OTHER TECH

FM Mods by Michael Gaughn

Of the three ways of hooking up an iPod to your car's audio system - using an FM modulator to send signals through the radio, using a cassette adapter, or having a dock hardwired to the system - the FM route is the most flexible and least intrusive option. (But using an adapter or, especially, hardwiring a dock will give you noticeably better sound.) Here's a hands-on look at seven of the most popular FM mods.

[1] Aerielle AudioBUG AB-250 ($40) Connects to iPod's headphone jack • Uses CR2 battery (supplied), rated for 40 hours of use • Tunes to four FM frequencies (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7) via sliding switch • Signal-sensing auto on/off • Bug's "eyes" are power indicators • 6-inch cable aerielle.com

[2] Aerielle AudioBUG ATB-350 ($50) Connects to iPod's headphone jack • Plugs into cigarette lighter or 12-volt outlet • Tunes to all FM frequencies • LCD readout • Three station presets • Channel search • Signal-sensing auto on/off • 3-foot cable

[3] Belkin TuneCast II ($40) Connects to iPod's headphone jack • Uses two AAA batteries (included) • Tunes to all FM frequencies • Backlit LCD • Four station presets • Signal-sensing auto on/off • 6-inch cable belkin.com

[4] Griffin iTrip ($35) Connects to top of iPods with dock connectors • Powered by the iPod • Tunes to all FM frequencies • PC/Mac-compatible software (on CD-ROM) for selecting FM stations through the iPod griffintechnology.com

[5] Kensington FM transmitter/charger ($60) Connects to iPod dock connector • Plugs into cigarette lighter or 12-volt outlet • Tunes to eight FM frequencies (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7, 107.1, 107.3, 107.5, 107.7) via two switches • Red LED indicates power, green LED indicates iPod signal • Charges iPod • 4-foot cable kensington.com

[6] Monster iCarPlay FM transmitter/charger ($70) Connects to iPod dock connector • Plugs into cigarette lighter or 12-volt outlet • Tunes to all FM frequencies • Backlit LED • 3 station presets • Charges iPod • 33/8-foot cable monstercable.com

[7] XtremeMac Airplay ($40) Connects to top of iPods with dock connectors • Powered by the iPod • Tunes to all FM frequencies • Backlit LCD readout • No software necessary xtrememac.com

Since all of these FM mods are about equally adept at the not-too-difficult feat of sending a signal from your iPod to your car radio, figuring out which one is right for you comes down to, first, judging individual features and then seeing which combination of features best fits your needs.

If the extreme ends of the FM band in your area are free of strong broadcast signals, the limited tuning options of the AudioBUG AB-250 and the Kensington are no big deal. But with New York City's glutted broadcast dial, where you can find yourself scrambling for a new slice of the band as you drive from area to area, the across-the-board flexibility of the other five mods is a huge plus.

If you are forced to cruise the dial as your location changes, you'll appreciate the frequency displays and station presets on the AudioBUG ATB-350, TuneCast II, and iCarPlay. (While the iTrip lets you see frequency numbers on your iPod's readout, you have to create a playlist to store your "preset" stations.)

If you'd rather not grope around for your iPod while trying to keep your eyes on the road, avoid anything tethered - which eliminates everything here except the iTrip and AirPlay. The AudioBUG AB-250 and TuneCast II keep the cable length to a minimum and don't have to be jacked into a cigarette lighter, but you still have to deal with a dangling accessory.

The iTrip and AirPlay are the only FM mods here that don't need a cable, and they let you use any available frequency. Forced to choose, I'd opt for the iTrip. It's more convenient having the station info on the iPod's display instead of having to look at the AirPlay's separate LCD, and the AirPlay doesn't allow for presets.