iPod Radio finally available

One of the two main complaints about iPods, in addition to the non-replaceable battery, is that it lacks an FM radio, something found on most MP3 players competing with Apple. Fresh on the market are two new products to solve that problem. Both Apple and Griffin Technlogy have put out combination FM Radio/Remote Control gadgets, both are well reviewed, and both are a bit steep at $60 Cdn.



The iFM from Griffin Technology is the best bang for your buck if you don't have a iPod Video or Nano model. It combines 3 helpful tools in one: an FM radio tuner, a remote control, and a voice recorder. The radio and remote work for the Mini, 4th Generation (the last black and white screens) and the Photo models. The recorder functions only with the older 4G (click wheel) and Photo models.

There is a separate model which is just the radio and wired remote. That one works for the iPod Video models and the Nano, as well as the Mini, the 4G and the Photo.



Apple has a radio/wired remote accessory too, with no recording functions. The remote is wired into the dock connector and the cute part is you tune the radio using the click wheel and the screen recreates an analog radio dial. As of this writing, the Apple model only works for the new Nano and Video models and Apple hasn't released any software to make it work with older iPods.

All these gadgets draw power from the iPod, have presets available for the stations, and got good reviews on the iLounge site. Read the reviews, as I haven't gotten a free one. I must need to increase my readership or something...

Bottom line is if you have an older iPod, go with the Griffin. Video and Nano owners can flip a coin. I'm not holding my breath waiting for a satellite radio add-on.

Review - Griffin iFM Radio and Remote for iPod, with and without Dock Connector
Review - Apple Computer iPod Radio Remote

The Apple version is $59.00 cdn:
The Apple Store (Canada) - iPod Radio Remote

The Griffin iFM is $59.99 cdn for either model:
Computer Systems Centre - iFM Radio, Remote, and Recorder for 4G iPod
Computer Systems Centre - iFM FM Radio and Wired Remote