Reviews Written By: A3SIFPKLMOY07Nprovided by Amazon.com |
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 | Belkin TuneBase for iPod mini | |
 | "Solid mounting solution" | 2005-07-07 |
| First off, I would note that the other review of this item refers to a different version of this product which incorporates an FM transmitter for your iPod mini. This product is a base/charger ONLY.
In that regard, this product works quite well. The mini fits snugly into the base. The steel arm is flexible, but firm, and is a reasonably good length. The mount itself has a one dimensional swivel so that the you can adjust the arm at an angle and still have the iPod upright. One caveat is that you must give some thought to whether a power port mount is really for you given its location in your vehicle and the fact that you have to give up that port for other uses (i.e., I previously had a splitter plugged in there to permit me to have multiple devices powered off the port). I have this installed in a 2001 VW Jetta and the location works quite well. As a side note - as to the FM transmitter version of this item, I am not a fan of Belkin FM transmitters that I have used for my iPod Mini in the past (although I have not used this particular one that is part of the base). Instead, I use this specific item in conjunction with a Griffin iTrip for iPod Mini. | ||
 | AirClick mini | |
| "Truly wireless and truly remote" | 2005-04-21 |
| This is another brilliant item from the folks at Griffin Technologies and I suspect that it will supplant the iPod Remote from Apple that I currently use when riding my motorcycle. Why? It's wireless. Better yet, it's RF (radio frequency) wireless instead of infrared. Indeed, this is the first remote control for the iPod/iPod Mini that uses RF instead of infrared. This means that it does not need line of sight/directly pointed at the iPod but instead can work through walls, backpacks, etc. The unit comes with a clip as well as a mounting piece/holder for the remote - you can use it as an armband or to mount on handlebars, etc. Other plusses are that the radio operates at 433 mHz - not likely to be subject to, or cause, interference with cordless phones, microwaves, cell phones, wireless routers, etc. as it is in a different frequency band from those items. Also, the fit is tailored to the iPod mini - like the iTrip, it fits flush and square to your mini - a nice, clean solution and it has a headphone passthrough (which is to be expected). I do have some minor nits to pick. First, the headphone passthrough is not compatible with Griffin iTrip. You could use another FM transmitter (like the Belkin TuneCast (ick)), but you cannot use the very nice iTrip. I mostly use the iTrip in the car though, where I do not typically need or use a remote - so I do not expect this to be an issue for me, but it might bug someone else. Second, this is a five function remote for a seven function iPod. The FF, REW, Vol +, Vol -, and Play/Pause functions are replicated on this remote, the Menu and Select functions are not. Accordingly, you cannot navigate menus or between playlists, etc. This is not really a Griffin complaint, but an Apple issue as I don't believe Apple allows for a seven-function remote implementation (as all remotes I have seen are five function plus a hold switch). Third, the remote (really any wireless remote) will use some additional amount of your mini's power. Finally the 60 ft. range is probably overstated and is only for the most ideal conditions - no walls, etc. | ||
 | Griffin Airclick Mini Remote Control for iPod Mini - White / Gray | |
| "Truly wireless and truly remote" | 2005-04-18 |
| This is another brilliant item from the folks at Griffin Technologies and I suspect that it will supplant the iPod Remote from Apple that I currently use when riding my motorcycle. Why? It's wireless. Better yet, it's RF (radio frequency) wireless instead of infrared. Indeed, this is the first remote control for the iPod/iPod Mini that uses RF instead of infrared. This means that it does not need line of sight/directly pointed at the iPod but instead can work through walls, backpacks, etc. The unit comes with a clip as well as a mounting piece/holder for the remote - you can use it as an armband or to mount on handlebars, etc.
Other plusses are that the radio operates at 433 mHz - not likely to be subject to, or cause, interference with cordless phones, microwaves, cell phones, wireless routers, etc. as it is in a different frequency band from those items. Also, the fit is tailored to the iPod mini - like the iTrip, it fits flush and square to your mini - a nice, clean solution and it has a headphone passthrough (which is to be expected). I do have some minor nits to pick. First, the headphone passthrough is not compatible with Griffin iTrip. You could use another FM transmitter (like the Belkin TuneCast (ick)), but you cannot use the very nice iTrip. I mostly use the iTrip in the car though, where I do not typically need or use a remote - so I do not expect this to be an issue for me, but it might bug someone else. Second, this is a five function remote for a seven function iPod. The FF, REW, Vol +, Vol -, and Play/Pause functions are replicated on this remote, the Menu and Select functions are not. Accordingly, you cannot navigate menus or between playlists, etc. This is not really a Griffin complaint, but an Apple issue as I don't believe Apple allows for a seven-function remote implementation (as all remotes I have seen are five function plus a hold switch). Third, the remote (really any wireless remote) will use some additional amount of your mini's power. Finally the 60 ft. range is probably overstated and is only for the most ideal conditions - no walls, etc. | ||
 | Apple iPod Remote & Earbud Headphones Great sound and easy control of your iPod on the go | |
| "Great remote, forget about the earphones" | 2005-04-18 |
| I bought this remote about a year ago when I first got my mini. I primarily use my iPod when I am riding my motorcycle. I use the remote during the cooler months of riding when I am wearing a leather jacket. The mini sits in a pocket or strapped to my arm, inside the jacket. I run the cord down my arm and clip it to the cuff of my jacket where I can control it with my hand. Although some have complained about the length of the cord, I think it is the perfect length if you want something to actually be remote - as in distant. The earphones plug into the end of the remote - I end up running the earphone cord back up my sleeve and out the neck of my jacket - it might not be a bad idea if there was also a piggyback connection where it plugs into the iPod so that you could run the earphones from either place. There are four buttons on the remote: play/pause; skip fwd; skip rev; and, volume. The simplicity of the remote and the recognizable shapes and layout of the buttons lend it to easy, tactile operation - which is perfect when you are in a situation (like on a bike) where you can't give a lot of attention to fiddling with something. I do wish that it had some navigation capabilities from the remote, but that's a minor quibble. I have had no problems with the remote failing or having any other problems. One reviewer wished that the remote was lit. If you have an iPod, you know that power is precious. I don't think it would be worth it to spend pod power on lighting the remote - not even a little bit - besides the buttons are sufficiently tactile that I don't think you really need to see the remote. As for the headphones - forget them and go get something else. They don't sit on the ear very well and the sound is fair but not great. I did go through a few pairs of in-ear phones from Apple and Sony - but now have a set of Shure E2C's - which are an enormous improvement and more durable than either of the others. | ||
 | Belkin TuneDok For XM Radio Receivers | |
 | "A very good solution for mounting your XM Radio" | 2005-04-10 |
| The Belkin Tunedock achieves exactly what it sets out to do - provide a solid, flexible mounting solution for your XM Radio, iPod or iPod Mini (there are multiple versions of the 'dock). The color of the iPod mount is off-white - closer to grey really. The XM mount is black.
The unit comes with a series of mounting cups that provide the base that fits into your cupholder. A stem then screws into the base. The mounting platform is attached to the top of the stem. The screw-in nature of the stem allows you to provide some degree of height adjustment and the mounting platform itself pivots to whatever angle works best for your mounting position. The mounting platform provides the little notch that is on the mounts for the SkyFi, Roady or MyFi - so it can hold any XM Radio. I was seeking a simple solution for mounting my XM Radio and iPod and did not want to take apart my dash or drill into something in order to achieve it. My cupholders are located in the dash, just above the radio in my 2001 VW Jetta. For me, the location is perfect and the 'docks hold their units firmly and stiffly enough that you can push a button or turn a wheel without having to steady the mount. The "cable management" clips on the backsides of the mounts are fair, but it would be better if you could clip them closed (they are open at one end). If you are looking for an "elegant" solution, this is probably not the mount for you. The black matches my interior, but really, I have radios sticking out of the front of my dash in the cupholders - this is not about looks. Another commentator of the iPod mount criticized this mount because it got in the way of his shifting. I suppose he could just as well write a bad review about his car for the same reason. Before you buy these, you should also really think about where your cupholders are located. If the location is marginal, or hard to reach, or requires you to run wires where you don't want to run wires then find something else. The unit does exactly what it sets out to do - allows you to mount your XM Radio from your cupholder. | ||
 | BELKIN Tunedock Ipod Mini Car Holder FBE485 | |
| "A very good solution for mounting your iPod" | 2005-04-10 |
| The Belkin Tunedock achieves exactly what it sets out to do - provide a solid, flexible mounting solution for your iPod, iPod Mini or XM Radio (there are multiple versions of the 'dock). The color of the iPod mount is off-white - closer to grey really. The XM mount is black.
The unit comes with a series of mounting cups that provide the base that fits into your cupholder. A stem then screws into the base. The mounting platform is attached to the top of the stem. The screw-in nature of the stem allows you to provide some degree of height adjustment and the mounting platform itself pivots to whatever angle works best for your mounting position. I was seeking a simple solution for mounting my iPod and XM Radio and did not want to take apart my dash or drill into something in order to achieve it. My cupholders are located in the dash, just above the radio in my 2001 VW Jetta. For me, the location is perfect and the 'docks hold their units firmly and stiffly enough that you can push a button or turn a wheel without having to steady the mount. The "cable management" clips on the backsides of the mounts are fair, but it would be better if you could clip them closed (they are open at one end). If you are looking for an "elegant" solution, this is probably not the mount for you. The grey/white matches my interior, but really, I have radios sticking out of the front of my dash in the cupholders - this is not about looks. Note that the picture shown here is of the mount for the regular iPod - not the Mini - there is a slight difference in that there is no suction cup for the Mini version - but instead it is a stiff, but flexible rubber that secures your mini from both sides (the width is also perfect for holding my cell phone when I don't have the mini mounted). Another commentator criticized this mount because it got in the way of his shifting. I suppose he could just as well write a bad review about his car for the same reason. Before you buy these, you should also really think about where your cupholders are located. If the location is marginal, or hard to reach, or requires you to run wires where you don't want to run wires then find something else. The unit does exactly what it sets out to do - allows you to mount your iPod from your cupholder. | ||
 | BELKIN TuneDok for XM Radio Receiver F8E479 | |
| "A very good solution for mounting your XM Radio" | 2005-04-10 |
| The Belkin Tunedock achieves exactly what it sets out to do - provide a solid, flexible mounting solution for your XM Radio, iPod or iPod Mini (there are multiple versions of the 'dock). The color of the iPod mount is off-white - closer to grey really. The XM mount is black.
The unit comes with a series of mounting cups that provide the base that fits into your cupholder. A stem then screws into the base. The mounting platform is attached to the top of the stem. The screw-in nature of the stem allows you to provide some degree of height adjustment and the mounting platform itself pivots to whatever angle works best for your mounting position. The mounting platform provides the little notch that is on the mounts for the SkyFi, Roady or MyFi - so it can hold any XM Radio. I was seeking a simple solution for mounting my XM Radio and iPod and did not want to take apart my dash or drill into something in order to achieve it. My cupholders are located in the dash, just above the radio in my 2001 VW Jetta. For me, the location is perfect and the 'docks hold their units firmly and stiffly enough that you can push a button or turn a wheel without having to steady the mount. The "cable management" clips on the backsides of the mounts are fair, but it would be better if you could clip them closed (they are open at one end). If you are looking for an "elegant" solution, this is probably not the mount for you. The black matches my interior, but really, I have radios sticking out of the front of my dash in the cupholders - this is not about looks. Another commentator of the iPod mount criticized this mount because it got in the way of his shifting. I suppose he could just as well write a bad review about his car for the same reason. Before you buy these, you should also really think about where your cupholders are located. If the location is marginal, or hard to reach, or requires you to run wires where you don't want to run wires then find something else. The unit does exactly what it sets out to do - allows you to mount your XM Radio from your cupholder. | ||
 | Griffin iTrip Mini FM Transmitter for iPod Mini | |
| "The cleanest and most effective solution I have found" | 2005-03-29 |
| Having gone through several iterations, I have found that the iTrip mini is simply and clearly the superior method (for me) to listen to my iPod mini over my car's radio. In my mind, this is a must have accessory for your iPod Mini.
Let me start with my setup: I have an XM Radio setup and the iPod mini in my VW Jetta. Cup holders are located just above the radio location in the Jetta and both the XM and the iPod sit in their respective Belkin Tunedocks which are seated in the cup holders. Initially, I used a Belkin Tunecast to broadcast the iPod signal to the radio. It was fairly miserable at accomplishing this task. Actually, it was awful - and could not even overcome weak signals from adjacent stations. Plus, the battery life was not very good and the little power cord kept getting disconnected. Enter the cassette solution - which I used with a y-adaptor to hook in both my XM SkyFi and iPod. This worked well - but I had cords everywhere and it was a bit annoying - but the sound quality was a ridiculously big improvement. Then I got the XM MyFi for Christmas - which has an internal FM transmitter - so I figured I would go completely wireless and picked up the iTrip Mini. For me, the iTrip has been flawless - is the sound quality amazing? No. However, the volume out level is good (don't crank up the iPod volume all the way - you don't need to and it overmodulates and distorts the sound if you do) and I don't get static or fading or any problems like that. I have never had to add in the other stations - I always keep it on 87.9. I have heard that other stations in the middle of the FM band might provide better quality, but I'm playing this over a Jetta's factory radio - so I figure the incremental benefit is probably not there. I should add, as you may well note, that I am in Dallas and yes we have a crowded FM band - there is no frequency that does not have a strong signal on an adjacent frequency - yet I have no problems. I think that finding a solid location in your vehicle - relative to the radio head unit or the antenna is vital - mine is always fairly proximate to the head unit. Moving it some distance - say to the passenger seat - has a deleterious effect on the quality and interference - although it is still quite useable. I would also note that the transmitter is far superior not only to the Belkin that I previously used, but also to the one in my XM MyFi. With the MyFi, it is not unusual for me to deal with persistent interference that requires me to go channel hopping. I'd also like to say a word about the form factor - it fits perfectly atop the iPod and is, in that regard, highly portable. If you want to listen to or share some tunes in a friend's car or at their house, you need only bring your iPod with the iTrip on top and you are ready to go - no additional cords or plugging into outlets, etc. - it is the easiest, most elegant solution. Granted, the iTrip uses the iPod's battery for power, so it does have an effect on that regard - but the portable nature far exceeds the convenience in any of the power cord/broadcast combos available. | ||
 | Apple iPod Remote and Earphones M9128G/A | |
| "Great remote, forget about the earphones" | 2005-03-26 |
| I bought the remote about a year ago when I first got my mini. I primarily use my iPod when I am riding my motorcycle. I use the remote during the cooler months of riding when I am wearing a leather jacket.
The mini sits in a pocket or strapped to my arm, inside the jacket. I run the cord down my arm and clip it to the cuff of my jacket where I can control it with my hand. Although some have complained about the length of the cord, I think it is the perfect length if you want something to actually be remote - as in distant. The earphones plug into the end of the remote - I end up running the earphone cord back up my sleeve and out the neck of my jacket - it might not be a bad idea if there was also a piggyback connection where it plugs into the iPod so that you could run the earphones from either place. There are four buttons on the remote: play/pause; skip fwd; skip rev; and, volume. The simplicity of the remote and the recognizable shapes and layout of the buttons lend it to easy, tactile operation - which is perfect when you are in a situation (like on a bike) where you can't give a lot of attention to fiddling with something. I do wish that it had some navigation capabilities from the remote, but that's a minor quibble. I have had no problems with the remote failing or having any other problems. One reviewer wished that the remote was lit. If you have an iPod, you know that power is precious. I don't think it would be worth it to spend pod power on lighting the remote - not even a little bit - besides the buttons are sufficiently tactile that I don't think you really need to see the remote. As for the headphones - forget them and go get something else. They don't sit on the ear very well and the sound is fair but not great. I did go through a few pairs of in-ear phones from Apple and Sony - but now have a set of Shure E2C's - which are an enormous improvement and more durable than either of the others. | ||
 | APPLE M9128G/A iPod Earbud Headphones with Remote | |
| "Great remote, forget about the earphones" | 2005-03-26 |
| I bought the remote about a year ago when I first got my mini. I primarily use my iPod when I am riding my motorcycle. I use the remote during the cooler months of riding when I am wearing a leather jacket.
The mini sits in a pocket or strapped to my arm, inside the jacket. I run the cord down my arm and clip it to the cuff of my jacket where I can control it with my hand. Although some have complained about the length of the cord, I think it is the perfect length if you want something to actually be remote - as in distant. The earphones plug into the end of the remote - I end up running the earphone cord back up my sleeve and out the neck of my jacket - it might not be a bad idea if there was also a piggyback connection where it plugs into the iPod so that you could run the earphones from either place. There are four buttons on the remote: play/pause; skip fwd; skip rev; and, volume. The simplicity of the remote and the recognizable shapes and layout of the buttons lend it to easy, tactile operation - which is perfect when you are in a situation (like on a bike) where you can't give a lot of attention to fiddling with something. I do wish that it had some navigation capabilities from the remote, but that's a minor quibble. I have had no problems with the remote failing or having any other problems. One reviewer wished that the remote was lit. If you have an iPod, you know that power is precious. I don't think it would be worth it to spend pod power on lighting the remote - not even a little bit - besides the buttons are sufficiently tactile that I don't think you really need to see the remote. As for the headphones - forget them and go get something else. They don't sit on the ear very well and the sound is fair but not great. I did go through a few pairs of in-ear phones from Apple and Sony - but now have a set of Shure E2C's - which are an enormous improvement and more durable than either of the others. | ||
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