$2.95

Description

The iFM has a LCD that displays the current station, a circular navigation pad similar to the iPod, and a toggle switch to change from radio to remote. Holding down the play/pause button for several seconds allows you to switch between three frequency bands: U.S., Japan, and International. There are 10 levels of volume, with enough bass output for any radio station you want to listen to. Pushing left and right on the navigation pad changes the current station. This unit supports everything from 88.1 to 107.9MHz, and a frequency response 50Hz to 15KHz.

As a media remote, the iFM shines. You can control your movies, music, and photos with the navigational pad. It was a logical choice to add this functionality and have two devices in one. Also included is a small drawstring bag to carry the iFM PSP in. Not needed of course, but a nice touch.

Features

• FM Radio at your Fingertips-just plug and go
• Control Movies or Music with iFMs easy to use Remote
• Bright,Clear Displayl

from http://gear.ign.com/articles/701/701241p1.html

Griffin iFM for PSP Review
Enjoy FM radio with your PSP.
by Gerry Block

April 11, 2006 - The PSP iFM's purpose is pretty easy to decipher if you're at all familiar with Griffin's line of iPod accessories. Quite similar to the company's iPod offerings, the PSP iFM is a combination FM receiver and wired-remote control.

Much like the iTrip, the iFM looks good in the company of the PSP with a similar black and silver design scheme. The dongle draws power from the PSP and has its own screen for displaying the current frequency. It can also alternate between US, International, and Japanese FM standards for those on the road. A small switch alternates the iFM between its radio and remote rolls. A belt clip makes mounting the device on a backpack strap easy, and a small pouch is included with the iFM to keep it organized when not in use.

The iFM does its job, but not perfectly. Channels can be dialed in by increments or through a simple seek feature. The circular button arrangement puts five commands in a space about the size of a nickel and has a fairly squishy character that makes selecting the right command (especially play/pause) difficult. The wire that extends from the iFM to the PSP is about three feet long. Coupled with the 3-4 feet of wire already on most headphones, you end up with a good 7 feet of wire hanging around your neck. It's okay, and perhaps even good, if you keep your PSP in your backpack where you can coil up the excess wire, but it's a hassle if you don't have a way to stash the extra wire.

A larger problem with the iFM concerns the PSP sleep mode. In our tests, we discovered that shortly after the PSP powers down its screen while powering the iFM, the iFM will no longer respond to commands via its buttons. To regain control the PSP must be powered back on. Quite a hassle if you want to change channels during commercials, especially if you've got the PSP stashed in a backpack. At times we also realized we were creating a great deal of disturbance in the signal if we touched the iFM or its wire, which fixed itself if we stopped touching. We double checked that all connections were solid but continued to experience the same problem. After a while it went away, and didn't crop up again for some time.

PSP fans that need radio reception will find use for the iFM, but some strange bugs limit the device's utility for most users. When it comes down to it, the iFM does little more than turn the PSP into a battery, and a somewhat awkward one at that. A stand alone FM receiver might be the best bet for most situations.

Review:
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
My son enjoys this very much, November 19, 2007
By Cheryl D. Carter-smith (MA) - See all my reviews


Fun:
Unlike the previous person, my son didn't have any issues with his tuner. We gave him this for Christmas last year and he still uses it almost daily. He's 14 and not especially known for taking good care of his stuff, and hasn't had any issue with things falling apart. We paid more for it last year, and I still think it was money well spent. Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)




5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Amazon please stop selling this!!!!, March 30, 2007
By J. Fallas (Costa Rica) - See all my reviews


Fun:
This is a product that is bad manufactured, please do not buy it. Its parts did not hold together even one day. Its pad did not work so its very dificult to set the volume or change the radio station. Also be careful because sometimes it turns off the PSP so you have to reset date and time.

Pricing:
http://www.google.com/products?q=Griffin+iFM+Radio+and+Remote+f
or+Sony+PSP&btnG=Search+Products&show=dd&scoring=p

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