Product Description

The RoadTrip is a great FM transmitter and car charger for the iPod in the car, but what makes RoadTrip truly unique is its removable transmitter module that can also broadcast music from a Mac or PC. The package includes a combination USB power and audio connector cable that attaches any USB equipped computer to the module. Users can then play their iTunes music, movie audio or presentation sound to any FM stereo close by.

Product Details

• Color: White
• Brand: Griffin Technology
• Model: 4030-ROAD
• Released on: 2005-11-04
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 8.00" h x 2.00" w x 7.00" l, .80 pounds

Features

• Convenient one-piece transmitter and charger module uses any frequency from 87.7 to 107.9
• Backlit screen shows which frequency RoadTrip is currently broadcasting
• Transmitter can be removed and used with a Mac or PC computer
• Plugs into any auto power outlet or lighter adapter
• Compatibility: iPod nano (1G only), iPod mini, 3G iPod, 4G iPod with click wheel, iPod Color, iPod Video

From the Manufacturer
The Griffin Technology 4030-ROAD RoadTrip FM Transmitter and Auto Charger and Cradle for iPod combines a high-powered FM transmitter, an iPod auto charger, and a convenient iPod cradle in one package. The RoadTrip plugs into any power outlet or lighter adapter and provides an adjustable cradle for any docking iPod. Once your iPod is charged and docked, the transmitter broadcasts your iPod's music to any FM frequency from 88.1 to 107.9. The backlit screen shows which frequency is currently broadcasting, while buttons located directly on the front of the unit allow for easy adjustments.

The removable transmitter can also broadcast music from Macs or PCs through a combination USB power and audio connector cable that attaches any USB equipped computer to the module. Then, just play your iTunes music, movie audio, or presentation sound on any FM stereo that's close by.

What's in the Box
RoadTrip body, FM transmitter module, power plug, sleeve adapter, extension, USB/audio cable, Protection pad, iPod holder/belt clip, and clip holder for iPod mini.

iPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video

Note that the RoadTrip is compatible with 2G iPod nano models with adapter available from Griffin

Customer Reviews

FM Transmitters for Ipod - 3 Options
I've tried three different types of FM Transmitters for IPOD and here are my rankings in order:
1) Griffin Itrip - $30-$50 depending on model
2) Griffin Road Trip - $80.
3) Belkin Tunecast - $40

First let's talk about sound quality. On all of the FM Transmitters, the sound quality isn't that great. It's somewhere in between AM Radio and FM Radio quality, a long ways from CD clarity. However, being able to play your IPod in the car on a roadtrip or at a party is a great convenience. After a short while, you don't notice the lower quality. My friends and I have happily listened to the IPod for hours.

The next important item is battery power. The Belkin Tunecast runs off AAA batteries and does not draw power from the IPod. The Griffin Itrip draws power from the IPod. The Griffin Roadtrip must be plugged into your car's lighter or auto power adapter. Of these three I like the Griffin Itrip the best. I can take the IPod a party and broadcast for a few hours unplugged or use a charger for unlimited play. In the car, I typically have my IPod charging to a separate auto charger. However it's not a requirement so I can also charge my cell phone and still listen to my music.

Tuning the Transmitter to a blank station: The Road Trip and the Tunecast were both easier to change radio frequencies. The Itrip could be tricky to adjust the radio station. This is important because you need to be tuned to a blank station. Reviewers who talk about station interference merely need to tune their Transmitter to a blank station. I've used the Transmitters all over the country including NYC and I've always been able to find a frequency on the dial to use.

The next consideration is usability. I liked how the Itrip attached to my IPod so it handled as one unit. Judging a separate Tunecast component and the IPod was awkward in the card. When using the Griffin Roadtrip, you must take the IPod out of its case and mount it to the cigarette lighter. At that angle it was impossible to read the screen, so if you wanted to make any selections or adjustments, you had to remove IPod and temporarily lose the signal. With the Itrip, you can hold the IPod on your hand and pick out songs while still listening to your music. Depending on the design of your case, you may not need to remove it to use the Belkin Tunecast or Griffin Itrip, which protects the easily scratched IPod.

Finally price - all three items do essentially the same task. The cost of a car chargers for your IPod is approx $30, so if you factor that in that cost, all three device are essentially the same price.

I prefer the Griffin Itrip for the reasons stated, but I know others who prefer to mount their IPod with the Griffin Roadtrip.

Works GREAT.
This is a nice little I Pod accessory, The Griffin Road Trip works terrific; I put it on 88.5 hear in Southeastern, CT and I get NO interference, anywhere I go. It is fantastic to have my whole CD collection, at my beck and call, in my car. Because of the position of my car lighter/electornic accessory plug, I don't have to use the extra extender arm, which might look a bit cumbersome, so the unit even looks good in my car, besides performing great. And on top of all that the Griffin Road Trip charges my I Pod up fast. I would highly recommend his product.

Shoddy construction, but a good idea
The whole reason I got my IPod was so I could listen to all my music in the car without bringing a whole bunch of CDs, so some sort of car adapter was high on my to-buy priority list. I read all the positive reviews for this one and went for it - but what a bad idea!

To be fair, here are the good points:
1) It's cool that you can hook it up to your computer and listen to your digital music in your house and in your car

But here's why it's not so good:
1) The design is awkward, depending on your car. I drive a 97 Honda, with the cigarette lighter/power source on the bottom of the front panel. I had to use both of the swivel arms to make the adapter fit comfortably in my car (using only one meant it was too short and too close to the front panel). However, when I did that, the cradle was in an awkward, free floating position that got in the way of my gear shift. There's something wrong with the design when you can only plug in your IPod transmitter AFTER you've started driving.

2) Shoddy construction. I had only used my RoadTrip for about a week when one of the swivel arms broke, meaning it couldn't support the weight of the cradle plus IPod. Not cool.

3) I sent in my RoadTrip to Amazon for a replacement, which they did quickly. However, the replacement conked out a week later when I was using it to listen to my music via my computer and a household stereo!

Since I'm not the type of person to treat my electronics harshly, I have to conclude that it was manufacturer defect. But twice? Hmm...

I'll be searching for a different brand, instead of taking a chance on a third replacement!