This review is for the new 2.0 version. It has the variable output control on the base, while the old version had a simple high-low switch. This is important because it allows for a precise adjustment of the output from the iPod.
What will the Tuneflex do for you? First, it is nice to have your iPod up in front where you can see and operate it. It provides for charging and the sound output comes from the bottom plug of the iPod, rather than the headphone output jack. This provides for better sound as the headphone output is designed for headphones only.
You do not want an fm transmitter. Those are horrid in all respects.
These features are of no use unless you have an accessible lighter (or power output) and an auxiliary input on the vehicle's sound system. These can be added by handy people or the local car stereo installer.
Some reviewers have complained that the Tuneflex is wobbly. The 2.0 is very solid, but the lighter plug itself is often loose. Mine is, but it still works ok and is not too annoying. I may go in and tighten it up or replace it with a sturdier output some time.
The Tuneflex fits tightly, so hold down the lighter when you pull out the unit. Lighters are not very strong.
Note that the product description informs you of which iPods fit. The Tuneflex comes with a variety of holders that snap on to the stalk and hold the selected iPod securely. If you keep your Tunflex installed, all you have to do is slide the iPod in and it is all connected.
Well, you ask, what about the iPhone? It is not on the supported products list. It so happens that the first generation iPhone will barely fit one of the adapters. Pretty tight, but you can do it. I doubt the new 3G phone will fit, but
When you do connect the phone, a dialogue box pops up to inform you that it is not a supported device, so do you want to continue. Push "yes" and all is well. It works perfectly.
Griffin, the maker of the Tuneflex, says Apple has not approved the device. Apple is famous for tightly controlling things and who knows what politics, licensing fees or what else may be involved here.
None of this applies if you use it as intended, with a supported iPod. You can keep your phone in your pocket and use it separately. On my car, the bluetooth works perfectly and turns the sound down on the auxiliary mode.
So, it works as it should, is handy and tidy, and the price is right. I recommend it if your vehicle has an auxiliary input and a well-placed lighter or power plug outlet. Griffin Technology TuneFlex AUX for iPod and iPod nano
I just purchased a new car and it has the AUX input. My old vehicle had the iPod hardwired and I was worried about the sound quality with using an external device. The sound quality is GREAT! It comes with different sized "cradles" but none fit my 3 year old Nano, however the Nano popped directly onto the charger stand and it's bendable so you can turn it to suit you whichever way you like. Super cheap and easy fix to hear your iPod in your car and charge and hold it at the same time.
As others have stated, the Tuneflex gasket could be tighter as it rotates in the lighter socket, so my iPod ends up drooping off to the right of where I would like it to be. Also the iPod sometime comes loose from the Tuneflex dock on bumpy roads/frost heaves. I just push it back into the dock and it keeps playing, but can be annoying. Still, it plays and I like it better than just stuffing my iPod into a cup-holder like I had been doing, so 4 stars, but improving the product by addressing these problems could make this a great, must-have item.
This review is for the 2.0 model with an iPod Touch 2G.
Griffin "certified" the TuneFlex Aux with a 2G Touch to work with the 1G cradle. At first it does seem to work fine. The audio is great, and the 2G touch charges perfectly fine. The trouble is the 2G does not actually fit perfectly in the 1G cradle. The actual metal dock terminal does not seem to go deep enough into the 2G Touch. That paired up with the dock being ever-so-slightly misshapen for the 2G touch causes the slightest bit of wiggle room.
The result of this improper fit is that road bumps cause the Touch 2G to "disconnect" constantly. When a 2G Touch disconnects, the music pauses until the touch is reseated in the dock and the user presses play again. This wouldn't be too bad if it were rare, but on a 1 hour morning commute, it may happen 20 times.
Overall, I'm sure this is a great product, but I personally wish Griffin didn't take the "quick way out" And built a real dock adapter for the 2g instead of just recycling the 1G and saying it works fine because clearly it doesn't.
I have two of these. One for my car, one for my wife's. We haven't had any problems with it yet. It plays and charges the ipod and can hook into our cassette adapter (with a tape bought separately) or straight into the aux port on the car. - Ipod Charger - Griffin Technology - Docks - Automotive'
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