Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First off, the third photo in the product description constitutes false advertising. This is not an ALLKIT brand product. It is a generic (though probably very similar) item that comes in a plastic package with an orange label that bears no brand name whatsoever. When I did my product research online to decide whether to buy this, I used the ALLKIT name in my searches. Now, maybe what I received is the same thing, and maybe it isn't. But regardless, the seller "New Harbor" should not be advertising a brand name product when they are shipping generic. (Processing and shipment were very prompt, however.)
The product itself was about what I expected. It's a tad flimsy but it doesn't appear to be on the verge of breaking or anything. I can see how it could break easily if you didn't understand how the parts work, and you tried to force it open or shut. This risk is further exacerbated by the fact that it comes with absolutely no instructions whatsoever. (There is a button on the top left of this thing whose function is still a mystery to me.)
The flexible rod holds the unit in place nicely, as does the car power plug stabilizer. I was worried that it would flop around with the weight of the iPhone in it, but so far, so good.
As far as tuning and road noise... this is a bit problematic. You have to find a frequency that is relatively quiet, without a lot of static. This is because if you try to broadcast over an existing signal, you get a lot of interference and background noise (which is barely tolerable). At first I thought the FM transmitter was just junky and throwing out a lot of noise, but as it turned out, I had driven into an area where my "empty" frequency started picking up a radio station. So you have to watch out for that.
This wouldn't be a big deal if you could pre-set some frequencies into the transmitter - ones that you know are empty at various points on your daily commute, for example, so you could easily and quickly switch between them. Unfortunately, the unit seems to reset back to 88.1 MHz every time you start the car. So every time you drive, you'll have to repeat the entire setup process. (They couldn't have given the tuner some ability to hold pre-sets? Really? Or, maybe they did, but they didn't include a manual, so how would I know?)
Hands-free talking on the phone is rather low quality. You have to turn your car's speakers way up in order to hear the other party, at which point I have been told they can hear their own echo. Regardless of whose "fault" this is, it's pretty annoying for the other person. The remote party sounds fine to me, however. Just remember to crank the volume back down when you're switching back to music or you'll be blown away.
Overall, this was *probably* worth the $16 I paid for it. I'll update the review if I decide otherwise.
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CAR CHARGER MOUNT FM TRANSMITTER FOR APPLE iPHONE 4New Universal All-in-1 FM TransmitterUsing the iPhone, you can talk to anyone hands-free style through your car's speaker system If you want to listen to digital music simply place your iPod or MP3 player onto the holder, tune to any FM88.1 - 107.9 MHz station and enjoy crisp, clear audioFeatures:* Black design* Suitable for iPhone, all iPod, and MP3 on all cars* Supports iPhone hands-free communication through your car's speaker system* Flexible goose pip with rotation prevention design* Holder holds iPhone or iPod in place* iPhone and iPod connector* Type A USB socket for charging mobile phone, GPS, and other devices* Removable stoppers prevent device from being dropped* High quality silicon gel on the back and sides of holder to protect the device from being damaged* Remote control is convenient for you to play / stops the music, adjust volume, and skip to next / previous songs* FM Frequency 88.1 - 107.9 MHz* Input: DC 12V, vehicle power* USB output: 5V, 1A* Frequency: 20Hz - 16 KHz* Effective Distance: > 5m (16.40ft)NOTE: The remote does not work properly if not pointed directly to the unit.
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