Plug and play with iPod dock

Using an FM transmitter to relay music from your MP3 player to your in-car car stereo can be a disappointing experience. Often, the frequencies are too cluttered to get a clear signal, particularly if you’re driving around town.

But the new AirZone FM Dock from Gear4 claims an expanded bandwidth, so this shouldn’t be an issue. The sleek unit won’t look out of place on any iPod, and while it draws power from the player, we didn’t experience any problems with battery life.

However, this may have contributed to the weak signal transmitted – it was no match for rivals powered from the cigar lighter socket. And the further we moved from the aerial, the greater the level of interference.

Operation is simple, as there are only three buttons, while the screen is clear and easy to read. The four presets were well spaced, and found acceptably clear stations ready for use.

If only the finish was better. The iPod connector flexed, and the USB port’s rubber cover could easily be lost, as there’s no retaining strap. You need to buy a separate cable for this, too.

Still, the lack of wires means the unit is really portable, and handily, there’s nothing to pack away when you leave the car.