How do I listen to Talkr in my car?

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The easiest way to listen to your mp3 player while driving is to connect it to your car stereo. This allows you to listen to audio through your car's existing speakers.

So picture this for a moment: there you are, in the front seat of your car: iPod in one hand, stereo mounted in the dashboard. And it hits you: how do you connect one to the other?

There are two relatively simple solutions. We measured the first against an extensive battery of tests and determined it to be functional, but uncool. We rated the second as both functional and cool. Your mileage may vary (but unfortunately for those who love you, your sense of style probably won't.)

Buy a Cassette Adaptor

Solution #1: Buy an old fashioned cassette adaptor. These were popular 10+ years ago when people had portable CD players, but CD players didn't come standard in cars. You lose some sound quality, but with a price tag coming in under $10, this is a pretty solid solution. (Of course, this is only a good solution if you already have a tape player in your car.)

Buy an FM Transmitter

Solution #2: Buy an FM transmitter. You connect one end to your cigarette lighter (for power). You connect the other end to your mp3 player's headphone port. The transmitter transmits a weak radio signal to your car stereo. Simply tune your stereo to the same frequency as your transmitter, and you have your own personal radio station running off your mp3 player. There are several popular FM transmitters including the irock and the Belkin TuneCast. The author of this note has used an irock quite satisfactorily for the past year. Prices start at less than $20 from Amazon. Be sure to read a few reviews, however, as opinions vary about which product is best.

For those of you willing to spend a bit more to connect your mp3 player, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari have all announced support for the iPod in their 2005 and 2006 models.