Car Audio and Stereo

Supposedly more of these will be available in September at $129.00

However, no one needs to wait. Buy one ANYCOM FIPO (Bluetooth to iPod) for about $60.00 and one Sonnet Podfreq for about $24.00 for either iPod nano or mini or of the other ones and you have a MORE flexible setup than you will get with the above carkit. Not only would you be able to stream your MP3 files from your bluetooth enabled phone but you also would be able to plug in an iPod into it. YES, I have both Anycom FIPO and Sonnet Podfreq for iPod nano and YES I tested it in my BMW using my Motorola KRZR K1. I was able to stream my MP3 from my KRZR to my car stereo. Sonnet produces very strong FM signal and was able to override even some existing stations. But Podfreq needs to be plugged in since Anycom FIPO does not have a battery. But I am thinking I should be able to power it from my phone via the mini-usb port.
Rating: 3 / 5

I purchased this item because my BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth broke down after less than 4 months use and instead of fighting with the manufacturer I decided to replace the unit entirely. The item shipped on time and I received it a few days earlier than anticipated. However, when I tried to use it the next day, I discovered that finding a clear/quiet frequency in Los Angeles County was not an easy task. Between major broadcaster and smaller local stations, there are barely any clear stations to use with a unit such as this. I have had to switch frequencies about 5 times during a 45-minute drive.

Another problem stems from the fact that the unit does not have a memory recall function. After finding a couple of relative quite frequencies, and storing them in preset stations in my radio, the unit falls short in its intended use to keep drivers hands on the steering wheel. When switching between the frequencies you have to hold down the up or down buttons, and keep an eye on the display as to not miss it. Channel recall function would have been very useful in those situations and would have provided a safer unit

As to the audio quality, although I can hear the my caller quite loud, thanks to my speakers, I have been told that the I sound too far away from the microphone and at times I have to speak very loud to be heard clearly. Also, I am told that there is a background noise (correlating with the static/noise I pick up from other FM Broadcasters).

Finally, when I purchased this unit, with anticipation of using its mp3 player function in my car. After a couple of days try, I have given up. Again, the interference from radio stations in and around LA County destroys the signal quality (a lot of hissing noise as well as audio bleeds from those stations). Right now this unit is only to keep me compliant with CA laws. I won’t recommend this for anything else.

Rating: 2 / 5