If you have an Apple iPod, and who doesn’t these days, you will eventually want to improve it’s functionality by adding an accessory.  As the leading portable digital audio player on the market, there are an incredible number of accessories available for the Apple iPod and Griffin Technology is one of the leading companies in the iPod accessory market.  This article will take a look at a few of the products available from Griffin.

RoadTrip

Price: $89.99
Compatible with: all docking iPods including nano and video.  Not for iPods with FireWire ports on top.

The RoadTrip is a transmission accessory that plugs into you car’s accessory power port (cigarette lighter plug) and gives you a docking stand, power adapter, and FM transmitter for your iPod.  Simply plug the dock into a power port and attach your iPod.  The Road Trip includes multiple docking sleeves to fit your iPod.  While connected and powered on, the RoadTrip will power and recharge your iPod.  Simply turn on the RoadTrip and select an FM radio frequency that is clear of any other stations.  Adjust your radio for the same frequency and you will be listening to your iPod through you car’s stereo system.  The RoadTrip is very easy to use.

The RoadTrip comes with a complete set of docking sleeves to adapt the dock to your iPod.  Also included are 2 different power port plugs for different sized power ports.  The RoadTrip can also be used with your computer to transmit the computer audio to your home sound system.  The control module can be removed from the docking base, and with the included USB adapter, you can connect the module to your PC’s USB port for power and headphone jack for the audio.  This is a really nice added benefit of the RoadTrip.

Once you find a clear FM radio frequency and set up the RoadTrip and your radio to the same frequency, you will get clear, beautiful sound from your iPod.  The RoadTrip is powerful enough to deliver the sound to the radio without distortion, static or interference.  It’s a great way to enjoy your iPod on the road.

If you are looking for one accessory for your car that can power, dock, and FM transmit the audio for your iPod, the RoadTrip is an easy to use, all-in-one product that works well and gives the added benefit of working with your computer.  A missing feature that would have made the product complete would be a remote control or the ability to connect the Griffin AirClick remote to the bottom of the RoadTrip and use the two products together.  This can be done if you have an older iPod with the FireWire connector on the top of the iPod and the appropriate AirClick which plugs into the top of the older iPod.  It would be a great combo.

AirClick

Price: $28.00 - $39.99 (Price varies depending on model)
Compatible with: iPod mini, Photo, 4G with Click Wheel, 3G with touch wheel and buttons, and 5G Video.

The AirClick adds remote control functionality to your iPod.  A slim and stylish receiver plugs into the iPod (top or bottom of the iPod depending on the iPod model).  Simply pair the receiver to the remote control by pushing the tiny button on the receiver and any button on the remote control within a few seconds of each other.  The remote control has five buttons giving you control of Play/Pause, Backwards, Forwards, and Volume Up / Down.  The buttons function in music, photo, and video modes, but do not work for selecting and choosing menus.  The behavior of the buttons may vary slightly depending on which mode the iPod is in.  Holding down the Back or Forward buttons in Video mode will put the iPod into Fast Forward or Backward mode.

The remote control also features a locking switch and a belt clip.  A cradle is also included so that you can attach the remote to your steering wheel or other object in your car or home.  The remote has a range of 10-15 feet from the receiver which should be more than enough for “same room” use.  The battery (coin) in the remote should last for the life of the product, but if you have to replace it, the case must be opened by removing 3 screws.

The AirClick is easy to use, compact, stylish, and a great way to be “hands-free” with your iPod.

iTrip for iPod nano

Price: $49.99
Compatible with: iPod nano.  Other models are available for all iPods.

The iTrip is a sleek, docking “sled” for the iPod nano giving it FM Transmitter features while adding very little weight to the nano.  It does almost double the thickness of the nano and adds a little to the length, but overall the Apple nano and iTrip are a stylish combination.  Simply slide the nano onto the iTrip.  The iTrip is powered from the nano and there is a mini-USB connector on the bottom of the iTrip to power the pair as an option.  A power cable is not included with the iTrip.

The iTrip only has one control which is a one-touch navigation control which moves up, down, and in for selection.  The control is located on the upper right edge of the iTrip.  All the iTrip information is displayed on the nano screen.  Using the one-touch control you can select the FM frequency, preset 3 frequencies, and choose preferences such as Mono/Stereo, Optimized FM EQ, AutoPlay, and modes for FM frequencies (US/International/Japan).

The iTrip for nano is only 0.9 ounces and 1.57” x 3.97” x 0.55”.  A soft, protective carrying pouch is included with the iTrip for nano.

Sound quality of the iTrip should be similar to other Griffin FM Transmitter products.  The iTrip has an operating range of up to 50 feet, but closer is always better.  Just make sure to use a frequency with no radio station or static.  The iTrip is a great way to add FM transmitter features to the nano while remaining portable, easy to use, and keeping the clean, stylish lines of the Apple nano.

PowerBlock

Price: $29.99
Compatible with: iPod mini, Photo, shuffle, nano, 4G with Click Wheel, and 5G with Video.

Amazing as it has always been to me and to many people I have asked about it, the Apple iPod does not include an AC Adapter to recharge the battery.  Instead, Apple provides a docking cable that both powers the iPod and transfers music, photos, etc. from a computer via a USB port.  Even if you buy the $399 60GB iPod Video, you still do not get a power adapter.  This is annoying if you are traveling without a PC or just do not want to turn on your computer to recharge the iPod.  Apple charges $39.99 for their AC Adapter, which should have been included with your iPod.  A better choice is the PowerBlock from Griffin.

The PowerBlock is an AC Adapter that provides power to a standard USB connector.  If your iPod has a standard USB connector, just plug it into the PowerBlock.  If your iPod has a Dock Connector, use the USB to Dock Connector cable which is included with the PowerBlock.  The blades for the electrical wall socket can fold down for easy storage and recharging your iPod from an AC Adapter is faster than using the USB port of your computer.

The PowerBlock is great for the frequent traveler.  A portable music player is not so portable if you have a drag a computer with you to keep it charged.  So until Apple learns to be more customer friendly in regards to included accessories, check out the Griffin PowerBlock.  It works well, is a quality product, includes the USB to Dock Connector (Apple does not include this and expects you to use the one that came with the iPod), and is less expensive than the Apple model.

EarThumps

Price: $19.99
Compatible with: all iPods and most audio devices.

The EarThumps are a nice alternative to the earphones that came with your iPod.  They are lightweight (0.4 ounce) and include 3 sets (different sizes) of ear cushions so that you can adjust the fit and feel.  Using Neodymium dynamic micro-drivers, the EarThumps has good quality.  The sound output power level is very good for a set of small earphones and the overall sound quality is a lot better than the earphones that Apple includes with any of the iPod.  The mid frequency range has good response and accuracy, but the high range is lacking the crisp, sharp response you will find in more expensive earphones.  While the low range or bass is solid and rich, it does not have a powerful, deep bass response.  The overall sound quality is better than you would expect from a sub-$20 pair of earphones and certainly better than “stock” earphones.

The EarThumps include 3 sets of rubber ear cushions and a nice protective, zippered case with 2 mesh compartments and one zippered compartment inside.  While the EarThumps are a sound isolating earphone, do not expect them to block a large amount of the external noise from your music.  My guess, just based on my listening, would be around 5db of noise reduction. 

If you are looking to replace the Apple earphones at an inexpensive, affordable price, the EarThumps are worth checking out.  At only $19.99, the sound quality is a good bargain.

Reviewed by Harvey Lee, Senior Technology Editor

Product:  Griffin Technology iPod Accessories
Manufacturer:  Griffin Technology
Web Site:  http://www.griffintechnology.com
Category:  Mobile / Audio Hardware