DLO has announced the TransPod II, a new device intended for iPod users looking to operate their iPods in their cars.
The TransPod and TransPod II both feature a mounting apparatus that enables car drivers to install their iPod, charge it, and listen through their car stereos. A cradle holds the iPod in place and hooks up to the FireWire jack and the headphone input jack. A charger plug connects to your car’s 12v cigarette lighter or accessory jack to juice up the iPod’s batteries.
Both the TransPod and TransPod II share the same basic design. The original TransPod features an FM transmitter interface, and it’s no secret that some users who have tried such devices aren’t happy with the quality of the sound. DLO has gotten around this problem by outfitting the TransPod II with a cassette adapter and an auxiliary input cable. If your car’s stereo is outfitted with an auxiliary device input, you can connect the TransPod II through that instead. Otherwise, you can connect through the cassette adapter.
DLO plans to ship the TransPod II by May 1, 2003. The device sells for US$99, the same as the original TransPod.