Griffin RoadTrip with SmartScan
So you are looking for an in-car solution for your iPod Touch? Then this article should help you out if you are thinking about Griffin Technology’s RoadTrip with SmartScan. This nice piece of equipment serves as a mount, charger and FM transmitter for your ipod, making it the perfect solution for your in-car ipod needs and wants.
Opening the package you will find a simple yet smart design. The mount itself goes right into the cigarette lighter and has the charger and FM transmitter built right in with no excess wiring or anything. The RoadTrip is easy to setup; just plug it into the lighter, adjust the mount, slide in your ipod, and set the radio.
The neck on the mount is quite sturdy but still fully adjustable. The only wobble I found in the mount was due to my cigarette lighter not being completely tight. But even with that wobble the ipod is mounted securely and is easy to see and use. The RoadTrip also comes with 7 interchangeable dock connectors for other ipod versions (iPod classic, touch, nano with video, nano, video). The ipod docks using the charge port and is well secured. The only problem is the ipod touch pretty much needs to be bare with no case to use. Basically, any case that covers any part of the bottom of the ipod cannot be used. Screen protectors work fine though, of course.
A three button interface for the SmartScan is easy to read and use. You can use the scan to find the 3 strongest signals for transmitting your music or you can change the stations manually. Once you are playing music, the 3 buttons can be used to select previous and next tracks, and to pause so you can keep your eyes on the road and still control your music. Thanks to the SmartSound Plus technology, the RoadTrip provides clear sound when using strong stations. It also provides a strong signal so if you are commuting through several cities it will stick to your channel as long at it’s not a strong radio station. Or if your car stereo has an AUX-In jack you can plug it right into the RoadTrip’s A/V line out to run your audio directly to your radio.
Overall, the RoadTrip with SmartScan is definitely worth the price. With a sturdy design, built-in charger and powerful and clear FM transmitter, it’s everything you need to use your ipod in your car. And the best part is its compact and easy to use.
