Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I will start this review by saying that it is a MUST that you use this unit on the 87.9 frequency. By default, the lowest the unit will go is 88.1, but I will describe how to toggle ON the lower frequencies so that you have access to 87.9 later in this review.
I use this unit with my iPhone 3g and have no issues with airplane mode or charging. Everything works as intended with no unexpected issues as far as compatibility with the iPhone 3G goes.
[Controls / Interface]
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The controls and interface of this device are very clear and clean. There are 3 buttons on front of the cigarette lighter connector (Next Track, Previous Track, Pause/Play). The FM transmitter portion has three buttons on it also that adjust the frequency and give you menu options to toggle on and off. The display numbers are very clear to see, even during the day and the buttons are easy to press without any issues. The iPod/iPhone connector is pretty self explanatory and sturdy.
My only issue with the controls is the ones on the cigarette lighter jack. The buttons are pressable on the entire front surface of the connecter, which means that plugging the connector in causes you to change a track or pause/play if you connected the iPod/iPhone before powering up the unit. If you are like me and listen to music on the way to the car and want to easily transition, you may want to consider powering up first, then connecting the iPod/iPhone.
[Sound Quality / Signal Strength]
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The signal strength of this device can only be described as lackluster when using any of the preset stations. This device is practically unusable on any frequency OTHER than 87.9 and by default, you can not set the device to anything lower than 88.1 (See instructions below on how to toggle on stations below 88.1).
However, when connected to 87.9, the signal is very clear and there is no obviously audible static or noise. Having said that, you will NOT get crystal clear sound out of this device, even at its best performance. High pitches tones sound slightly garbled and not as sharp as they should sound. The very low basses sound slightly muddy.
Overall the sound quality is clearer than normal radio stations, but not quite as clear as playing a CD in the deck.
[Charging / Other Functions]
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The device doesn't have very many functions, but if there is something that does stand out, it is the charging.
Charging works very well and I find that my device charges extremely fast. The device has 3 light levels and the cigarette lighter connector will glow red when the battery is charging but low and green when the device is fully charged. It charges my iPhone 3G quickly, but does make it a little tiny bit hot if left on during a long trip (30+ minutes). I feel this is not too much of an issue though.
The preset station and smart scan functionality are lackluster and will often times find stations are are .2 higher than a station that has a very strong broadcast signal. This means that on these stations, you will hear the stronger signal and get nothing from the iPhone/iPod. The presets reset every time you do a scan and the results it gives back are typically very unreliable. Even when they do work, the signals are very static-y and will go out if you drive under a bridge or are ordering drive through at a fast good restaurant.
I will repeat once again:
ONLY USE THIS DEVICE ON 87.9 (Every other station is worthless)
It is the only station that truly does this device any justice and it is the only station that kept me from giving this product a 2 star and returning it.
***** [How To Access 87.9] *****
[UPDATE: Please read the comments of this review for how to do this same thing with the new versions of this device. It works the same but the FUNCTION button has apparently moved.]
On the FM transmitter box, push the middle button (Function) and then press it a second time when it says "Mode." You will see a Griffin logo in the bottom center of that screen. Press and hold the middle button for approximately 10 seconds. You will know that you have toggled 87.9 ON when the Griffin logo moves from the bottom center to the top center. Let the device sit for a few seconds until it goes back to the main screen, then tune your radio and the transmitter to 87.9! Finally, enjoy the best signal you will get from this device!
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[Final Thoughts]
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I gave this device 4 stars because I found that it consistently works very very well on the 87.9 frequency. With this knowledge, I don't have to use the lackluster preset or smart scan functionalities. Using 87.9 gives great sound and a good signal.
The charges does its job very well and the controls on the cigarette lighter connector work well. The lights that glow according to the battery charge level are a nice touch and the device itself is stylish.
4 / 5 Stars
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