Other World Computing (OWC) on Tuesday announced in conjunction the release of a new RoadTrip iPod FM transmitter fixed at 87.9 FM, as well as a new 300GB Mercury Elite external hard disk drive.
The RoadTrip, developed by Newer Technology, makes it possible for iPod users and users of other digital music players to stream their music to an FM stereo receiver in a car. It connects to the 12-volt cigarette lighter (or accessory plug) and has a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack that works with iPods, iPod minis, iPod shuffles and any other device equipped with a mini-jack. Unlike similar offerings, the RoadTrip is fixed at a specific FM frequency — in this case, 87.9 FM — but it only costs US$14.99. A RoadTrip fixed at 107.7 FM remains available.
Also new today is a 300GB version of Other World Computing’s Mercury Elite external hard disk drive. The drive is available for US$299.99 in a FireWire and USB 2.0 combo version, $319.99 for a FireWire 400/800 version, and $339.99 for a FireWire 400/800 and USB 2.0 combo version. The 300GB Mercury Elite uses a 7200RPM drive mechanism equipped with 8MB data buffer; OWC claimes data transfer rates from 60MBps for the FireWire 800 models. The drive measures 1.5 x 9.0 x 5.5 inches and weighs less than three pounds. It ships with Intech HD SpeedTools, Dantz Retrospect, restore software, cable, power adapter and two-year warranty; it’s compatible with Mac OS 8.6 through Mac OS X (though some interfaces and transfer speeds may only be supported by specific operating system versions).