Monster refreshes in-car iPod accessories
(Credit:
Monster)
I bet companies like Monster are breathing a sigh of relief now that rumors of an integrated iPhone 3GS FM transmitter have been proven false. Otherwise, there's simply no way monster could have justified its newly announced $99 iCarPlay Wireless 1000 in-car FM transmitter and iPod/iPhone charger.
Truth is, I still don't know how you justify a $99 FM transmitter, or even a $79 FM transmitter like the also-announced Monster iCarPlay Wireless 800 (pictured). FCC regulations have pretty much capped the power of these things for the past few years, making it hard to argue that the devices are any more effective than last year's models. To Monster's credit, the refreshed gear looks twice as slick as last year's line-up, and this time around they're officially iPhone 3G certified.
Still, to anyone willing to drop $100 on an FM transmitter: do yourself a favor and please just upgrade your car's stereo. Also, remember, all you iPhone and iPod Touch users can use stereo Bluetooth now (hint-hint).
All ranting aside, Monster unveiled a few other in-car audio accessories today, including the iCarCharger 1000 iPod/iPhone power adapter ($49), the $19 iCarPlay Cassette 800 (yes, they still make these), along with a grab bag of $15-$30 aux cables (iSplitters, iCables--you get the idea).
Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs. 
You do realize your reporting about Monster Cable right?
Why do you think they call themselves Monster? Because they give your wallet nightmares.
- by LT1FirebirdSLP June 30, 2009 7:22 AM PDT
- I have an iCarPlay Wireless 250 and an iPhone 3G with firmware 3.0, had 2.2.1 before this.
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(3 Comments)The iCarPlay Wireless 250 is an epic fail. I am forced to turn the unit on every 3-5 minutes by unplugging it and plugging it back in. I have contacted Best Buy and Monster regarding the issue. Best Buy said it was beyond the 30 days, so they basically washed their hands of the situation. Monster said that there was some auto-sleep circuitry inside the unit that causes the iCarPlay Wireless 250 to shut down because if the song gets quiet or its changing tracks, the Monster unit will think I turned the iPhone off and it will power down. And although the packaging claims iPhone compatible, it really isn't. So I bought the unit for about $100, and I never use it. Epic Fail for Monster...
I am looking into upgrading the head unit in my Audi now, or at least getting one of those units that fools the factory head unit into thinking your iPhone/iPod is actually a CD changer.