The iTrip is a FM transmitter specifically designed for the iPod that allows you to play your music through any FM radio wherever the mood strikes you. The car, the beach, grandma's house... it doesn't matter, as long as you have access to a FM radio, your iPod can broadcast audio like a small portable radio station.

Griffin Technology, the maker of the iTrip, has made several major improvements to the new version of the iTrip, called the iTrip LCD. These features include a backlit LCD screen, tuning knob, a stronger FM broadcast mode call DX, and the ability to broadcast to international FM frequencies.

LCD SCREEN
Unlike the previous versions of the iTrip, the new iTrip has a large, easy to read backlit LCD screen to make setting its digital tuner easy and intuitive. Previous iTrip models required you to install awkward MP3 frequency files that were difficult to use. That inconvenience is gone with the new iTrip LCD. Simply twist the silver knob to your desired station, turn on any FM radio and you're ready to go.

WHAT'S THE FREQENCY?
With the iTrip, you can have the best possible signal for your radio market because unlike other FM transmitters, the iTrip allows you to choose any radio station on the dial. You do this by playing' special station codes directly from the iPod itself. A little silver knob on the side of the iTrip makes it very easy to select an FM frequency. The iTrip remembers its settings for convenience. This compact, self-contained design makes changing stations a snap, perfect for use on the go.

One of iTrip's innovative new features is the ability to play in LX (Stereo) or DX (Mono with a stronger signal). Currently no other FM transmitters offer this option. Stereo sound will be the highest quality, in good situations. However, if you find lots of static and interference, switch to the mono-sound mode. People who live in major radio markets like New York City will find the iTrip's DX Mode a life saver. The only free station in NYC is 94.9 and that station still gets interference from several local colleges. The DX mode allows the music to punch through cleanly and the results are nothing short of stunning.

To switch from LX to DX, hold in the silver knob for about 5 seconds until LX appears. One important note: the DX setting does not show "DX", it is just a blank screen. DX will give you mono sound, but a stronger signal (for people who listen to audio books or recorded radio shows, etc.) With about a 5 foot range you should be fine with either setting.

IN THE CAR
The iTrip is especially handy in the car because many of today's automobiles do not include a stereo with line-in or even a cassette player (which eliminates the ability to use a cassette adapter). In most car audio scenarios, a FM transmitter is your only iPod connectivity option. The new knob and bright LCD screen on the iTrip make it not only easier to change while driving, but safer too.

WORLD TRAVELERS
Another new feature is the ability to set the iTrip to either US or International tuning modes. International mode allows access to all available frequencies throughout the world. US mode limits tuning to those frequencies relevant to US stations. The result: no unnecessary scrolling through channels.

To change from US to INT, hold down the silver dial for about 15 seconds (until US is showing on the display) then turn the dial one click. It should now display INT. Push in the silver knob to save your setting.

Here's another handy little trick for people who live in crowded radio markets like New York City. Set your iTrip to International mode. In the US the first available FM signal is 88.1 but international stations start at 87.7. So 87.7 and 87.9 should be completely free from interference in the US.

STATIC AND DISTORTION KILLER
The new iTrip LCD features volume enhancements and an auto volume control. This auto volume feature works with the iPod's volume level to automatically avoid distortion. If the iPod volume is set too high, iTrip recognizes and corrects it by lowering the volume to its optimum level, assuring clean, clear, dynamic sound.

POWER
The iTrip doesn't even have a power switch – just plug it in and go. It shuts off automatically after 60 seconds of silence just like the iPod.

Also the iTrip requires no batteries to operate. It draws its power directly from the iPod, so there's never a power issue to silence your tunes. Sure, it may cut your iPod's battery life by an hour or so, but it's better than wasting all your money on batteries right?

iTRIP LCD FEATURES SUMMARY

• Compatible with iPod Photo, iPod U2 Special Edition, 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel, and 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
• Sports a large, easy to read backlit LCD screen to make setting its digital tuner easy and intuitive
• Sleek, attractive housing fits seamlessly on top of your iPod
• Battery-free design receives power from iPod itself
• Tunes to any FM frequency for the best possible performance

COMPATIBILITY
The iTrip LCD will work with the following iPods:

• iPod Photo
• iPod U2 Special Edition
• 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
• 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons

NOTE: The iTrip LCD does not work with Nano, Shuffle or iPod Video)

iTrip Compatibility Chart

iTrip LCD iPod Photo, U2 iPod, iPod 4G, iPod 3G iTrip for iPod Mini iPod Mini iTrip for 1G & 2G iPods iPod 1G & 2G

HOW TO USE THE ORIGINAL iTRIP  You need a little lesson before you can use the original iTrip and the manual sucks. Here's a little video clip that should help. Turn on your iPod and plug in your iTrip. Select an iTrip radio station from your iPod's Playlists. For best results pick a FM station not currently in use by a major radio station in your area. The iTrip station is really just a small 5 second MP3 file. Wait a second or two, then press PLAY/PAUSE to lock in the station. The iTrip should switch from a flashing red light to a solid red. If you are near a radio, the sound should cut out. Play some music on your iPod and you should hear it through the radio. Right-click here and download it.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The original iTrip was the ultimate accessory for the iPod because it allowed you to share the music and fun beyond your headphones. The new iTrip LCD is even more impressive. It offers a new more powerful DX broadcast mode for people who live in crowded radio markets like New York City. Its controls are much more intuitive and easy to use (even while driving). The new LCD display is sharp and readable. And the new iTrip will even automatically adjust volume the volume for you and prevent distortion. The new iTrip LCD, don't let your iPod leave home without it.

This item is available for purchase from Amazon.com Since 1992, Griffin Technology has been an innovator of exciting hardware and software products for the Mac market. Griffin currently manufactures numerous innovative video, audio, serial, USB, FireWire and ADB adapters for the Mac. For more information, check out: http://www.griffintechnology.com Rating: Requirements: Please select the right model iTrip for your specific iPod Manufacturer: Griffin Technology