Floppyhead – Digital Media and Streaming

I am in the market for a new car. While test driving several models, one thing has become clear to me: car makers have not figured out how to get digital music into their automobiles. It seems like it should not be that difficult of a thing, especially with steady-state drives becoming cheaper.

Right now, the best options appear to revolve around iPod integration and FM transmission. I have decided to look at after market solutions to my digital music issue. By happen stance today, I was sent a press release that the Belkin TuneBase FM was named iLounge Car Accessory of the Year. From the press release:

In a recent review, iLounge rated the TuneBase FM with the coveted “A-” rating, praising it for “delivering better value for the dollar than its competitors while offering an equivalently acceptable FM transmission solution, the reason for TuneBase FM with ClearScan’s high recommendation and superior overall rating.”

One thing that appeals to me is that the Tunebase is compatible with the new iPod Touch, which I am considering buying. In fact, it is compatible with most iPods and iPod Nanos. I guess if you are going to target one family of mp3 players, it might as well be the iPod.

From the iLounge review:

With one button press on each device, the screen begins to sweep back and forth as the transmitter searches for a relatively empty FM radio station, displaying its result so that you can tune the radio to it.

The TuneBase costs about $90, in range with most other FM transmission solutions for your car, if not cheaper.