PRODUCT REVIEW
Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel, iPod in the TransDock

Ever since its introduction, the iPod has been used by drivers as a dandy addition to their automotive audio systems. However, from firsthand experience, I can tell you that trying to operate an iPod and a car simultaneously isn't conducive to highway safety.

Talking on a cell phone while driving may be dangerous, but for the most part you can keep your eyes on the road. That's not the case when navigating through multiple levels of menus on an iPod.

If you use an FM transmitter to connect your iPod to your car radio, you can add a whole new dimension of danger to your driving. That's because, on occasion, you'll find yourself constantly searching for a clean frequency for the connection. That requires taking your eyes off the road as you step through frequencies on the transmitter.

However, some of those problems are addressed in the new deluxe version of the TransDock FM transmitter (US$129.99), by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) of Charleston, S.C.

RF Remote

The device includes an RF remote for controlling both your iPod and the radio frequencies for the TransDock. Unlike the remotes for television sets, which use infrared technology, RF remotes can be used without pointing them at what they're controlling.

Better yet, the TransDock remote can be mounted on the side of a steering wheel where it can be conveniently fingered with a minimum of eye drift from the road.

The remote gives you basic control over your iPod. You can pause and play the music player, as well as move back and forth through the tracks stored on it.

In addition, the unit lets you change frequencies for the TransDock. You can do that manually, one frequency at a time, or create "presets" for a number of frequencies.

The device will store up to six presets. So in my area, I created presets for 87.9, 89.1, 91.5, 96.5, 90.1 and 94.9. Each time I press the preset button on the remote, the TransDock moves to one of those presets.

Rube Goldberg Look

The TransDock is easy to install. You plug the hardware's charger arm into a power outlet in your car. If your power outlet is located under your car's dashboard, you can use the extender arm to make the TransDock more convenient to reach.

Both the charger arm and extender have joints that can be used to control the height and angle of the TransDock. Although the arrangement works well, it has a Rube Goldberg appearance to it.

The TransDock itself plugs into the end of either the charger arm or extender.

Protection From Bumps

After assembling the TransDock, you can slide your iPod into it where it will be securely mounted and safe from bumps in the road.

The TransDock will accommodate any fifth-generation iPod, as well as first- and second-generation nanos.

When your iPod is mounted in the TransDock, the transmitter will charge the music player. When the iPod isn't mounted, the TransDock stops drawing power from your car battery. So you don't have to worry about forgetting to disconnect the device, leaving your car and returning to a dead battery.

The DLO unit has a one-line LCD that displays large characters, large enough for even old folks like me to see.

You can also change the display's colors. Available colors are amber, blue or white.

Cheaper Than Body Work

The TransDock has some interesting additional features.

For instance, it has an auxiliary audio input jack. That allows you to use the device with digital music players other than the iPod. To do that, though, you'll need an optional male-to-male mini cable.

The unit also has an AV output. That can be used for pumping movies from your iPod to a portable DVD player. If you have a low-tech radio in your car, it can be used with a cassette adapter.

In addition, the device has a USB port which can come in handy for charging portable devices like cell phones and PDAs.

While $130 may seem exorbitant for an FM transmitter for your iPod, it's cheaper than the tow and trip to the body shop after driving into a ditch.