The Belkin iPAQ FM Transmitter can solve a problem of having your PDA do too much. These days, many PDAs are serving double duty as MP3 players. If they've got the storage, it's a simple matter of incorporating a software audio player. However, listening to music through the tinny (and tiny) speaker of a PDA is pretty unsatisfying, and buying a set of speakers just to listen to music from a PDA might be a bit over the top.

Belkin offers a unique solution with its iPAQ FM Transmitter. The device plugs into a Hewlett-Packard iPAQ's headphone jack and then transmits the audio to any nearby stereo with an FM receiver. It will work in the home, the car, or any other place with an FM stereo. This is especially useful if for audio books saved on an iPAQ that you want to listen to during a long commute.

This compact device has some unique features that make using it much easier. One obvious example it the automatic on/off switch. If it detects an audio signal coming from your iPAQ, it turns itself on, saving you a step when you're setting up your music.

The iPAQ FM Transmitter is powered by a pair of AAA batteries (which are included), but it also comes with a cigarette-lighter power cord to save battery life when listening to tunes on the road (although you're still limited by how much life remains in the iPAQ).

One potential drawback involves background interference. Those living in a metropolitan area with a lot of radio stations may get some feedback when tuning in via the iPAQ FM Transmitter. However, the device is capable of broadcasting at a wide range of frequencies, so users should be able to find a free and clear station in the area. Four different frequencies can even be preset in memory, making it a simple task to search for clear signals wherever the unit is being used.

Belkin lists an MSRP $60, a pretty steep price for an audio output device. We were able to find it for about $40 from a variety of online vendors, which is a more easily digestible sticker price. The Belkin iPAQ FM Transmitter isn't for everyone, but for those seeking a clear and versatile way to get audio from a PDA to an FM stereo, it's a handy tool to have.

Pros: Clear signal, works with any FM stereo.
Cons: Interference can be a problem, not inexpensive.

Warranty
3 years