Hands-On Review--TransPod for iPod shuffle

When we got a 4GB iPod nano for review and long-term testing, our long-term test 512MB iPod shuffle replaced our original 5GB iPod as the music player that we carry in the center console of our MacsOnlyMobile. We use the iPod shuffle for listening to podcasts and music while tooling around town, visiting places where we have an appreciable wait, like a doctor's office, or briskly walking along San Diego's waterfront in its trademark perfect weather. To support our iPod shuffle, we need a device that will allow it to play through our MacsOnlyMobile's audio system and to keep it charged. The TransPod for iPod shuffle marketed by DLO (Digital Lifestyle Outfitters) looked like it would fit our needs perfectly.

We have been happily using an XtremeMac AirPlay, that we previously favorably reviewed, but we accidentally slammed the center console shut on its cord one too many times. The only drawbacks to the AirPlay were its very long thin cord which looked messy if we plugged it into the cigar lighter, its lack of a holder for the iPod shuffle and the very small screen for selecting a radio station. So we plugged it into the power port in our center console and kept it there, accepting the minor hassle of opening the console to control the iPod shuffle and the risk that offered to the AirPlay's cord. The positive feature was that our iPod shuffle was always out of sight.

The DLO TransPod for iPod shuffle was obtained from our local Best Buy because we had some soon-to-expire Reward Zone certificates--BTW, Best Buy has a good selection of iPod accessories. Unlike the AirPlay, the TransPod has no cord, it is designed to hold the iPod shuffle upright in the car and its screen is large enough for us to read easily. Initially, we didn't like that the TransPod is mostly black instead of white. But the top where the iPod shuffle plugs in is white and the TransPod's black goes well with the dash area where our cigar lighter is located.

The MacsOnlyMobile's cigar lighter is conveniently located so when the TransPod is plugged in, the iPod is easy to reach and it doesn't really block anything. The angle of the iPod relative to the dash is adjustable and the selected position is locked in with a thumbscrew. The iPod shuffle is in a handy position so it's easy to work the click wheel to adjust the volume or to select the song ahead or back--while the car is not moving, of course.

We usually keep the TransPod set at one channel but we occasionally have to change it while driving around the county or to LA to get the clearest sound offered by an empty frequency. Channels are selected with the buttons on the sides of the TransPod. It's easy to run up and down the TransPod's FM frequency range of 87.9 to 107.9. The TransPod does not have extra pre-set channel buttons like the AirPlay but one can still pre-set up to four stations. One does so by selecting a station and then holding down both side buttons for 3 seconds. The selection procedure worked fine for us.

The sound quality from our iPod shuffle through the TransPod and our seven-speaker Bose audio system is excellent. The key to getting great sound from an iPod through any FM transmitter is locating an empty FM radio frequency (station) in one's area and then balancing the volume of the TransPod's transmitter (really the iPod's volume) and the audio system's volume.

The TransPod for iPod shuffle has a couple of extras, ports that is. There's a line-out port on the bottom so the TransPod can be used to connect an iPod shuffle directly to a car radio or its cassette player with a cassette adapter. There's also a line-in port for connecting other devices to play through a car's audio system, devices like other iPods, iBook or PowerBook. Finally, the USB port that the iPod shuffle plugs into can be used to charge other 12v devices such as one's cell phone.

There are even a couple of accessories for the TransPod: a 48" USB cable and a 7" "gooseneck" USB cable. Both add flexibility and they are available directly via DLO's online store. We're happy with the fixed location provided by the TransPod alone.

One very minor drawback is that the TransPod for iPod shuffle does not fit in our car's center console when plugged into the console's power port. So we can not unplug it from the cigar lighter when we park and plug it into the center console to hide it from view and keep the iPod charging. Our options, if we want to keep it from view for fear that someone will smash a window to steal the $99 iPod shuffle, are to put something over it or to plug the iPod into a charger in our center console. The other drawback is that we could not find a warranty on the package, in the package or on DLO's web site so if this is a problem, be sure to check on the warranty policy of the store where one plans to purchase it.

In summary, we like the TransPod for iPod shuffle from DLO for $59.99. It's $11 more than the AirPlay but it fits our needs perfectly and it works very well. [Bill Fox]