete PITA.

If you want a more usable mount, get something like this:

Amazon.com: Arkon Removable Air Vent Mount with Swivel Ball Adjustment for Universal Phone, Smartphone and PDA (Black): Cell Phones & Accessories

I got one like these, but I removed the vent mount, and used double-sided sticky tape to mount it directly to the center console. Now it's at a place where I can fiddle with the unit w/o looking away from the road.

-t

[Thorzdad]

I can see your point. On the other hand, having wires running from one gadget to another is a bit of a pain, too. I like the idea that the TuneBase also keeps the iPod charged. That can be handy over the course of a 10+ hour drive.

FWIW, we're going to have to pick up one of these at our local BestBuy. It's the only local place that sells both and our daughter leaves on Thursday.

[turtle777]

What you'd want is something that charges and use the line-out signal from the dock connector, and then go right into the FM transmitter.

iTrip Auto:

iTrip Auto - FM Transmitter and Car Charger with App Support - Griffin Technology

-t

[andi*pandi]

We used the iTrip (and also a charger concurrently) and it worked ok once you got the signal set up... until you drove across state lines and the signal was overpowered. Ultimately what worked best was a cheapo radio tuner. Plugged into the cig lighter, had 8 stations on it, no fiddling, easy to switch stations should the local college radio in Padukah try to override the iPod signal.

Perhaps iTrip is easier to use nowadays.

[Gankdawg]

I use this and an happy with it:

LCD Display FM Transmitter With Holder For Apple iPhone, iPod - Apple iPhone

[Thorzdad]

Thanks all.
We ended up going with the Belkin TuneCast Auto Live. We opted against the fixed mount thing and went with wires. Daughter reports it works great! So now she'll have her tunes on the drive to OKC tomorrow.