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One of the funkiest entries in Belkin’s line of iPod accessories is the TuneBase FM. It’s a combination holder/charger/FM transmitter for your iPod mini. The question is, though, does it have the function to go along with its form?
What’s In The Box?
The box contains the TuneBase and a couple cigarette lighter sleeves in case your power outlet doesn’t provide a snug enough fit.
What’s Good About It?
Even though my wife commented that it is probably the dorkiest-looking thing she’s ever seen, I think the design is very nice indeed. The neck is flexible and the holder swivels roughly 180 degrees, so you have quite a bit of freedom of movement.
The main thing though, is that it powers and charges the iPod and the FM transmitter all in one device. I hate to have to worry about plugging in and powering on my FM transmitter and then plugging in the charger to the iPod and then the iPod to the transmitter… this is as simple as just plugging the iPod into the TuneBase.
Also, a feature that I wasn’t expecting was that the TuneBase sets the output level of the iPod, so you don’t have to mess with finding the right volume.
What Needs Work?
I have tried a couple other FM transmitters, and I’m amazed at how different the quality is from each of them. The sound quality from the TuneBase is not bad, but the signal strength leaves a lot to be desired. It has 4 station presets, and even in my relatively small town, I have to switch among them fairly often to find a clear signal. It is workable, but not what I would have expected from what is otherwise such a well-designed product.
The only other complaint I have is that there is no off switch. I’m not a fan of leaving devices drawing power in my car while I’m not there, and there is no way to turn off the TuneBase except to unplug it. Since it is designed to have a very snug fit with your power outlet, you have to work it back and forth to get it out. This is eventually going to wear out the piece of rubber that provides the snug fit. I would really prefer to leave it plugged in and not have to mess with it.
GadgetMadness Verdict: Oh So Very Close
The design is great, but the implementation just barely falls short of what would be required for a strong recommendation. Put a slightly better transmitter in it, and it would be right on. If you mainly care about using it as a power supply and holder, then there are no complaints. But for $89.99 MSRP, that’s not the point.
Belkin TuneBase FM is available through Belkin’s website and at retailers everywhere, as well as Amazon.com.
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