Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This product is very similar to other "TuneBase" products, now with the addition of Handsfree phone operation as well. After trying several solutions in my car, this one by far worked the best for me. Belkin has made a quality product that works fairly well.
Some thoughts on the product:
1) The base is a hunk of plastic that fits into your cigarette lighter adapter in your car. Coming off of that is a very stiff gooseneck that ends in the mount for the phone/ipod. I have a manual transmission car, with the adapter close by. I was able to find an orientation that does not interfere with the operation of the car. This display on the base (for the FM signal), rotates 360 degrees, so the device can be oriented in any direction for your your car and you will still be able to see the display.
2) With my phone, I use the Speck rubber case. The mounting bracket fits fine over the case. I do NOT have to take my iPhone out of the case to use with this device. Very cool.
3) Handsfree seems to work reasonably well. There is a "multi-button" on the device that controls answering and making calls. The audio for the call comes over the cars speaker system. I heard no echo or sound issues with the call.
4) In most of the reviews I see about these FM transmitters, people are complaining about the audio quality. Look, the FCC governs the output power these devices are allowed to send, and it is pretty low. I was able to find a few channels that work reasonably well. I have used FM transmitters in my car for 5+ years now. You just aren't going to find perfect sound quality. I think this is more a factor of a) Your car, b) where you are and c) the power output restrictions for transmitting in the licensed FM band. This device is as good as any other device in this department.
5) The "Clearscan" feature might be nice while traveling, but you won't really want to use it for your "Everyday" channel. You will need to experiment here a bit to find a channel or two that works reasonably well for you. I live in a major metropolitan area and was able to find 2 or 3. This device allows you to tune to almost any frequency in the FM band, so you should find something.
6) You do have to make 2 connections for this device. The iPod dock connection on the bottom and the minijack up top. This is not ideal, but hasn't bothered my as much as I thought it would.
Overall, I would recommend this product to others who are looking for an FM transmitter style solution in their car.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin Tunebase Direct with Hands-Free for iPhone and iPod
The Belkin TuneBase Direct gives you the freedom to answer your iPhone hands-free and listen to your iPhone's or iPod's music through your car stereo while you're driving. By connecting the TuneBase Direct through your car stereo's auxiliary input jack, you get the best possible sound for your music. And thanks to its innovative cradle that swivel horizontally, you can take full advantage of your device's GPS features while you're driving. A 3.5mm cable lets you connect directly to an aux in port for the best sound quality. View larger. Take Calls on Your iPhone--Hands Free With the TuneBase Direct, you can make and receive calls on your iPhone with the simple press of a button, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel while you talk. If you're listening to your iPhone's music when a call comes in, the music will fade out so you can talk through your speaker phone and hear callers' voices through your car's stereo system loudly and clearly. Innovative Cradle for Viewing GPS, Videos and More The TuneBase features an innovative cradle that securely holds your device while you're driving. The cradle swivels horizontally, letting you view your iPhone's GPS features and turn-by-turn directions hands-free, and giving your passengers the ability to watch videos on your iPod or iPhone. The cradle is simple to install, and for the utmost in convenience, it can be adjusted to fit all devices, even with a case on. Clearer Sound from a Direct Connection The TuneBase Direct includes a 3.5mm cable that connects to the auxiliary input found on many new automobiles and aftermarket stereos. By running your iPod or iPhone directly through your stereo, you'll get the best possible sound quality for your music.
Keep Your iPhone or iPod Fully Charged The TuneBase Direct's cradle charger attaches to your compatible iPod or iPhone and draws power from your automobile's 12-volt lighter outlet. Your device will charge while you drive, so you can make phone calls and keep your tunes playing without interruption--even on the longest road trip. It also features a separate USB port, which allows you to plug in and charge a second USB device while you're driving. Move Your Music from Car to Car Take your favorite music along with you, even when you aren't in your own automobile. Since the TuneBase Direct doesn't require you to make any permanent connections in your car, it's easy to swap between vehicles. This makes the TuneBase Direct a great choice for when you want to use your phone or music player in a leased or friend's automobile. About Belkin International, Inc. Belkin offers a diverse product mix that provides people with seamless electronics integration in their homes, cars, and on the go. Founded in California in 1983, Belkin is a privately held company and the recognized leader in connectivity solutions, MP3 accessories, computers, and more. Belkin also provides solutions for networking, home theater--with the PureAV line of cables, power, and digital wireless accessories--and more. Belkin's phenomenal growth has led to an expanding global presence. In addition to corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, Belkin has offices throughout Europe--in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and elsewhere--and in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, Shanghai, and its regional headquarters in Hong Kong. What's in the Box Belkin TuneBase and product manual.
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