Showing posts with label radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label radio. Show all posts

6/01/2012

Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning Review

Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning
Average Reviews:

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This radio is almost exactly what I was looking for. Its water resistant design is sleek and reassuring. The speaker is loud enough for normal riding conditions. The backlit LCD and digital tuning are very nice. The bike mount is well designed - it is very simple to quickly detach the radio to take it with you. The FM antenna forms a hard rigid handle on the bottom (not shown in picture) which is nice for carrying.
That said, I have a few complaints. First, the FM reception is pretty poor compared to my car radio (in the same locations). I haven't tried working with the AM band much, so I can't say if it is any better. I would be willing to endure a larger model or more batteries to get better reception.
Second, there's no line-in jack for attaching an mp3 player. This might have been a conscious decision to preserve the water resistant design, but I would have liked to see it just the same. Of course, if you get a radio transmitter for your mp3 player, then you're golden.
Third, $50 is expensive for a portable radio. I would have been willing to forgo the bike computer functions for a less expensive bike mount radio.
Fourth, the wire going to the wheel sensor is kind of short and there's no way to extend it short of splicing the wire.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning

Includes: handle bar mount & speed sensor. Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports FM/AM Bicycle Radio Walkman(R) - Make your bike riding more enjoyable with this AM/FM radio that is specifically designed for bicycles! In addition to the radio, it has a built-in bicycle computer. It keeps track of your current speed in MPH or KPH, total distance ridden, average speed, maximum speed, & more!Powered by 2 AA batteries (not included) Unit Weight -10.1 oz. (including battery) Cycle Computer Functions Clock Display - shows a 12 hour setting Speed Meter - measures your current speed in either MPH or KPH. Odometer - measures total distance ridden since installation of computer. Trip Distance Meter - measures total distance ridden since last computer reset. Great for measuring miles per ride, week, etc. Ride Time - measures total time ridden since last computer reset. Great for measuring time ridden for day, week, etc. Average Speed - calculates average speed ridden since last computer reset. Great for fitness training applications. Maximum Speed - measures the maximum speed reached since last computer reset. Sleep Mode - automatically powers down the unit to conserve battery life. Freeze Mode Wheel Size Setting - adjusts for accuracy based on your bicycles specific wheel size.

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Click here for more information about Sony ICF-M88B S2 Sports Bicycle Radio with Cycle Computer and Digital AM/FM Tuning

5/29/2012

SIRIUS Sportster 4 Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit Review

SIRIUS Sportster 4 Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit
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Long story short - Nice radio and programming with horrible FM modulation. Don't buy this unless you're going to wire it directly to your car's antenna or radio.
I bought this device last October to listen to college football games during long road trips. It is my first introduction to satellite radio. I've got mixed feelings about the product.
First of all, the unit was fairly easy to get working. I plugged the power and satellite antenna, turned it on, and selected an open FM station in the unit's setup menu. It's pre-tuned to a test station (national weather). I got a clear signal from the satellite just leaving the antenna resting on the dashboard. I activated it online after a couple of tries (didn't have the unit powered up the first attempt).
However, the FM transmission from the unit to my car stereo was awful, borderline un-useable. Even after choosing a completely clear FM station, turning off the car, waving the unit around until I found a sweet-spot, and crossing my fingers, there was always noticeable and very disruptive static interference. Based on what I've read, apparently the FM transmission strength for this unit way below previous models. I'm told the SP-TK2 model has a much stronger signal. I've not been able to determine whether or not that had anything to do with FCC regulations.
For my vehicle, I've overcame the FM transmitter shortcomings by connecting the unit directly to the Ai-net/Changer input on my Alpine radio and using the AUX function. This step eliminated all of the outside static interference and bypassed FM modulation completely. However, part of my attraction to this unit was the plug and play function. My friends and I have taken several road trips this year and I brought the Sirius unit with me. The cars we used did not have A/V inputs, so we had to make due with the lousy FM transmitter. We were able to fight through the static for the sports and talk radio stations, but music was un-listenable.
The unit itself is ok. It's easy to use and the screen has a lot of info. It keeps track of all the scores in sporting events, show and host for talk stations, and song/artist for music stations.It's awkward to mount though, because all of the wires plug into the back of the dock, not the bottom. You need clearance between the back of the unit and the mounting surface for these wires. My two options were to use an air conditioning vent clip or the windshield suction cup. I chose the vent because I didn't want the unit in the sunlight. At night, the unit is very bright. You can turn down the brightness of the screen, but the buttons are backlit with a piercing blue light that can't be adjusted. The rotary knob is especially bright. It looks like I have a big blue glow stick in my car at night.
The programming is pretty good. Sirius carries every NFL game, and nearly all the college football games, which is exactly what I was looking for. They also play a lot of the NBA and NHL games, but I've not paid much attention to them. They have three comedy stations, and several talk/news (including the BBC) radio and sports radio stations. On the other hand, all of their music stations do not meet my sound quality expectations. I have a decent aftermarket stereo, and the music stations sound worse than local FM. They're not terrible, but the difference between listening to a song on Sirius and on a CD is jarring. That said, they have a fair amount of genres represented. You'll hear songs on Sirius that you'll never hear on your local radio.
I've had limited customer service interaction, but it's been all bad. I chose the three month program to start off with. Sirius doesn't give you a very detailed invoice on the billing screen. It simply shows Subscription charge, Activation Fee, and Taxes. The Subscription charge on the invoice did not match what plan stated it should be, it was about $1 more. The Activation Fee was what I expected. However, Taxes came out to the 15% of the sum of Subscription plus Activation. There's not a state in the US that has a 15% sales tax rate. I called them to find out why it was so high. The lady on the phone had no idea what I was talking about. First she tried to explain why there was a charge for activation. It took quite a few minutes to get it across that my question was about the taxes, not the activation fee. Next, she tried to tell me that the tax rate was based on the Houston rate where she was located. The sales tax in Houston is 8.25%, not 15%. And besides, you are supposed to be taxed based on your local rates, not the location of the service center. After trying to get this point across (another 5 minutes) she went to speak to a manager. She came back and offered me a $15 dollar credit for the activation fee, without ever answering my question. I was tired of the conversation, so I took the credit and hung up. I'll try again to get an answer out of them when my three months are up.
All in all, the unit has sort of worked out for me. It works fine in my car, but travels poorly. I can listen to all the sports I want, but the music sound quality leaves much to be desired. It was easy to hook up, but looks silly just clipped onto my air-vent. If all of the short-comings I've described were addressed I'd be very happy with it.
**Update 12/19/2006**
Warning: The unit is dying on me less than three months after I purchased it. Sometime after around 10 minutes of use, the receiver will become locked into "acquiring signal" mode regardless of actual signal strength. Turning the unit off and then on again fixes it, sometimes. I've researched this issue online and apparently it's becoming a common problem. The recommended fix from Sirius is to either re-activate the receiver on-line or return it for a new unit. If I could, I'd knock another star off this review.
**Second Update** I eventually got SIRIUS to send me a replacement head-unit, free of charge. The second radio works just fine. However, I had to ship the original radio back to the manufacturer. A word of warning: if you ship something to Sirius, keep your tracking number. They tried to tell me that they never received my original radio and charged me for the second. I got on the phone and used the UPS website to tell them who in their warehouse signed for the package. The charge was later reversed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SIRIUS Sportster 4 Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit

Get in the game with the plug-and-play Sirius Sportster 4 satellite radioreceiver, which sports a new slim profile while still maintaining the same great featuresfor which the Sportster series is known. Just like other Sirius-compatible receivers, theSportster 4 offers a large, easy-to-read display, a rotary tuning knob, and accessiblebuttons, but now moves seamlessly into your car, home, or boombox. More significantly,the Sportster 4 maximizes the listening experience of Sirius radio's broad sports lineup,with the ability to decode the incoming Sirius digital-quality signal from more than 120music, news, and sports channels. It's also easily transportable, and thanks to thebundled car kit, lets you listen to your favorite satellite radio programs while driving.
An easy-to-read, six-line display tells you the channel name and number, category, artistname, song title, and time simultaneously. The receiver also lets you program up to 30presets of your favorite streams, as well as search by stream, artist name, song title, orcategory. And with a quick press of the One-Touch Jump button, you can instantlyswitch between the traffic and weather reports for your city or any of the other music,news, or entertainment channels. Other programming details include an S-Seek functionthat stores your favorite artists and songs and alerts you when one is playing on any ofthe music channels, direct station tuning via the numeric buttons, and a channel lockoption. Time functions, meanwhile, include an onscreen clock, alarm, and sleep timer, aswell as a program alert that allows the unit to switch to a preprogrammed stream at aselected time.
The Sportster 4 really earns its stripes, however, with its variety of enhanced featuresdesigned specifically for sports lovers. The Game Alert feature prompts you when yourfavorite NFL or other sports teams are playing on Sirius. The Game Zone lists all of yourfavorite teams in one virtual category and lets you select a different team from each ofthe various sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports. And whatsports fan could do without the Sportster's instant replay function, which lets you pause,rewind, and replay 44 minutes of live radio? As soon as you tune to a channel, thereceiver automatically begins storing the audio for later playback.
The Sportster 4 also includes a built-in FM transmitter that sends Sirius radioprogramming to your vehicle's FM tuner, so you don't have to make a direct connectionto enjoy the full array of channels. Simply set an empty FM frequency on your radio andtune the Sportster 4 to the same frequency. This function also works with other FMtuners, such as the one on your home stereo, but is easily paired with the car thanks tothe bundled vehicle kit, which includes everything you need for listening to Sirius whiledriving. Components include a vehicle docking station, a suction cup mount, a ventmount, a DC power supply that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter, a roof-mountantenna, and mounting hardware.
Sirius satellite radio is a subscription service that provides more than 120 channels ofprogramming, from digital-quality music to news, talk, and sports. It is available only inthe lower 48 states--not in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories. The Sportster 4, whichmeasures 4.5 by 2.9 by 0.6 inches (W x H x D), is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box Sportster 4 satellite radio receiver, wireless remote control, lithium battery, vehicledocking station, roof-mount antenna, suction cup mount, vent mount, cigarette lighterpower adapter, mounting hardware, installation guide, Sirius channel information card,user's manual.

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5/25/2012

SIRIUS ST4-TK1 Starmate 4 Plug-and-Play Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit Review

SIRIUS ST4-TK1 Starmate 4 Plug-and-Play Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit
Average Reviews:

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Overall, the Starmate 4 is OK, but it has some significant design flaws that some thoughtful engineering could have easily fixed. I wish I had bought the Sportster 4. First, unlike the Sportster 4, this model does NOT incorporate the Auxillary Input feature for plugging in your MP3 player or other audio devices. Many of the online merchants advertise this, but it is not present on the Starmate 4 car dock. The addition of the Starmate 4 dock increases the size of the Starmate, which is thinner than previous models, but is now functionally larger in size because of the addition of the dock. A major design flaw (in my opinion) is that the antenna, power and auxillary output from the car dock are located on the back of the unit, rather than the bottom or sides. So, although the unit is physically thinner than previous models, by the time you install it, it is functionally thicker than previous models. In short, the footprint of the new Starmate is larger than previous models when you factor in the docking cradle and the location of the antenna, power, and audio connections. Since I bought this unit for a smaller footprint than the Sportster 4, I am dissappointed. I had hoped to install it flush with my dashboard by attaching velcro to the back of the unit similar to the way you could with the Starmate Replay.
The positive is that it DOES have a docking cradle which makes it much easier to move from the car to the home. If you don't need to move the unit around, then the Starmate 4 does not have any functionality that doesn't exist in the Starmate Replay. The addition on an auxillary input jack similar to the Sportster 4 would have offered a significant upgrade. If the designers for the next generation of radios are listening, I'd suggest spending time thinking about how people actually have to install these devices. Place the connectors on the bottom or sides of the docking cradle or provide a method of giving the user options. My 2006 Prius does not have any smooth surfaces for using the suction cup except for the windshield which slopes too much to allow convenient installation. Likewise the air conditioning vents don't work well in my vehicle for installation. Frankly, I'm sorry I spent the extra money for this unit. But, if you want a unit that can be moved easily from car to home, this is a good option. For flexibility, the Sportster 4 might be a better option since it does supply additional functionality for the same price.
Update: I've had this for 9-months now and it has worked flawlessly. However, I stand by my human factors design concerns stated in the initial review and think that a dock design could be created to give the user options for where the wires plug into the dock. We all jury-rig these radios into our cars, regardless of our personal preferences. The design of the radio, combined with the configuration of my car (Prius), required that I purchase an aftermarket windshield mount since the one that came with the radio would not work in my car.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SIRIUS ST4-TK1 Starmate 4 Plug-and-Play Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit

SIRIUS Starmate 4 combines all of the exciting and easy-to-use features of the Starmate family, and offers up a simple, sleek design as well as SIRIUS Universal docking capability. It has a large widescreen LCD, and the slim unit is easily portable. Artist name, song titles, and up to five lines of text are displayed on the screen. The Starmate 4 replays up to 44 minutes of content and can pause, rewind, and fast forward.

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5/14/2012

Slacker G2 4 GB 25-Station Personal Radio Player Review

Slacker G2 4 GB 25-Station Personal Radio Player
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I bought one of the first generation Slacker Radios, and while it is very cool, the form factor (similar in size to an iphone) was a little too big for the gym or even walking around. The G2 is a perfect size, while still maintaining a readable screen.
In case you are new to the Slacker concept, you create your own custom radio stations by selecting artists, and Slacker provides music from those and other similar performers. You can also select from the many Slacker stations. While listening to a station, you can push a "favorite" or "ban" button so that Slacker learns your preferences.
The best part of the Slacker player is the Wi-Fi feature. Before going to bed, I plug in my Slacker Radio to charge along with my other stuff. I hit the connect button, and I'm done. The Slacker radio makes a Wi-Fi connection, and refreshes all the radio stations with new music. Everyday I start out with a newly loaded mp3 player, incrementally better suited to my musical tastes due to the use of the favorite and ban buttons. If you subscribe to the premium service, hitting the favorite button also saves a copy of the song to the player.
Obviously you can "refresh" any mp3 player through the use of playlists, but I never have that kind of time. All my other players are basically static, loaded with the music I first downloaded to them. And unlike downloading music you have selected to an mp3 player, with the Slacker you are exposed to music that you may not know or did not think to download.
For me, with no time or desire to plug my player into a computer and juggle songs in and out, the Slacker is the perfect player.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Slacker G2 4 GB 25-Station Personal Radio Player

The Slacker G2 plays all of your personalized Slacker Radio stations on one sleek, ultra-portable player. Whether you listen to one of more than 100 expert-programmed Slacker stations or custom stations that you create, the music evolves as you listen. New songs are personally selected for you and automatically loaded on the Slacker G2 so your radio stations are always ready to play wherever you go.


Personalized Radio The Slacker G2 plays all of your Slacker Radio stations on one sleek, ultra-portable player. Whether you listen to one of more than 100 expert-programmed Slacker stations or custom stations that you create, the music evolves to match your tastes as you listen.
Effortless Create your own unique radio experience with Slacker Personal Radio. You know what you like--Slacker knows how to deliver it. Slacker's Internet radio offering is built on the expertise of DJs from all over the country, and just by listening, you make Slacker even better at delivering the music that you love.

Music Discovery Perfect your listening experience using Slacker's exclusive personalization tools. With different buttons, you can tell Slacker which songs are your favorites and which you never want to hear again. Fine-tune any station to get more hits or more fringe; request older artists over new. Album reviews and artist bios come with every song and are delivered right to your Slacker G2.

Advanced Radio Clocks Slacker DJs operate using a proven method of picking and mixing songs to deliver excellent musical variety that complements your tastes. This patent-pending DJ technology is embedded in the Slacker Portable to create the very best radio stations. The more you listen, the better it performs to deliver new music you'll love.

Slacker Basic Radio: Free Take the world's first-ever personal radio player with you for nonstop, customized music wherever you go. On the Slacker Portable, store thousands of songs for repeated listening, or connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot to get new music instantly. With hours of battery life, the Slacker Portable is built to go where you go.
To offer your favorite music for free, the Slacker Basic Radio service might play one to two ads an hour. That's significantly fewer ads than traditional radio, so you can relax and easily enjoy your favorite music.

Plus, it's all completely legal. Slacker has unique licensing agreements with thousands of record labels to give you free access to a variety of music. By working directly with the record labels, Slacker gets the latest content to ensure your radio stations always stay current.



Upgrade to Slacker Premium Radio If you want even more out of the service, pay just $7.50 per month for Slacker Premium, which puts you in control. What's the difference between Slacker Basic and Slacker Premium? First, Premium subscribers can avoid the ads that played in the Basic service. So, it's an ad-free listening experience.
Next, Premium subscribers have access to Slacker Request Song, which lets you add your favorite artists' songs to your station. Then, use Slacker's fine-tuning controls to indicate how often those requested songs should play.

Third, Premium subscribers have no limits on the number of songs they skip, letting listeners create the exact music experience they want. (Basic listeners are limited to six skips per hour, per station.)

And fourth, as a Premium subscriber, you can save your favorite songs with the touch of a button. Saved songs are added to your library so that you can listen to them any time. You also can save your favorites to your PC using the Slacker Software Player. It's the ultimate personal radio experience.

Slacker Premium Radio at a glance:

Just $7.50 per month
No advertisements
Request songs
Unlimited skipping of songs
Save favorites



Slacker Radio: It's Everywhere With the Slacker G2, get easy access to millions of songs from thousands of artists wherever you are. All of the music you love is automatically delivered to your Slacker G2 at Wi-Fi hotspots or through your PC via USB. You can listen to your music anytime, even when not connected.
Pocket DJ The same personalized listening experience you love on Slacker.com is available wherever you go on the ultra-portable Slacker G2. Slacker DJs hand pick songs for your player and you can use the ♥ and ∅ buttons on the Slacker G2 to further customize your stations. The more you listen, the better the music gets.
Refresh On the Go The Slacker G2 gives you uninterrupted access to your music wherever you are. Thousands of songs are stored on the Slacker G2 to fill up all of your personalized radio stations. That means you can listen to your stations absolutely anywhere.
The Slacker G2 can automatically add new music at hundreds of thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. Each time you connect, songs that were hand-picked by Slacker DJs are added to your device. Plus, you can select new stations for your Slacker G2 on any PC or Mac with an Internet connection.

Built-in MP3 Player Already have your own personal music library? The Slacker G2 features a built-in MP3 player. You can store up to 1 GB of MP3s on the 4 GB/25-station Slacker Portable, or 3 GB of MP3s on the 8 GB/40-station Slacker Portable. Then, listen whenever and wherever you want. Check out all Slacker Portables.
On-The-Go Playlists Create personalized playlists with your MP3s using the intuitive controls on the Slacker G2. Enjoy the favorites you own in any order you want. As a Slacker Premium Radio subscriber, you also can save your favorite radio songs and play them whenever you like.

Manage your MP3s Use your Slacker G2 with popular applications, such as Windows Media Player, to manage your music collection and transfer your favorite MP3 files from your PC to your portable player.

What's in the Box Slacker G2 4 GB 25-Station Personal Radio Player, Slacker adjustable earphones, carrying case with sport clip, power adapter, USB cable, quick start guide, preloaded Slacker stations.


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4/14/2012

Kensington 33365 Pico FM Transmitter for iPod 5G and Nano (Black) Review

Kensington 33365 Pico FM Transmitter for iPod 5G and Nano (Black)
Average Reviews:

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Yes, it will transmit the music from your iPod to you car stereo. But will it equal the sound quality of having a direct connection? No way. This isn't really a criticism specific to the Kensington. None of these devices consistently deliver great sound. I have tried four or five different brands, in two vehicles, both with very good quality receivers and speakers. At best, you get sound quality that I would grade a "B." You tend to lose volume and dynamic range. And unless you live in a very remote area, you are periodically going to get static interference from other radio stations and maybe other electronic devices.
Bottom line, this is a nifty unit in the sense that it is so small and connects to the bottom of a Nano. But don't expect CD quality music. Also, if you have this unit connected, you are using the Nano battery to power the transmitter, and you can't connect a charger at the same time.
Best bet: Get a car stero with an auxiliary "line in." If you can't, you might actually get better sound with a Sony cassette adaptor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kensington 33365 Pico FM Transmitter for iPod 5G and Nano (Black)

You've never before heard sound this great from an FM transmitter this small. The Kensington 33365 Pico FM Transmitter for iPod 5G and Nano (Black) plays your iPod wirelessly through any FM stereo--including a car stereo, home stereo, or clock radio--making it a great value for listeners who want to enjoy their favorite songs without headphones.
This ultra-thin, ultra-sleek FM transmitter includes such features as ClearFM technology for richer lows, crisper highs, and better stereo separation, advanced power technology that minimizes battery drain on your iPod, and the ability to select any available FM frequency so you can always find one that is free of interference. This Kensington transmitter even utilizes your high-resolution iPod LCD screen for easy viewing of station information, so you don't have to strain to make out a smaller, separate digital readout, and allows you to easily program in station pre-sets once you find your favorites. Best of all, the unit requires no cables, wires, or software, so playing your favorite iPod tunes on your home or car stereo is as easy as 1-2-3.
Compatible with newer iPods with a dock connector, the Kensington Pico FM transmitter measures 1.62 x 1 x 0.25 inches (W x H x D), and is backed by Kensington's 2-year warranty.
What's in the Box Kensington 33361 FM transmitter, a user's manual and warranty information.

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3/04/2012

Griffin Technology RadioShark AM / FM Desktop Radio with Time-Shift Recording Review

Griffin Technology RadioShark AM / FM Desktop Radio with Time-Shift Recording
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I already have a couple software programs that will automatically record and save radio programming but when the Radio Shark was announced, I couldn't resist. Mac elegance, simplicity and functionality. Or so I thought. The product is solid, well made and the software is easy to use. Unfortunately, the reception is unacceptably poor in my suburban, residential area. Every radio I own from clock radios, a couple Tivoli Pal's, a built in-whole house system, mini-systems and so on receive programming easily. The Radio Shark's reception is inferior to even the lowliest of portables. I've tried everything I can think of. Coiling the USB cable, moving it to every place within reach, using a high dollar shielded usb extension cable which also allowed me to move the Shark further from the computer), using the Radio Shark's headphone input with a pair of ear buds and a minijack to rca cable (as Griffin's website suggests). Nothing seems to help. I have two other radios within 18 inches of computers and they were pretty easy to set up and receive clear, static free programming. The Radio Shark has been a huge disappointment. I should have learned my lesson after purchasing the Power Mate from this company. The Power mate (ditto for the Radio Shark) is very high quality piece of hardware from a fit and finish standpoint but the software was glitchy with a pc. Maybe it would have been better with a mac. But I digress. Perhaps if you live far from all urban and suburban interference or live on a hill with better line of site to the towers you want to receive from, the Radio Shark might be fine. For the rest of us, the Radio Shark is likely to disappoint. If you want to time shift radio programming, I can recommend two excellent pieces of software. High Criteria's Total Recorder Pro (for the pc) and Rogue Amoeba's Audio Hijack Pro for the Mac. I don't work for or profit from either comany. I use both on a daily basis. Both are rock solid. All you need to do is connect a radio to your pc or mac and you're set.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin Technology RadioShark AM / FM Desktop Radio with Time-Shift Recording

The radio airwaves will never be safe again. The RadioSHARK adds an AM/FM radio to any Mac or PC (* Mac OS X (10.2.8 or higher) or PC running Windows XP) but that's just the beginning.The RadioSHARK can record any AM or FM radio broadcast in real time. You can also program it to record a scheduled show, or to pause' live radio so you can return right where you left off moments or even hours before (See What is Time-Shift Recording?' sidebar above).RadioSHARK includes a full-featured application that controls all radio and recording functions. Favorite station presets can be set with the click of a mouse, and new stations can be scanned and tuned with ease. The application is also where you program Time-Shift Recording, either to take a break without missing any of a show or to record your favorite broadcast to listen to later.The RadioSHARK connects to and is powered by USB. The fin-shaped device acts as an antenna and can be positioned for best reception and recording. Any recorded broadcast can be transferred to an iPod or any other AIFF-compatible digital music player to replay on the go.The RadioSHARK connects to and is powered by USB. The fin-shaped device acts as an antenna and can be positioned for best reception and recording. Any recorded broadcast can be transferred to an iPod or any other AIFF-compatible digital music player to replay on the go.

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1/19/2012

Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers Review

Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers
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Works out of the box. It draws power from the USB port and definitely gives a stronger signal when connected to a powered USB hub than an unpowered one.
The included software is very easy to use on a Mac and lets you set the broadcast frequency in increments of 0.1 MHz, which is useful if you live in an area with lots of radio stations, as I do. However, the signal strength is pretty low, so you're relying on your receiver to achieve adequate discrimination between bands.
In my area, I had to go to an in-between frequency (.4MHz) from the regular stations to cut down on interference. My two big receivers (Sony & Panasonic) can handle this. My boombox picks it up, but gets lots of interference from the neighbouring stations. My portable radio doesn't get anything. I did appreciate the fact that the frequency is selectable anywhere in the standard FM range. Something like the Line X USB FM Transmitter with four selectable frequencies would not stand a chance in my crowded area.
Placement of the unit is very critical. Reception will vary widely when moving the transmitter around (and presumably the same for the receiver). If you have the patience to tweak it, it gives good to very good reception.
It is also very important to set the computer output volume to avoid distorting the sound.
Bottom line:
It's good enough to pipe iTunes to my receiver in the living room, but I probably won't take it traveling. Not bad for $30.
I might try to take it apart and either attach a bigger antenna or try to boost the signal. Alternatively, the C Crane FM transmitter would be an option that already has instructions for boosting the signal (but doesn't use USB).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Griffin RocketFM / FM Transmitter for Mac and PC Computers

RocketFM uses any available FM frequency to transmit audio through your home, car or office stereo system. Applications such as iTunes, GarageBand, video soundtracks and even streaming internet radio can be conveniently broadcast with RocketFM.

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1/16/2012

Samsung YX-M1Z Helix XM2go Portable Satellite Radio with MP3 Player Review

Samsung YX-M1Z Helix XM2go Portable Satellite Radio with MP3 Player
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I am new to the XM/satellite radio world so I don't have any legacy relative value issues compared to past or competing XM radios (e.g., FM transmitters). I can only describe my view of this product on its own merits...and I must say I've been thoroughly impressed. Browsing channels and listening to stations is easy as can be, the content is pretty solid, and the moreover, this Samsung unit looks good and works well. It is a VERY hassle free way of discovering and saving new music.
I can't get enough of the feature where if you're listening to a song or program, at any time you can hold the center button for a second and it will record the entire song (since the beginning!) and save it to memory, for listening later. It's a great way to build a library! Never again do I have to hear a song on the radio and try to guess what song it is and hope that maybe I can buy the album later. With this, I've got a pure digital copy on here, ready to go on what is effectively my portable music player!
Only drawback is that, as a satellite radio, I find that you do need reasonable access to the sky to get a signal (it starts to cut out about five to ten feet away from a window, for example). So I can't use this in the middle of a giant office building (read: my workplace). But, when I'm home the "home antenna" is connected to the docking cradle. Once in the cradle, it's plug and play and I never worry about reception. Also, I can have it record programs and whatnot for listening later...kinda like a Tivo.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung YX-M1Z Helix XM2go Portable Satellite Radio with MP3 Player

Finally, a portable device that lets you play live XM radio content. That's right, wherever you roam the Samsung Helix lets you tap into more than 150 channels of satellite radio. It's a big step forward for XM radio lovers, but there's more. With the Helix, you can combine live XM radio with your personal digital music collection (MP3s and WMA). This means you can enjoy your own music library while being exposed to all the new music and content that XM radio has to offer.
So how did they get a complete satellite receiver into a device that measures 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches? By using an advanced satellite/terrestrial internal antenna that allows the device to receive signals from anywhere. The device is light, too, weighing in at just 4.5 ounces. The unit's full-color, 180 x 180 TFT display, as well as a user-friendly interface, make it easy to save and delete content. In addition to making it easy to find the music you want to listen to quickly, the interface lets you build your own playlists right on the device that consist of XM radio content and your own digital music. Another cool feature is the Helix's built-in memory buffer, which allows you to save an entire XM radio song even if you decide to save it in the middle of the song. The Helix's internal memory supports up to 50 hours of saved content.
Featuring a full array of programming -- from talk shows, comedy programs, and live Major League Baseball broadcasts to just about every musical genre from bluegrass to jazz -- XM Radio is the fastest growing satellite radio network in the world. All XM metadata is displayed on the Helix's display, including full song title and artist name, as well as information extras such as stock and sports score tickers. The device also sports a category list for saving and accessing favorite channels. Another great feature of the Helix is TuneSelect, which alerts you when one of your favorite artists or songs is being played on an XM channel. Plus, the Helix supports the XM + Napster music service. If you hear a song you like on XM radio, simply "tag" it and easily purchase and download that artist or song via Napster. It's a great way to discover and own the music you like. And last, but certainly not least, the Helix features an integrated wireless FM transmitter so you can beam XM content to any FM radio frequency, making it very easy to listen to XM content on any home or car stereo.
What's in the Box YX-M1Z XM radio/MP3 player, battery, earbuds, remote control, home dock/cradle, home XM antenna, AC power adapter, travel power cable, RCA audio cable, USB cable, carrying case/holster, user's guide, and software CD-ROM.

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1/03/2012

Tivoli Audio PAL (Portable Audio Laboratory) AM/FM Radio, Black Review

Tivoli Audio PAL (Portable Audio Laboratory) AM/FM Radio, Black
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There are as many classes of radios out there as there are people who listen to them. The first thing that comes to mind if you see this radio online is "Why $150 for a three-knob radio?" Most consumers expect digital tuning, stereo sound, and lots of lights and buttons for this price point. This radio's price is justified by what's inside. Let's talk about what this unit is.
The Tivoli iPAL is a portable AM/FM radio that is powered by an internal (and customer replaceable) nickel metal hydride battery. It includes an earphone jack, an auxilliary input jack and external power jack. There is a telescoping rod antenna for FM reception and a built-in ferrite coil for AM. The controls are simple: a volume control, a band selector with OFF position and a tuning control. There is also a green LED indicator light that tells you when the radio is on and the charging/discharging state of the battery. The controls have a very high quality feel to them and are easy to operate. The knobs fit firmly and are not loose or flimsy as on many lower priced radios. The tuning knob has a 5:1 ratio reduction gear which moves the dial pointer more slowly with respect to the tuning knob. This makes fine tuning easier. The cabinet is made of very solid and rigid plastic. The whole unit has a weighty feel and a sturdiness that most radios lack at any price. One gets the impression that daily use will not wear this unit out. It has a very tidy appearance. There are no projecting parts other than the controls. The rod antenna folds down into a groove in the back of the cabinet so it is totally invisible when not in use. There are no fake aesthetic features like on many boomboxes that are designed to make it look like something more than it is. This radio is marvelously understated and does not draw attention to itself or make garish statements about the person carrying it. There is no handle as such. One carries the set by gripping the two indentations on either side of the cabinet. A carrying case is available which makes toting it around easier.
Performance is where this radio really surprises. One might expect the sound to be cheap and tinny but once switched on, this radio fills the room with a sound reminiscent of the vacuum tube table sets of the forties. The sound is warm, rich and full of tonal range. Music comes through with round base tones and sparkling highs. Spoken word broadcasts are clear without being harsh. Voices are deep without being boomy. This sound quality is equally present through headphones so there is no tuned port trickery going on. The circuitry really does sound this good.
RF performance is good too. The field effect transistors in the tuning circuit coupled with a precise AFC (automatic frequency control) mean that Fm stations lock in easly and do not drift. AM reception is excellent even in low signal areas. The tuner is sensitive and selectivity is very good. The built-in speaker is high fidelity mono however, when you insert a headset, the FM reception is in stereo. Stereo separation is very wide and static free. Some reviewers hav commented about the lack of volume on the PAL. I find this not to be the case. I can get sufficient volume for talk radio listening by setting the volume control at one-quarter turn. This radio has as much volume as any portable radio with a speaker this size (2-1/2"). It is not a boombox or a home stereo. One's expectations must be reasonable.
The model I am reviewing is called the iPAL because it has a color scheme to complement the iPod MP3 player. The only difference between the iPAL and the PAL radios is the iPAL includes a stereo patch cable for connecting your iPod, CD player or similar device and the cabinet bears no rubberised coating. The PAL radios are offered in eight different colors, have a rubberised coating on the cabinet body and do not include the stereo patch cable although all units have the auxilliary input jack.
Final thoughts: This is an elegant, uniquely styled, high performance portable radio. It is intended for those who love radio as a technology as well as a medium. In leu of bells and whistles it features superior performance through the engineering of Henry Kloss and a build quality that is seldom found in any portable audio product. The Tivoli iPAL is not intended for the masses who judge value on price alone but for the discriminating lover of radio who admires the perfect blend of form and function.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tivoli Audio PAL (Portable Audio Laboratory) AM/FM Radio, Black

Now you can enjoy Tivoli Audio's Model One's trademark sound quality and reception outdoors with the PAL Portable Audio Laboratory AM/FM Radio. Its 2.5" magnetically shielded driver and rubberized cabinet are weather resistant, so your PAL can keep you company by the pool or the patio. Its environmentally-friendly rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack has no memory and fully charges in about 3 hours, providing up to 16 hours of cordless playback. The clever little green LED serves as both a power and battery status indicator. Features include a geared-down 5:1ratio analog tuning dial for accurate tuning and an auxiliary input to connect an iPod, MP3 player, or portable CD player for exceptional portable playback. It also plays MP3 files wirelessly when transmitted from your MP3 player via the Griffin iTrip or Belkin FM transmitter. It includes a stereo headphone output for private listening (headphones not included), or can be used as a recording output, or to use the PAL as a high-quality outboard tuner with your home audio system. The Henry Kloss designed tuner features Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) which locks on to the center of the station for best reception and lowest distortion, while the adjustable telescoping FM antenna extends and rotates for improved FM reception (there is also a built-in AM antenna). PAL includes rubber gasket covered i/o ports to keep sand and water out of the unit and plated hardware to withstand the elements. It includes an AC adapter for home use and for the built in battery recharging system. An optional carry bag is also available to take your PAL on the go.

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11/25/2011

iLuv I701 Digital FM Radio Transmitter (White) Review

iLuv I701 Digital FM Radio Transmitter (White)
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iLuv is relatively small and thin. Easy to carry around, will fit almost anywhere. Uses standard 3.5mm stereo audio connector. It is in no way iPod specific. I guess it has "i" in the name because every cool device these days has "i" in the name. You can use iLuv with anything. Laptops, MP3 players, Walkmans, CD players, anything standard. And with iPod too. Of course, if your device has non-standard connector (most mobile phones for example) you are out of luck.
It uses AAA batteries, which is not really a good thing. However, given that device is too thin for AA batteries, I'm not going to hold it against it. BTW, may I suggest rechargeables to everybody who bitches about price of AAA batteries. There is a 3V connector on it, so you don't need batteries if you have 12V to 3V adapter for car. I just got iLuv today, so can't really comment on battery life. It's been turned on for the whole afternoon with used batteries (that I pulled out of my old FM transmitter), and it still works.
It covers the full FM frequency range in 0.1 MHz increments. You can set it to virtually any unused FM slot. As far as I can tell, it stays at the dialed frequency and doesn't "pollute" reception of nearby stations (translated, your neighbors will not hate you). However, the range is very limited. You probably want to keep it no more than 10 feet or so from the antenna of your radio. If you are looking into buying it for use in car, this is not a problem. Tested. I placed it at the worst position in car, furthers away from antenna, and the sound quality was still good. If you want to transmit to the room on the other end of a house, you'll be very disappointed. It simply doesn't have enough juice for that.
There's some audible white noise when there's no input signal, but not any worse than some other devices I had in my hands. Don't expect miracles from something in this price range. If you'll be using it in a car (use most folks are buying this devices for), don't worry about it at all. Even if you have very quiet car, you won't notice this at all. On the other hand, if you are audio perfectionist, you'll probably have to spend much more money for something better.
Conclusion. iLuv is no worse then what I read in reviews for most other FM transmitters. It is way better then my old Radio Shack branded one.

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Digital FM Radio Transmitter, White

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11/18/2011

Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter Review

Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter
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The Belkin Tunecast is basically a small radio transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack of your iPod. The Tunecast transmits the music from your iPod to one of four selectable frequencies, which you can then listen to by simply tuning your home or car stereo to said frequency.
The most obvious advantage of this little device is the ability to use it anywhere there's a radio. Say you wanted to play your songs on your friend's stereo, or in your friend's car, or on a boombox at the beach: it's practically effortless with the Tunecast. And it's cheap, to boot.
Of course, what you gain in ease of use compared to, say, a direct line into your home or car stereo, you lose in sound quality. The sound is basically FM radio-quailty, with a noticible hiss in the background. Now, it's still more than listenable, and most of the time the music drowns out the hiss, but audiophiles in search of crystal-clear sound quality should look elsewhere (although they probably already know that).
Overall, I would recommend it simply because of its low price and versatility.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter

The Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter wirelessly connects portable music players to your car or home stereo quickly and easily, letting you enjoy digital audio tracks just about anywhere. Just plug the TuneCast into the headphone jack of your iPod or any other audio source, including your PDA, MP3, CD, or cassette player; or connect it to your PC or laptop. You can then tune your car stereo or receiver to the clearest FM frequency, and enjoy digital music with full sound and convenience. The TuneCast broadcasts to a range of up to 30 feet and comes with a three-year warranty.

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11/15/2011

Arkon SF150A SoundFeeder Wireless FM Transmitter Review

Arkon SF150A SoundFeeder Wireless FM Transmitter
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This is a great product if you do not want to move the cd player or mp3 player far from the radio you are using to transmit. I use this for my mp3/cd player and my sisters ipod on my stereo instead of wasting batteries on my media speakers and it worked well when I had the transmitter inches from the stereo, anything more than that and it gets very staticky with a lot of white noise. It does it's job but it doesn't do it well

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Play your portable music player in the car without upgrading to an expensive new stereo system with the Arkon SF150A SoundFeeder. The wireless FM adapter is designed to transmit the music from a portable CD player, iPod, or MP3 player to an empty frequency on your FM dial. All you have to do is plug the SF150A into your player's 3.5 mm headphone jack, and then tune the radio to any one of the blank FM stations between 88.1 and 95.9 MHz. (The transmitter works best when the station plays nothing but static.) Once you find an empty frequency, the SF150A plays your music directly through your car's stereo speakers. The sound quality is solid and reliable, though it does require precise manual tuning for best results.
Listeners can also use the SF150A on other radios as well, such as home stereos or portable boomboxes. And at a mere 3.38 by 1.62 by 0.88 inches (W x H x D), the SoundFeeder takes up very little space, letting you store it in a cup holder, pocket, or other location. The SF150A runs for up to 60 hours on two AAA batteries (not included) and boasts a transmission range of 10 to 20 feet, depending on conditions. It also comes with a 6.5-inch audio cord.
What's in the Box SF150A SoundFeeder, audio cord, user's manual.

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10/09/2011

Griffin iFM Radio Receiver for iPhone and iPod Review

Griffin iFM Radio Receiver for iPhone and iPod
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this product is even better than i thought! from the description it doesn't say that you can tune to specific stations (not just a list of ones that the device thinks you want to hear) i just hoped for the best when i ordered it. this means that i can use it at the gym to tune to the tvs and hear the sound. as far as i know this is the only product you can connect to an iphone/pod and do this. it does not have the iphone 4 listed as a compatible device but it works with mine. i highly recommend this product.

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iFM is a radio receiver that allows you to listen to FM radio through your iPhone or iPod. iFM works with Griffin's free downloadable iFM Controller software to provide an interactive FM radio tuner through the Multi-Touch display of your iPhone or iPod touch. Other iPod devices control iFM through their familiar Click Wheel and buttons. Use iFM Controller to tune in your favorite stations, and to save and recall presets. It's the intuitive, hassle-free way to play FM stereo on your iPhone or iPod.

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9/21/2011

SanDisk Sansa e100 FM Transmitter Review

SanDisk Sansa e100 FM Transmitter
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I have read a lot of negative reviews about FM car transmitters for MP3 players. I was especially hesitant to buy one from Sandisk because it is not really a well-known MP3 player like iPod, Creative Labs, etc. In the end, I figured it would be worth it because although the Sandisk e140 may not have certain features or size capabilities as others, it was definately a quality product that is very well priced, so I figured the FM transmitter would follow suite. Thankfully, I was right. The FM transmitter is by far one of the best design I have seen. The adjustable neck allows me to set the Transmitter right next to my CD car stereo and tilt it to face me, which allows me to hit the next song button as easy as it is to reach the car stereo. Other products I have seen are limp, or just wires that you have to rest on the center console, or passanger seat. The only downside to this is that although the MP3 player remains powered by the car its indigo light goes off after about a minute so I am unable to see the display. Not really a negative towards the transmitter, but of the MP3 player.
A key element I have read about faulty, or glitched FM tranmitters for MP3 players is that static can be heard in the background no matter how much you turn up the volume, and sound quality is very poor. Regarding the Sandisk, these are not issues at all. There are 3 presets so you dont have to find the good stations every time you use it. In addition, the sound quality is great, perhaps even better than the car stereo sound settings presently depending on the quality of your car stereo. The sound setting can be adjusted on your MP3 player to make the sound quality even more precise than the car stereo's.
Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone who has thought to buy an FM transmitter for their Sansa and avoided it because of other mainstream MP3 brands tainting opinions.
--One last note. I am in Chicago so I dont know if that is a cause for such good empty FM signals for the MP3 transmitter to pick up on.--

Click Here to see more reviews about: SanDisk Sansa e100 FM Transmitter

The Sansa e100 FM Transmitter lets you listen to all the music stored on your Sansa e100 series MP3 player through your FM car radio. Just put your Sansa e130 or e140 in the custom holder, which sports a flexible steel neck for easy positioning. Then choose any unused FM frequency for clear sound anywhere. The cradle includes three programmable preset buttons, letting you switch easily between preferred transmission frequencies. You can power the FM Transmitter by battery, or you can always plug it into a cigarette lighter output to extend its battery life. You can also take your FM Transmitter with you once you've left your car by attaching the holder to your clothes.

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8/19/2011

Monster A-IP-FM-CH-PS Wireless FM Transmitter Review

Monster A-IP-FM-CH-PS Wireless FM Transmitter
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First off, people are getting this transmitter confused with the previous Monster FM transmitter. You are NOT limited to only 8 stations. This transmitter allows you to program in ANY station you choose, and it's very easy to do so.
Pros:
You can program in any station! The stations are NOT predetermined so any empty station you find, just program it in and youre set to go, which makes this perfect for road trips.
Charges up your iPod while you go.
You can set three 'favourite' stations so you can switch back and forth between a couple if one goes out.
Very simple and easy to use. Not a lot of cords to get tangled up.
Cons
Every FM transmitter you buy for your iPod is going to have a loss in sound quality. It is NOT going to sound like youre playing a CD. It sounds like the radio.
No dock or anything to set the little station switcher on. I would've like even a double sided sticker mount so I could stick it to the dash or something instead of it hanging there, but I'm really just being picky here.
Finding a station in the surrounding Cleveland area was tough! There are hardly any completely static stations (I never realized how many darn country stations there are here, yeesh.) So far I have found 4 open stations. However, this is NOT the companys fault. Finding a clear open station is soley going to depend on where you live and where you are when you drive.
I found 3 completely open static stations starting at 87.5 and up. OF COURSE, this FM transmitter starts at 88.1. Grrr. But it wasn't a problem because in the end I was able to find 4 open ones throughout the spectrum. However, it would've been nice if it started at 87.5.
Okay this is COMPLETELY an aesthetic complaint but I dislike red LED lights. My car has blue so it doesn't match, but once again, that is completely nitpicking.
All in all, this is worth the money. It really is a must if you want to play your iPod on the road, but don't expect it to sound like your surround sound home theatre system. It is an FM transmitter.

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Take Your iPod for a Spin on Any FM Radio Station FM Radio Station And keep it charged up along the way.Why fumble with CDs when you can play your iPod in the car on virtually any FM radio station? Now you can do that and keep your iPod charged at the same time with iCarPlay Wireless Plus.Digital FM Tuner for Great Sound AnywhereProgrammable, backlit station presets make it fast and easy to set and change stations on the go.With some other FM transmitters, finding an FM frequency clear enough to play your iPod through can be tough-especially while driving through different areas and terrain. But since you can tune iCarPlay Wireless Plus to almost any FM station, you have full FM tuning flexibility in getting the best sound, free of interference. Simply tune your car radio to any clear FM station, tune iCarPlayWireless Plus to the same station, hit play on your iPod and you’reready to roll. Change presets any time you need a clearer station.Stay Charged for the Whole TripFor added flexibility and convenience, Monster Smart Digital Charging technology rapidly charges your iPod, then switches to a trickle charge to optimize its performance. It all makes iCarPlay Wireless Plus the best way to enjoy full stereo sound from your iPod in your car, no matter where your travels take you.

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8/08/2011

Philips SA52 8 GB Flash Video MP3 Player with FM Radio and 2.8-Inch Color Screen (Black) Review

Philips SA52 8 GB Flash Video MP3 Player with FM Radio and 2.8-Inch Color Screen (Black)
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Before I get to the scathing portion of my review, let me highlight the positive things this player has to offer.
***THE POSITIVES***
1) Excellent sound quality. When this player works, the sound it produces is amazing. Philip's Full-Sound Technology offers exactly that: full, three-dimensional sound that gives my music previously unknown depth and clarity.
2) Excellent headphones. In fact, I'm buying the first set that I find, now that I've returned my Philips in favor of Sony's far superior 8 gig player.
..........................................................................
--Please note, the first two negatives are persnickety. The last three are essential.--
***THE NEGATIVES***
1) Player is overly dependent upon the Rhapsody cd. Seriously, it won't work without it. This wouldn't be as problematic if the cd or the setup guide warned you about this, but such is not the case. Instead, the cd-related portion of the setup guide serves as an ad for Rhapsody. I find this practice unethical, as it usurps the user's needs in favor of making a sales pitch.
2) Deceptive drag-and-drop. When I finally installed the components on the cd, I noticed that Microsoft Explorer was suddenly able to see my Philips mp3 player as a device. Furthermore, it could see folders within the player. "Fantastic!" I thought. "I can drag and drop!" Wrong. While it's true that you can drag and drop folders into the player this way, once the information is copied to the player the organization they once had is lost. There are ways around this obstacal, but they all are painful to execute, painful to describe, and painful to read about.
3) Slow load times. There is a noticeable lag that occurs when turning the player on or browsing through music, videos, or pictures. If you're listening to music while you browse, this effect is compounded. Sometimes it even causes your song to skip.
4) Frequent freezing. The thing that really set me against this player is that it freezes. A lot. And by a lot I mean that it froze on me once per session for the last week that I had it.
5) Problematic updates. In an effort to resolve my player's freezing issues, I opted to update my player, but this just made things worse. After updating, the pause feature ceased to function. Whenever I tried to resume a song from a pause, the song would restart from the beginning. It was at this point that I decided "enough" and returned the player.
***CONCLUSION***
The Philips 8 gig mp3 player caused me one problem after another. As soon as I solved one issue, another would arise. I estimate that once all was said and done, I probably spent close to 10 hours trying to get this thing to work. What's more, I was unsuccessful. So unless you are seeking a thankless challenge, do not buy this device.

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Listen to music, watch your favorite videos, record messages or ideas--this 8 GB Philips Flash video and audio MP3 does what you need, and its ample, full-color screen ensures you enjoy every minute of it.
Find it Fast With 8 GB of memory, you can load hundreds of music and video files. Find what you're looking for in a flash using Philips' SuperScroll feature. Move through your playlist one song or video at a time, or press and hold to move swiftly through your catalog to the song you want next.

Hear it All Philips\' innovative FullSound technology restores sonic details to compressed music, so you hear it exactly as the artist intended, without any distortion. The included high-definition headphones enhance the experience even more, providing exceptional noise isolation and amazing comfort.













































































What's in the Box Philips 8 GB Flash Video MP3 Player with FM Radio, and 2.8-inch Color Screen; CD-ROM with IFU, device manager, media converter and Windows Media Player; high-definition headphones; quick-start guide; USB cable; storage pouch




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8/06/2011

Griffin Navigate In-Line Controller for iPod and iPhone (Black) Review

Griffin Navigate In-Line Controller for iPod and iPhone (Black)
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I finally was able to turn my iTouch (2 gen) into a radio, and I am very happy with it. It instantly controls my iTouch mp3 songs, and FM radio. It will even list the artist's name and song while listening to the radio. Phenomenal. And, the wire/cable is long enough to put the iTouch in a backpack and have the player (Controller) clipped to your shirt or bag strap.

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Total control is at your fingertips with Griffin¿s Navigate inline controller. Navigate maximizes convenient control for any iPod model with a dock connector, and restores the tactile feedback of the iconic click wheel to touchscreen models. About the size of a pack of matches, Navigate gives you an information screen, play controls, power, volume and EQ controls, and an FM stereo radio, all in a single compact unit. Tuck your iPod out of sight, but keep controls close at hand. iPhone users: Just plug Navigate into the dock connector then connect any 1/8¿ (3.5 mm) stereo-mini headphones (including Griffin¿s TuneBuds Mobile) to listen and talk.

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