Belkin launches TuneBase FM and TuneCast Auto for iPhone and iPod

Belkin has updated their flagship iPod FM transmitter TuneBase FM to accomodate, you know, that gadget. Both the TuneBase FM and TuneCast Auto are compatible with a slew of iPod and iPod mini models as well as le iPhone, with the former also sporting a mount and docking station. Both also feature Belkin's ClearScan technology that automagically searches out the best FM frequency for optimal sound... as optimal as you can get with an FM transmitter, anyway. TuneCast Auto will be available in February for $79.99, with the TuneBase FM coming in at $99.99 in April.

Gallery: Belkin launches TuneBase FM and TuneCast Auto for iPhone and iPod

• 
• 
• 
• 

[Juice @ Jan 7th 2008 1:19PM]

I never met an FM transmitter I liked. They all crackle at some point. I suggest no FM transmitting stories allowed ever again. I will consider it SPAM from now on.

[whatishalo? @ Jan 7th 2008 1:28PM]

Please unsubscribe me from FM transmitter posts.

[Jason Golden @ Jan 7th 2008 1:29PM]

I've had good and bad experiences; FM transmitters don't work well in crowded markets like Seattle, but in more remote areas they seem to work just fine.

I hope Belkin found a way to disable or address the "accessory might cause interference" screen that usually pops up when you plug something into the bottom. That would get really annoying.

[daniel @ Jan 7th 2008 4:17PM]

yeah, but i'm just as likely to get into quite a wreck reaching into my glove box for a CD. I wish they would bring out an all in one iphone-in-car-thing. You know, so you can listen through car speakers and then when someone calls, it also comes through the speakers, and an additional mic somewhere-maybe, or does this exist. any one listening- oh well.

[Josh @ Jan 7th 2008 1:49PM]

I have an aux cable connecting my iPod, used to use a tape deck, and once long ago tried using an FM before just throwing it away after a week of using it.

I just got an iPod touch and must say - there is not a quicker way to get into a wreck than pissing around with an iPod Touch/iPhone while driving.

[Francis @ Jan 7th 2008 3:02PM]

I also used 2 FM transmitter before, and really don't like the sound quality of both. Instead I bought Peripheral Device for iPod. Even though its design for iPod, it works well on my iPhone. I can control music directly on my radio and it charge my iPhone even if I remove the key of my car. I will never go back to these FM transmitters.

[mikey @ Jan 7th 2008 4:28PM]

I've had bad luck with FM transmitters with my previous iPods. I bought an iPod adapter for my Alpine receiver about 2 years ago. Luckily, it works with my iPhone too.

[alvis @ Jan 7th 2008 5:37PM]

99 dollars for that crap!!! What a rip-off. Get a aux-out cable, the sound is a million times better.

[Emma Peel @ Jan 8th 2008 1:36AM]

Actually this is an awesome product. I am so glad they are releasing it for the iphone.

This gives you a really good dock in your car. Its flexible neck allows you to position the iphone in a perfect position to use. It has an auxillary out on the bottom of the unit so those of you with aux inputs can just use it as a great charger/holder. The FM portion works well in cars that don't including rental cars. The FM stations are really easy to switch too with this device.

Yes, yes haters we all know that going auxillary in is the best way and that FM sucks in comparison to it, so you win. For the rest of us who dont have aux in or who want to use it in any car it provide the best of both worlds. Both FM and AUX out.

Going to buy this right when it comes out.

[Brandon Gabard @ Jan 8th 2008 10:24AM]

Finally! I can use my iPhone how I intended to use it from day one. Ok, and for all the haters. I cannot find an aftermarket radio that would look good in my 1.5 DIN slot in my 96 Impala SS and I have no aux in or changer hook up so I can't go the routes as much as I would like without buying a CD player from a 99 GM Pickup and everyone wants an obscene amount of money for them. BTW, I have been extremely happy with my iTrip other than the fact I have to turn up my radio louder than normal.

[d @ Jan 15th 2008 1:49AM]

hey! Any FM transmitter will broadcast at low quality. Try lowering volume on your iphone and increasing volume on the car radio. You'll like it better!