Griffin iTrip Auto SmartScan

The basics

The Griffin iTrip Auto SmartScan is an FM transmitter for Apple iPods with automatic scanning, three presets and mono OLED display. It charges the iPod while it plays, too.

The good

While the urge to drown out the drivel spewing from Chris Moyles is entirely natural, tuning an iPod FM transmitter to the same frequency as a major broadcaster doesn’t do anything for sound quality. Instead, simply turn on the iTrip Auto SmartScan and it will roam the airwaves searching for unoccupied frequencies. It then automatically saves the best three so that you can enjoy your own tunes without wireless interference. The iTrip’s cigarette lighter adaptor has a little LED light that shines red, amber or green as your iPod recharges.

The bad

Due to anti-pirate radio legislation in Europe, the iTrip Auto switches to a random station every time you turn it on. Although, if you ask us, even Somali gunmen would make better breakfast DJs than the inexplicably popular Moylesy. Even in a radio wilderness, sound quality from the iTrip is variable.

The bottom line

The iTrip Auto SmartScan won’t stop you having to retune on longer journeys, but it does make it easier to avoid hissy interference – and the price is definitely right.