Macally busts out cup holder-compatible BTCUP iPod FM transmitter

It's far from the first cup holder-compatible iPod dock, but Macally's new BTCUP boasts a few more tricks than the usual fare, including not only an FM transmitter, but Bluetooth hands-free functionality as well. To make the former task a tad easier, the device includes up and down buttons and a backlit LCD display to let you tune in to any FM frequency between 88.1 and 107.9, with the hands-free calling option also accessible at the touch of a button. For some added privacy, the BTCUP comes equipped with an earphone, and it'll of course charge your iPod as it pumps out the tunes (the device itself is powered by the cigarette lighter outlet). Look for this one to set you back $120, with a BTCUP specially designed for the iPhone set to follow sometime in the fourth quarter of this year.

[Via PC World]

[Satish @ Sep 13th 2007 2:51PM]

I love the concept.. a FM beamer that fits in cup holder..nice

[NHAnimator @ Sep 13th 2007 2:52PM]

I'll drink to that!

[Joe K @ Sep 13th 2007 2:55PM]

I wonder how the sound quality is.. someone buy it and let me know so I don't toss $120 away (or $87 from a froogle affiliate)

[andy @ Sep 13th 2007 3:05PM]

Using an FM transmitter for bluetooth calling is smooth. Kudos.

[apeguero @ Sep 13th 2007 3:12PM]

Ingenious! I love it. Too bad I haven't found an FM transmitter that I actually liked yet. I've resorted to dumping 200 or so MP3 files to re-writable CD ROMs and playing them in my car's MP3 compatible, in-dash CD changer. You'd be surprised at how many people which don't know that they can do what I'm doing now. The nice thing of playing MP3 files written to a CD-RW is that you get the song's title and artist name on the car's display. You also get to control the playback on the car's stereo. This is a nice idea non-the-less.

[Gilatrout @ Sep 13th 2007 3:23PM]

Interesting. However, does this mean that when I use the BT handsfree feature anyone with a radio can listen to me conversation? Not good.

[mike nelson @ Sep 13th 2007 4:10PM]

I highly doubt it broadcasts your phone conversation through the FM Too..

[Josh L @ Sep 13th 2007 3:59PM]

If the signal put out by this transmitter was powerful enough to reach the car next to you, it would never have been FCC approved. Hell, I have trouble getting most transmitters to reach MY OWN car stereo.

[Kevin @ Sep 13th 2007 3:40PM]

Too bad it only works for iPhone / iPod. I wouldn't mind something like this for PPC.

Unfortunately, the cupholders in my car are little more than a joke.

[Tomahawk @ Sep 13th 2007 3:55PM]

Where's the RDS support? You would think that for $120 that RDS would be a feature. The only RDS FM transmitter I know of is from Kensington http://us.kensington.com/html/11206.html, which I can't figure out because almost all cars made in the last couple years have a radio which supports RDS. I hate having to look down at the IPod to see what's playing....if you ask me...this thing is overpriced for what it does; shop around.

[Rick @ Sep 13th 2007 6:44PM]

Ok only FM transmission? Ok, where is the non FM and AUX input version of this?

[Joe @ Sep 13th 2007 7:33PM]

I have this non FM version of a Belkin iPod Cupholder, and it's only $20:

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F8E467-BLK-TuneDok-iPods-Black/dp/B000A3X2GQ/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-1972632-9719635?tag=freeplefav-20

Highly recommended. It's black too :)

[ChubbyHubby @ Sep 13th 2007 6:11PM]

Butt Cup? Not today, thanks.

[gerbick @ Sep 13th 2007 7:04PM]

Why did I read that name as if it would fit perfectly in "Smack my BTCUP"?

[Rick @ Sep 13th 2007 7:38PM]

Thanks. I've seen that one, almost bought it. I'm just amazed that there really isn't a single product that incorporates both a holder AND a dock that can be wired to an aux input on the head unit. As it it, you keep in in your bin or glove box and have wires hanging everywhere. Nothing clean with a dock and holder/mount.

[Jaymez @ Sep 13th 2007 11:05PM]

The FM cup looks like a better deal to me. I'd never use the BT option, anyway. At half the price, I might shop around for a better deal, too.

http://www.macally.com/EN/Product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=35

[martin @ Sep 15th 2007 8:33AM]

terrible Design

[Phantom @ Sep 21st 2007 8:32PM]

Do I understand correctly, this model will work with both the ipod and I phone ??

Thanks