6 in 1 Car Kit for Ipod (Black) Car Charger / Fm Transmitter / Holder Full Range Frequency / USB port / Remote Control for iPod, Touch 1G/2G by Satechi
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Digital camera reviews of 6 in 1 Car Kit for Ipod (Black) Car Charger / Fm Transmitter / Holder Full Range Frequency / USB port / Remote Control for iPod, Touch 1G/2G
Digital camera Review: Does everything right. But material a bit subpar and may not fit all cars
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this product overall. But can only give 4 stars because of some minor issues.
PROS:
- Instant FM transmission upon turning ON
- Very strong signal that sounds great but the highs (treble sounds) are bit dampened
- full function remote that lets you navigate the menus, fast-forward, rewind, skip, shuffle songs, etc.
- lets you charge cell phone or other device via the USB port
- Holds your iPod in place nicely
- Has ability to connect to audio sources other than iPod - although without remote functionality
CONS:
- May not fit outlets that are recessed - doesn't fit my wife's car - an extension arm would have taken care of it
- The plug is held together with a tiny screw and nut that can come lose easily. However, if you leave it plugged in all the time, you should be OK. You can remove your iPod from the unit while it's plugged in.
- The remote died after just a few weeks of use. I'm assuming the remote came with a bad battery. I will post my experiences (if notable) after replacing the battery.
BOTTOMLINE:
I have used a few other FM transmitters and this BY FAR has the best performance and features. The PROs greatly outweigh the CONs. I would say if it fits your car and you leave it plugged in all the time or are careful with the screw assembly, this is a must buy. Enjoy and keep your eyes on the road while driving.
Digital camera Review: Does what it's supposed to, but has some room for improvements.
Summary: 4 Stars
I have previously owned a Satechi FM transmitter for the Sansa Fuze, and I want to first say that Satechi was very accommodating in exchanging that FM transmitter for this transmitter. I had bought an iPhone 3G and wanted to use one of these, and so I simply contacted them, told them I no longer own a Sansa Fuze, and that I'd like to swap it out for this one. No questions asked - they replaced it with ease.
I use this FM transmitter solely for my iPhone 3G to play music and make the occasional hands-free phone call. I want to first talk about the design of the transmitter.
How does the unit fit in my car?
I own a Mazda6 (AT 6cyl), and the shifter knocks against the unit. To solve this, I had to buy a cigarette lighter swivel arm to extend the transmitter upward, and it's now standing upward, with some support resting against the stereo console. I think it would have been best if Satechi included a swivel arm, taking into consideration that not all cars are created equally. I found this odd, because the Sansa Fuze FM transmitter included a swivel arm, and yet this one did not.
How does the unit power on?
I thought that this was a big improvement over the other Satechi Sansa Fuze transmitter. Simply pressing the button (without holding it down) turns on the unit. This is great because I want the transmitter to turn on FAST. I don't want to have to hold down the power button just to turn it on. I wasn't expecting this with an FM transmitter, as most usually have you press and hold. But on this unit, you don't have to press and hold.
iPhone use:
I have an iPhone 3G, and it charges my phone while playing music simultaneously. However, you cannot use the charging port as a hands-free device, because the charging port was never meant to be used that way. In order to use an iPhone as a hands-free on this unit, you have to use the audio output (on the top of the iPhone) to the side input on the transmitter. While it is able to be used as a hands-free device, there is much background noise, and the person on the other end has often told me that they can hear their voice echo.
The remote control also works with the iPhone, as the iPhone and iPod have the same music controls. However, since the iPhone is larger than the iPod, it has a tendency to block the IR sensor for the remote (which is located on the top left of the transmitter). I personally don't care for using the remote, but if you intend on using the remote often, just know that you will have to position your iPhone lower on the unit, and that it may knock against the gear shifter depending on how your car is designed.
This unit is also useful if you plan on using GPS quite a bit in your car - make sure to download the Microsoft Bing app, because you can use voice search rather than typing in addresses or destinations!
Sound quality:
Excellent sound quality... for an FM transmitter. I try to find a channel that is bordered by empty channels. It's definitely not totally without static in the city, but between cities, in rural areas, or on the interstates, you will have much clearer reception. Expect some static, no matter what FM transmitter you get.
All-in-all, it is a good product with some minor inconveniences.
Digital camera Review: Doesn't fit Subaru
Summary: 2 Stars
I loved the quality of this product... well made. AFter my first attempt at powering up my ipod using this transmitter I had to return it because it wouldn't power up. Satechi was awesome and did send me a second within a day. Same problem. The head on the power rod may not speak with every car.Digital camera Review: Don't buy the 5 in 1.....
Summary: 4 Stars
It's not a bad product (6 in 1). I used to unplug it from the car every time I was done using it, bad move. The plastic connector wasn't really engineered to withstand that much use, so I decided to replace the unit. I went with the cheaper model thinking that I didn't need all of the extras offered on the 6 in 1. What I came to find out is that the 5 in 1 doesn't have the ability to "fine-tune" AND it doesn't send as strong as a signal to the radio as the 6 in 1. The 5 in 1 was absolute rubbish. I live in a metropolitan area and there was almost NO time that I didn't have interference of some sort. Now, I'm back to the 6 in 1 (leaving it plugged in all the time, just turning it off). It's signal is much better (not perfect, but much better, and able to fine tune). Most of the time you don't even remember that your not listening to CD's. So yeah...it's good.Digital camera Review: Easy to use and works great!
Summary: 5 Stars
Was easy to install, is easy to use and works great! A great deal for the price!