Getting an iPod connected to an in-car stereo system can be a slightly tricky thing—assuming you don’t have a vehicle with iPod connectivity baked in at the factory. One solution is an FM transmitter, which lets users blast iPod content to an open frequency on their FM receiver using a low-power FM transmitter in the car…but the sound quality isn’t always great and there’s a more-or-less constant aggravation of having to switch frequencies around, depending on your location and travel habits. And then there’s managing the iPod while driving, which always seems to be a pain.
DLO’s TransDock Direct tries to ease these pains without going to all the hassle of a custm iPod-savvy installation. If a vehicle has an auxiliary audio input, the TransDock Direct can pop into it without any modifications whatsoever. The dock itself connects to a car’s 12V power outlet for charging and powering the iPod; then, just run a cable from the dock to the audio system’s aux input. (And if you’re desperate, you could even use it with a cassette adapter…which still often offers better sound than an FM solution.) The dock cradles and charges the iPod while music plays, and offers a flexible support arm lets drivers position the iPod so it’s accessible yet out of the way of crucial car functions. The unit also includes a support bracket to secure the iPod touch while the base is rotated, and the whole unit features a built-in adapter so the base automatically adjusts to the many and varies iPod form factors. The 12V adapter is also detachable so users can charge things like GPS units and cell phones while still using their iPod.
The TransDock Direct is available now for $59.99.
