itrip

Whenever Apple introduces a new iPod, accessory makers face three obvious challenges: physical, electronic, and practical. How do you make an FM transmitter that fits something as small as the iPod nano, especially when there’s no place to plug it in on the top? How do you make sure that it actually works, given that its antenna may be blocked by the nano’s partially metal body, and that the nano’s battery is so small? And how can you tune its stations on the go?

We’ve received a nearly final version of Griffin Technology’s new iTrip nano ($50), the first FM transmitter we’ve seen that has really good answers to each of these questions. Due out in time for the holidays - at least, to pre-orderers - the new add-on provides a practical alternative for people who need a truly portable way to broadcast nano audio to a radio. It is also the first transmitter to allow station tuning on an iPod’s screen without any special software, as shown in the photos below.