In my opinion, an iPod, by default, is an anti-social device. Whether you’re on a train, plane, or sidewalk, the white ear buds
INTRODUCTION
generally indicate you are not available for idle chit chat. But as an iPod user you are able to enjoy hours of great tunes, so who cares? I am
an iPod user, and I fall into this category. The problem is, around the house, wearing headphones (I’ve tried) is not really an
option. People want to talk, and I want to listen. I also want to listen to my sounds. Fortunately for us MP3 addicts, there is middle ground. Very convenient middle ground I might add. Griffin Technology, makers of many an iPod accessory, have developed
a product known as the BlueTrip. This product has now been enhanced to accommodate the newer iPods, and is now known as the
BlueTrip LE (Limited Edition). It’s essentially an iPod remote, facilitating wireless broadcast of your device to a designated set of speakers. Does this product deliver? Can I wirelessly broadcast my playlists? Read on as this device is giving the test.
This device is extremely easy to use, pairing is simple, and range is good. This is how Bluetooth is meant to be. No finicky setup, it’s , the BlueTrip supports the Advanced Audio Distribution
WHAT’S HOT
straight into the game (unfortunately this cannot be said for all Bluetooth devices). The BlueTrip, along with its inherent simplicity, provides an
overall satisfying sound, and looks pretty cool.
Another great feature
Profile (A2DP). This means if you have a new Windows Mobile device (or have been installing your Adaptation Kit Upgrades, AKUx), you will be able to transmit via Bluetooth directly to a set of speakers. Alternately, you can use Bluetooth wireless headphones with the transmitter plugged into your iPod. Because transmission is Bluetooth rather then FM, you can transmit through walls, doors, and even floors.
The device is simple; actually it’s the small number of features that improve the usability of this product. In brief:
- Bluetooth wireless technology style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">
- A2DP technology, allowing for Bluetooth headphones
- Decent sound quality
- Great range; will transmit through walls, doors, floors
Setup is as easy as plugging the transmitter into your iPod, the receiver into some speakers, and the receiver into the wall. That’s
SETUP
it…. no batteries, no "0000" pairing, you’re done. Unless of course you want to transmit from your Windows Mobile device, in which
case you’ll need to pair via the standard method:
The A2DP profile allows users to use a Windows Mobile device with the receiver. This is optional, but a great extra nonetheless.
PRODUCT FEATURES
(all images link to higher resolution)
The device is nicely packaged, here’s a look at the box and contents.
Inside the box we have the receiver and transmitter, RCA cable, 12v adapter, and a set of instructions.
Let’s look at the receiver first. It’s a nice design, white with chrome trim.
The back of the receiver contains ports for power and the included RCA cable, also included is a standard 3.5mm jack along with an optical S/PDIF port.
In terms of size, the device it is fairly compact, and due to it’s narrow width, is easy to stow behind furniture.
The transmitter (LE version) connects to the bottom of the iPod, protruding an inch or so south.
As you can see in the above shot, the width of the transmitter is approximately the same as the 5.5 Gen 30gb iPod
Unfortunately the transmitter only ships in white, however, the overall look is still pleasing.
The receiver is small enough to hide behind a static object. Can you spot it in the above picture?
In terms of sound, the device functioned very well. Occasionally, static was noticed, usually when the receiver was too close to the transmitter (< 2 feet
away). I’m not sure what caused this, or whether it was just correlated rather than causal (distance/static). Without proper test equipment it’s impossible to
determine. For all I know it could have been my speakers. For the average everyday user, or in a party environment, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Speaking of parties, it’s pretty cool to be able to walk anywhere in the room(s) and change the music. It’s a nice simple way to keep everything under control (or keep unwanted music from reaching the speakers!)
l did like the sleek appearance of this product; it complements the white iPod nicely. Although it still looks good with black, the general appearance is not as
complete as white on white.
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This item carries a 1-year warranty, and support pages are available if required. Warranty information can be found via the Griffin Technology site. If you’re really stuck, tech support is available via email. type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
If you’re after a bluetooth wireless solution for your MP3/AAC collection (and aren’t too fussy about sound), this device will be
HELP SUPPORT
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
BUGS AND WISHES
in the next iteration. 2) Because it plugs into the dock connector, there’s no way to charge if you are using the LE. Therefore, you must disconnect to recharge. Speaking of which, the battery will discharge slighly faster too; it’s powering the Bluetooth transmitter. 3) My only other gripe it the color; it would have been nice to see this in black. Next time maybe?
PURCHASING
PROS
Bluetooth A2DP technology
Simple to use
Attractive design
CONS
Unable to charge the iPod while using the transmitter
Volume cannot be remotely controlled
Only available in white
Value
Ease
of Use 
Features
Overall
OVERALL IMPRESSION
perfect for your needs. Although I encountered the odd bit of static, I was unable to determine if this was caused by distance, my
speakers, or some other confounding variable. Overall though, this product delivers. Compared with other similar products
out there, the price is right, and it looks great. Additionally (thanks to A2DP), you can transmit to a set of Bluetooth headphones, and the receiver will pick
up a Windows Mobile device that has the appropriate AKUx installed. A nice product at a great price.
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