Product Review: Griffin TuneFlex for the iPod

The TuneFlex, by Griffin Technology, is both an in-car holder for your iPod as well as a charger. The charger plugs into your car's 12-volt accessory outlet (a.k.a. the cigarette lighter), and a steel neck connects that to the docking cradle. It also comes with a cassette adapter (although earlier editions did not, but Griffin eventually added the charger to all TuneFlex packages).

The cradle has a depth adjustment knob to allow it to hold different widths of iPods. There is also a separate TuneFlex available for the iPod Nano.

The pass-through dock connector allows you to use other products, such as an FM transmitter like the Griffin iTrip and AirClick remote. A light at the base of the neck shows the charging status. A built-in 1/8" stereo line-out audio jack lets you attach the cassette adapter or other accessories, including a line to your stereo if you are lucky enough to have an iPod ready stereo. A high-low audio output switch helps to get the best sound quality. It also comes equipped with a fuse to keep your iPod safe while charging.

The cradle held my iPod (a 30 GB Video) very securely, as did the steel adjustable neck. The neck stayed in place and wobbled very little during travel. I already owed an iRiver FM transmitter which I used in tandem with the TuneFlex. This required a second accessory outlet which I happened to have. But if you don't have a transmitter already, I'd recommend the Griffin iTrip for easier connectivity.

Before using the TuneFlex I had kept my iPod in a holder designed to sit in a cup holder, which worked quite well, but it used up one of my cupholders and was harder to see and operate. The TuneFlex kept the iPod in a much better position to operate (although once the backlight goes out, day or night, I couldn't see the display). Also, if you need to move it out of the way, you can do so without disconnecting it.

The price of the unit, including the cassette adaptor, is around $40. I found it in a wide range of prices on the Internet ranging from the mid-30's to as high as $60. So I suggest you look around. Also, keep in mind there are two models, one for the Nano and one for the larger iPods (with dock connector).

Overall I was very happy with the unit and highly recommend it. I liked the location of it as well as the charging feature, since it seems as if my iPod always needs to be charged, I might as well do it while in the car. I could not test the cassette adaptor because my car doesn't have a cassette player and the adapter fits only side-loading decks, so I couldn't try it out on a boom box. But using it in conjunction with an FM transmitter was a great way to listen to my iPod in my car. Easier than changing CDs or listening to radio stations with too many commercials. I also own other Griffin accessories and have been happy with them all so far.

I would note that, as with the use of any device while driving, keep your mind on the road and not on adjusting the TuneFlex or iPod. However, one of the good things about having your iPod in the car is that you are able to listen to exactly what you want, presumably reducing the need to change CDs, cassettes and radio stations. Just pick a playlist and go!