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To successfully listen to your iPod in your car requires that you find a way to connect it to your car stereo. In this section we cover one solution - the iPod FM Transmitter. We have rounded up all the iPod FM transmitters we could find and tried to compare them feature for feature.

These things are nothing more than short-range FM radio stations. You first tune your car's FM radio to an open (unused) frequency, then plug in your iPod, switch the transmitter to that same frequency, and listen. Unfortunately, many transmitters are overwhelmed by more powerful radio signals enough to make listening nothing more than a static-filled experience. Many variables affect the quality of the sound. How choked are the FM airwaves with competing signals in your area? How sensitive is a particular car's antenna? The location of the transmitter and the quality of the electronics.

FM transmitters for iPod and other MP3 players range in price from $20 to $100. The transmitters that connect to the iPod dock only work with iPods (so Shuffle owners and other MP3 owners are out of luck here). Those that use the headphone jack will work with your Shuffle and any MP3 or CD player for that matter, we call these universal players in the chart. Bare-bones models usually use AAA batteries and only broadcast to a few fixed frequencies (these are not recommended). More expensive units charge your iPod while in use, transmit to all frequencies, allow you to preset frequencies and offer built-in docks with digital displays. Some remember your last station and have auto off functions.

• The ability to transmit on the 87.9 FM frequency. Regular radio stations can't use this frequency, so you'll always have an open frequency available
• The ability to store presets. Hunting for better frequencies while driving when interference occurs isn't recommended. Easier to just push a button to switch to a clear station, that's what presets do for you.
• Connecting via the dock connector instead of the headphone jack. The iPod's dock connector outputs a cleaner audio signal than the headphone port. The universal transmitters connect through the headphone jack and Shuffle owners must use this.
• Cigarette lighter power. Keeps your iPod charged, great for long trips and no need to purchase AAA batteries for your transmitter. Also tends to produce stronger signal.
  

Note: For iPod Shuffle owners. Neither the 1st or 2nd generation iPod Shuffle have a universal dock therefore you'll need to use the universal FM transmitters - those that connect through the earphone jack of your iPod or Cassette adapters. There are quite a few good choices in the chart look under the iPod/Mp3 column for your choices.