Monster Cable iCarPlay iPod Wireless FM Transmitter

Monster Cable iCarPlay iPod Wireless FM Transmitter: $69.99 retail. The good, the bad, and the ugly about the Monster Cable iCarPlay iPod Wireless FM Transmitter.
This plug-and-play device works in any vehicle. It charges the iPod as it transmits a radio signal to one of eight predefined stations. It’s intended for auto use only, as is evident by the cigarette lighter being the only power source. Because I use my iPod in the car more than anywhere else, I never worry about having to recharge. It’s simple to use and it works. I’m not much for reading technical manuals, and there is no need for this device. It broadcasts in stereo, as long as you find a station that has little to no interference.

There are only two major issues. Since the transmitter is like a tiny radio station that broadcasts relatively weak signals through the air, you’ll have to pick an even weaker radio frequency that your transmitter can easily overwhelm. Second, because of FCC limitations on the broadcast range, the transmitter needs to be close to the radio’30 feet maximum, 10 feet is optimum. One of my cars has the radio transmitter in the back, which makes for poor performance because of the distance.

Is it worth the $70 price tag? I only have a radio and CD player, so a cassette adapter is not an option. And I do not want an expensive hard wiring job. Nor can I afford a new vehicle with the iPod adapter built in. In my situation, it’s worth the price and the minor inconveniences, but I suggest shopping around for a better price.