Gadgetell Review: DLO Transdock Micro FM Transmitter

Product: DLO TransDock micro
Price: $69.99
Rating: Excellent 8.25/10.0
Pros: Superior performance, direct connection for iPod shuffle, operates on all frequencies, AC plug-in powers the transmitter and charges your iPod, supports any 1/8″ device (other MP3 player, PSP, etc.)
Cons: No direct connection or holster for the iPod and iPod nano, hard to operate while driving, difficult to view screen while plugged in.
Overall: Extremely useful and reliable. A “breath of fresh air” in the realm of FM transmitters. Aside from some minor design flaws, a great buy and a product you won’t regret purchasing.

This DLO FM transmitter is a small, black devices that connects directly to your vehicle’s AC adapter. A dock on the top portion of the device allows for a direct connection for an iPod shuffle via USB. An included adapter is available for use with the nano, iPod mini and iPod as well as a 1/8″ auxiliary port for use with other audio devices such as your PC, PSP, or non-Apple MP3 player as well as a tape deck out if you choose not to use the FM transmitter. Push buttons to change frequencies are located on either side of the unit. A small, rectangular screen displays the frequency in use. Supports 4 preset stations for quick station changes as your drive. Finally, DLO promotes the fact that the cable can be used to charge your iPod in home (a $20 value) via your PC but that did not seem to be the case. My computer did not recognize the USB device leaving me with a drained iPod.

Continue reading the performance and design aspects of the review as well as our overall final impression.

Performance – 9.0 – Having struggled with constant interference, static and the other persistent frustrations that are innate to so many FM transmitters, I was delighted to have found DLO’s Transdock Micro. While driving through rural Indiana, as well as within downtown Indianapolis, the reception was nearly perfect. I only had to change frequencies once or twice throughout over 12 hours of testing. Instead of constantly having to change stations, I was able to enjoy my classic rock, blues and jazz without interruption. What a joy to hear Clapton’s guitar solos without the recurring static that I had become accustomed to with my other transmitters. The lack of PC – iPod charging would not be our reason for not purchasing the device, as it is an added benefit, we just wish it actually was an added benefit.

Design – 6.5 – The device only extends about 2 to 3 inches away from the attached AC adapter and therefore is hard to read when plugged in: it can be positioned 180º up and down but does not swivel left or right. In addition, the dock only allows direct connection for iPod shuffles. Having tested it out on my beloved nano I was forced to use the included extension adapter. This turned out to be a double edged sword as it was helpful in allowing me to view the nano’s screen with ease, while also causing me to struggle with the problem of where to rest my nano when I wasn’t holding it. A velcro patch is included but I prefer not to stick it on my precious iPod. A major benefit of this AC powered DLO transmitter was that it doubled as a car charger for my iPod nano (which was great considering that I opted to not splurge on Apple’s car charger when I originally purchased it). I did appreciate the 4 presets but did thankfully did not have to use them often because of the clear quality. A brighter or alternative color LCD screen (it is a blue background black text) would make it easier to glance at while driving, but it was not a major flaw.

This is a fantastic product and one that I would highly recommend. I enjoyed using this transmitter so much that when I’m done typing up this review I am going to order one for my own personal use. Whether you are hoping to listen to the audio version of Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code, your own personal music library (or maybe even one of Gadgetell’s useful and yet entertaining Podcasts), DLO’s Transdock Micro Transmitter is a great choice.

Editor’s note – The overall rating was calculated by weighting Performance as 70% and Design as 30%. Adam Jacobs, the Editor-in-Chief of our soon to be announced sister blog, The Final Sprint (oops! I guess it’s out) contributed this review for Gadgetell.