Monster iCarPlay Wireless: iPod car accessory

Although thoughtful, doesn't the ability to charge your iPod make the wireless feature kind of pointless? Maybe 1 less wire (tape adapter) but still you are teathered. Does it work without having to be plugged into the lighter socket?

The best feature about the iCarPlay is the sound quality. To me it sounds better then the other transmitters but I just figured it was because it gets its power from the car and not from the iPod or a low power battery. My only complaint is that their isn't an adapter for the house when I take to a friends.

I wish I could give a glowing testimonial, but I cannot. Since I have no experience with either the Belkin or iTrip transmitters, I am unable to give a comparison. However, if the iCarPlay is the best available, then the state of iPod FM transmission is poor indeed. The sound is muted and cluttered with static, no matter which of the eight preset stations is tried. If you are lucky you might enjoy a song or two without interference, but I must say that I have been terribly disappointed with this product. It is not a total wash-out because of the battery charger, but I am not making any plans for the iCarPlay to be part of my regular traveling routine.