|
IPHONE
CAR ACCESSORIES BUYER'S GUIDE
If you're an on-the-go iPhone user, you probably make
frequent phone calls from your car. If your car audio system is equipped with
an auxiliary input jack, it's a cinch: Just plug in your iPhone and you're
ready to roll. But if your car doesn't have a built-in auxiliary jack, consider
these solutions...
FM TRANSMITTERS/MODULATORS
FM modulators connect to iPhone via its dock connector port
or headphone jack, broadcasting audio through an open FM frequency to your car
sound system.
Since iPhone produces its own wireless signals, it's
possible to experience interference problems with FM Modulators. It's best to
hedge your bets and buy a dock-connector modulator that lets you manually
select an FM frequency that's compatible with iPhone. If iPhone detects audio
interference, it will offer to switch itself to Airplane Mode. Operating in
Airplane Mode is likely to provide a much clearer signal. The only drawback is
that iPhone can't answer incoming calls while in Airplane Mode.
Headphone mini-jack FM transmitters are also an option, though
headphone mini-jack FM transmitters can present the same interference problems
as dock-connector transmitters.
FM modulators are available in both wired and wireless
models. Wired FM modulators tend to offer better reception than wireless
models, since they plug into your receiver's antenna input. But installation
does require some mechanical skill. If you're not mechanical, it's best to hire
someone who is!
NOTE: Since iPhone's headphone jack is recessed, be sure to
determine whether you need a headphone jack adapter before you buy a wired FM
modulator.
Recommendations:
Griffin Technology iTrip (Dock) ($50; http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Griffin Technology iTrip Auto with Smart Scan ($80;
http://www.griffintechnology.com. Combination FM transmitter and car charger. )
Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Auto Charger for iPod
($80; http://www.kensington.com)
DLOTransPod micro ($60; www.dlo.com)
POWER AND CHARGING
If your car charger plugs into your car's accessory jack
(cigarette lighter), you can listen to music or charge your iPhone while
driving. There are several iPhone chargers available, or you can use an iPod
dock-connector charger.
Battery backups are also an attractive option. For example,
Griffin Technology's TuneJuice 2, which requires four AA batteries, allows an
additional 14 hours of juice for your iPhone.
Recommendations:
XtremeMac InCharge Auto ($20; http://www.xtrememac.com)
XtremeMac InCharge Traveler ($70; http://www.xtrememac.com.
Works in cars, planes and most wall outlets, internationally.)
Griffin Technology PowerJolt ($20;
http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Griffin Technology TuneJuice 2 ($30;
http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Macally USB Car Charger for iPod & iPhone ($20;
http://www.macally.com)
CAR MOUNTS AND HOLDERS
Need a solution for preventing iPhone from bouncing around
while you're driving? You'll find many options for car mounts and holders, from
the inexpensive and basic to the elaborate, flexible-arm mounts.
Recommendations:
Griffins iSqueez
($8; http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Nyko Universal Car Mount ($20; http://www.nyko.com)
iPhone Mount, iPhone Holder, iPhone Car Mount ($20 - $30
http://www.arkon.com/)
JAVOedge Universal Mobile Mounting Kit for iPhone ($30;
http://www.javoedge.com)
CASSETTE ADAPTERS
If your car sound system includes a cassette deck, your
iPhone can play audio via a cassette adapter, which simply plugs into the
cassette deck. Cassette adapters offer better sound quality than FM
transmitters and are much simpler to use.
Before buying a cassette adapter, be sure to determine if
you need an adapter to accommodate iPhone's recessed headphone jack. Also,
since adapters don't necessarily work with every cassette deck, you may need to
do a little research on different models.
Check out Griffin Technology's SmartShare Headphone
Splitter, which has independent volume controls for each of two set of
connected headphones. Two people can listen at different audio levels.
Recommendations:
Griffin Technology SmartShare Headphone Splitter ($15; http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Griffin Technology SmartShare Headphone Adapter ($10;
http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Belkin Headphone Adapter for iPhone ($11;
http://www.griffintechnology.com)
Shure Music Phone Adapter MPA-3c ($40; http://www.shure.com)
Monster iCarPlay Cassette Adapter for iPod and iPhone ($20;
http://monstercable.com)
|
Cell Accessories 
