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General discussion

Which MP3 players have a built in wireless broadcast system?

Oct 5, 2008 3:32AM PDT

Oh, I hate wires! And I don't like proprietary items. And I don't want to have to add on a transmitter. Are you with me so far? I want an MP3 player with the FM transmitter built in so the whole thing can stay in my gym bag while my wireless headset keeps me connected to the tunes. BIG brownie points if you can help me out... please?

Thanks!!! You're SO smart!

Happy

Discussion is locked

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do you mean an fm tuner?
Oct 5, 2008 3:49AM PDT

Plenty of mp3 players have that, none of them iPods. Sandisk Sansa Clip, Sony E Series, Creative Zen and so on.

Or do you mean bluetooth? They exist, but there are fewer of them. Samsung P2 and T10 and Insignia Sport (Best Buy's brand), that I know of.

I can't think of anything that has an fm transmitter.

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No, not a tuner - a transmitter.
Oct 5, 2008 4:15AM PDT

No, I'm not asking about a tuner. A transmitter - a built in transmitter... like I said... so it broadcasts whatever the MP3 player is playing (audio) and my wireless headphones receive.

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I use the addon FM transmitter.
Oct 5, 2008 7:05AM PDT

Works fine. Why not?

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MP3 Player with Integrated FM Transmitter
Oct 5, 2008 7:14AM PDT

Rather than defend the "Why not?" question I'll just reiterate that the question was about any product that has one built in.

Thanks.

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You can search on google for that.
Oct 5, 2008 7:29AM PDT
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Nah, that's not one...
Oct 5, 2008 7:46AM PDT

Nah, that's not it... no transmitter... besides it's out of stock.

"FM Radio (headphone must be inserted) with 20 preset stations"

Thanks for trying though.

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Got the wrong link.
Oct 5, 2008 9:18PM PDT
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Can anyone answer my question about built in FM Transievers?
Oct 6, 2008 8:53AM PDT

I think an internal FM Transmitter (rather than a proprietary one that only fit's IPod's like Griffin's add on) would be a big feature for a lot of people. Set it near your car radio, your home stereo, or keep it in your gym bag while working out and hear it from a wireless FR headset. Keep it safely away in your pocket while on a bike or a hike? It just makes sense to me.

I'm not insisting anything. MP3 players are not my forte' so I'm asking. Simply asking if anyone knows of a player like what I seek (and maybe they'll even own one and say "Ah yeah it's a _____ and it's the way to go or they won't.)

Instead, I've gotten replies from people who either didn't read the question or didn't take the time to understand it, or evidently, think I can insist anything here in a help blog about MP3 players.

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This product comes and goes. You are...
Oct 6, 2008 9:17AM PDT

You are approaching the season you'll find such come back into stock at places like newegg.com, geeks.com, amazon.com, mp3playerstore.com and so on.

-> You may think it's the only solution that makes sense but beyond that there must be some thousands others that are ready to buy before the product shows up again. Just keep looking at the usual places.

Sorry I got the wrong link above. I forgot to check it. But the geeks.com link should give you an idea of what you'll find.
Bob

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the future for wireless
Oct 6, 2008 1:19PM PDT

Seems to be with bluetooth. However, sound quality is not up to par with what you can get with wired headphones. I've already noted a couple of players with bluetooth, but realize that is not what you're looking for.

Another idea for wireless: iPod Shuffle + Monster iFreeplay Headphones for iPod Shuffle. Again, not what you're looking for. Just a thought.


Good luck in your search.

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integrated fm transmitter
Dec 7, 2008 1:21PM PST

I too would like an mp3 player with an integrated fm transmitter.

Here is a link to one:
http://www.chipchick.com/2007/06/mustik_car_a200_mp3_player_with_built-in_fm_transmitter.html

and this comment from cnet's buyers guid made me think they are readily available:

"Many players offer FM radio reception, although they're more common on flash devices, which lack the spinning hard drives and the CD-playing features that can interfere with the signal. AM radio is extremely rare. Other radio-related features include FM recording (usually to MP3), transmission (for playing back audio wirelessly through home and car stereos with FM tuners), and presets"

here is another link to a review on cnet for one:

http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/soniqcast-element-aireo-1/4505-6490_7-30790880.html from 2004

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Thanks!
Dec 7, 2008 1:44PM PST

Thanks for finding those two and reminding me how badly I want one of these! SoniqCast had horrible;e reviews but I'll check into the MuStick.

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Here it is! The Netac A210 Model
Dec 7, 2008 2:00PM PST
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not exactly what you're looking for
Dec 7, 2008 2:46PM PST

As it is a cell phone, but it is the closest thing around that you actually have a chance of obtaining easily. It is the LG Chocolate 3, which does have an fm transmitter as well as stereo bluetooth.

http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/lg-chocolate-3-black/4505-6454_7-33070216.html?tag=mncol;lst

You also might want to check eBay from time to time. The players such as these (not necessarily the netac) are usually bought in bulk from China and sold in the United States on eBay. Sometimes the seller is in China. However, all of the mp3 player/fm transmitters that I've seen seem specifically meant for the car - they have one of those things that you plug into the cigarette lighter attached.

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Netac 210
Dec 9, 2008 4:08AM PST

That netac a210 is def. more stylish than the soniqcast.

I bit the bullet on the soniq. Seems like this thing is definitely geared towards fm transmissions and wifi syncs of audio content. Which is perfect for me because I want to primarily use it to listen to talk radio that I have recorded using "replay" software on my computer.

So theoretically I don't even have to pull this thing out of the car, and sync up with my home network and download the latest recordings...of course that's theory...

we'll see how the field tests go. I guess most mp3s don't have the built in fm transmission b.c. they want to sell you a transmitter... at 90% markup of course.

The review from CNET wasn't bad. I thought it was good. Most of the things they complained about were not issues that would affect the way I would us it... here is the summary:

The good:
FM receiver and transmitter; Wi-Fi interface; unattended music downloads; Audible.com support; SD/MMC media slot; new, lower price.

The bad:
No USB 2.0; can't yet store music to cards; dock and car adapter cost extra; PC required for some functions; large for 1.5GB player; initial setup can be a hassle.

The bottom line:
The Aireo's Wi-Fi capability makes it a cinch to use and an excellent choice for wireless lifestyles--we just wish the player were a bit less bulky.

Specifications:
Device type: Flash player; Flash memory installed: 25 hour(s); Digital player supported digital audio standards: WMA, MP3; ; See full specs