Griffin iFM And iTrip PSP Reviewed

Griffin, known for its iPod accessories, has released its first line of Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) items. The company delivered a version of its popular iTrip FM transmitter for the PSP and unleashed the handheld’s first FM radio receiver: the iFM.

As noted previously, iFM is a radio receiver that lets PSP owners listen to their favourite radio stations. The device also acts as a remote control for the unit’s multimedia capabilities. The iFM radio tuner also comes bundled with a small protective carrying case.

The iFM plugs into your PSP’s headphone port and takes its power consumption directly from the PSP, so there’s no need to carry extra batteries. The accessory’s low power consumption also ensures that you won’t need to worry about the FM receiver draining your PSP’s battery life.

The iFM receiver is small (24mm x 70mm x 13mm) and can fit easily in one’s pocket. The device sports the same black and grey acrylic look used by the PSP. The iFM also has a display that shows the frequency of the current FM transmissions.

The receiver uses a switch for users to change between FM and remote modes. When in FM mode, the navigation wheel is used to seek out transmissions and to control volume levels. On the remote setting, the iFM receiver acts like a standard PSP remote control.

On the downside, there’s no way for users to mix radio and gameplay, which means you can either listen to the radio or listen to what’s playing on your PSP. Also, iFM doesn’t let you save your favourite frequencies, so each time you’ll plug in the receiver, you’ll have to seek out your frequency of choice. It would have been nice to be be able to save those frequencies to a memory stick for future access.

If you want to add an extra media capability to your PSP, then iFM is an accessory for you. But with the growing quantity of quality audio content available for download on the Internet, the need for such a device is debatable. The iFM receiver retails for $59.99CDN.

On the other hand, the iTrip FM transmitter is a very useful device for PSP users that use all of the handheld’s multimedia capabilities. With the iTrip add-on, you can now broadcast your PSP’s audio to any FM radio within proximity.

The iTrip snaps on the bottom of your PSP without adding any major bulk to the unit. The playability of the PSP isn’t compromised when the iTrip is connected, as you can comfortably play your favourite games while transmitting. Like the iFM receiver, the iTrip features a black acrylic look with a grey trim that matches the PSP.

When it comes to the quality of transmission, the short range broadcasts sound great and are easily comparable to other popular transmitters. When playing a UMD movie, the sound quality was similar to that of a drive-in theatre. As for music, it sounded like an FM broadcast, which is somewhat expected. All in all, depending on your stereo setup, you’ll get a better sounding product than what’s coming out of the PSP’s built-in speakers.

According to the manufacturer’s technical specifications, the iTrip’s operating range is between 10 and 30 feet. That’s pretty good for folks who have their stereo set up in the far corner of their living space.

Unlike the iFM, the iTrip doesn’t use the PSP as its power source and requires a set of 2 AA batteries. The iTrip doesn’t seem to steal any additional juice from the PSP, so you might not have to worry about power draining issues.

The iTrip also features an AC adapter input that enables you to charge your PSP while using the add-on. But for one reason or another, Griffin didn’t not include an AC input for the iTrip itself, which means users will have to lug around spare batteries for those long car trips.

The device lets you program three of your preferred frequencies. This way, you can easily switch to another channel if you’re receiving external interference.

The iTrip PSP FM transmitter is a great product for people who wish to expand the PSP’s audio range. Whether you’re in your car or at home, the iTrip transmitter is an easy and effective way to wirelessly listen to your PSP’s content on a more pronounced stereo system. The iTrip PSP will set you back $59.99CDN.

Overall, Griffin’s initial PSP add-ons are useful, but a few tweaks here and there would make both products must-haves for PSP owners. And perhaps one day there will be a product that combines both technologies in one package. To purchase the products, or to receive additional information, visit Griffin’s official site.

[tags]sony,psp,griffin,ifm psp,itrip psp[/tags]