Belkin F8Z441-P TuneBase FM with Hands-Free

Certainly have mixed reviews on the Belkin TuneBase FM with Hands-Free. Here are my thoughts on it's various features:-Cradle(5-stars) Gives me a consistent place to place my iPhone when I get into the car, it is secure and very adjustable. It also allows me to rotate the iPhone for alternate app views; a must when using some apps like maps.-Car Charger (5-stars) No issues at all with charging my iPhone. I now have the confidence that I will always have a full battery.-Hands-Free (5-stars) Works well. I carried on a conversation with another party for 20-minutes and they did not know they were on a hands-free device.-FM Transmitter (2-stars) If you are expecting good sound quality playing through this device, you will be sorely disappointed. Remember, you are taking your digital output, generated a weak FM signal and playing over radio waves. It will never sound good. Consistent broadcasting frequencies are difficult (if not impossible) to find as is consistent with others reviews. The sound quality is just plain poor. If you want to listen to only voice recording (sermons, etc) it may be fine. Your satisfaction here will be dependant on your expectations.-Does have addtional USB charger on side which is nice-Also has an extra phone out jack. This allows you to hook up to your car stereo's aux input (If you have; I don't) or to a cassette adapter (which I use; again, sound not so good for music)

I bought this to replace an older Belkin version of the same device that won't stay vertical in the accessory port. My older version is around 6 years old and has worked very well.The Pros of the Belkin F8Z441-P:It fits my iPhone 4 with an Otterbox Case.It stays upright in my accessory port (so far).The station indicator is well illuminated.There is an additional USB port, so I can also charge another device.The Cons:This device came with no instructions. I had to dig around on the Belkin site to find them, not an easy task.I have to plug into the headphone jack on my iPod and iPhone. I didn't have to do this on my previous Belkin TuneBase.Because I use the headphone jack I have to turn up the volume on my iDevice to max.Because I have to turn my volume to max on my iDevice, I blow out my eardrums when I use said device with headphones.I really loved that my previous Belkin TuneBase would turn off my iDevice when I shut off the ignition. The Belkin F8Z441-P doesn't do this all though the instructions say that it will.The plastic slide device that holds in the iDevice doesn't appear to be very substantial. I accidentally pulled it all the way off, and it's difficult to get back on properly.My accessory port is high up on my dash. I wish the Belkin F8Z441-P would go to the 6:00 position instead of 7:00 counter clockwise and 5:00 clockwise.The Verdict:Overall, this is better than nothing, or just plugging a non powered transmitter into the iDevice. I wish this was a more rock solid device. This also won't work with the just released iPhone 5.

I have used this device for over 2 years almost every day and it completely changed the way I use my iPhone. I have read many reviews giving it a bad wrap and hope to set the record straight on it: Belkin's TuneBase is better than initially expected.I needed to find an effective way to charge my phone, play music in my truck when needed and a hands free device. Although this device was expensive 2 years ago I bought it just to try it out and have enjoyed it ever since. I have a F-150 and the 12V outlet seems to be specially close to the steering wheel - the flexible neck of the Tunebase was specially helpful to set the device in the right location that would make it accessible and avoid any of the vehicle's controls. Another nice feature is that it recharges my phone in around 20 to 30 minutes, which is approximately my commute time. You won't ever recharge it as quickly connecting the USB cable to the 12V adapter and won't have to deal with the hassle of cables in your car! The feature that allows it to find the clearest FM station works well.The best use I get from this device though is playing Pandora on my iPhone - I still have a 2G and Pandora works exceptionally well on Edge. When either one of my two daughters wants to play their tunes on their mp3 or iTouch devices I just slide my phone out, disconnect it easily with one hand and set theirs in place - and I don't have to look directly at the device or stop the vehicle in order to complete the hook up safely. It's just easy!The hands free works well but I have to be mindful to talk directly to it in order to be heard clearly.Some people have a legitimate complaint with the fact that there are vehicles that generate quite a bit of electro magnetic interference (specially older models) and the TuneBase FM would capture it (I have never experience this problem at all in my vehicle). This can be fixed by a mechanic ($) or the radio can be changed to one that has an AUX IN port ( perhaps a less expensive approach). In that case TuneBase FM would work great too - it comes with a short cable that can connect directly to the AUX IN port. Also note that you can recharge up to two additional USB devices from TuneBase with your iPhone sitting on the cradle - I am sure some will find this very useful.The only negative marks I would give this device is the not too sturdy sliding /adjustable plastic bracket that holds the top of the phone in place - it is needed only to support it when you turn the phone on landscape. Just don't adjust the phone too tightly because over time sliding in and out the phone will eventually break it (which is why I am purchasing a 2nd device). The rest of the device is very sturdy and has taken abuse.Bottom line: the bad marks given by some of the other Amazon customers are unwarranted. It's a really good product that will allow you to enjoy the iPhone or iTouch experience in your daily drive for many years.

Broke after 2 months..