iPod addicts who are worried about the lack of iPod connectivity in a long road trip can now breathe easy as Griffin introduces the iTrip Pocket, which is essentially a very small FM tuner that connects to the iPod and is tiny enough to be snug in a key ring.

Like other Griffin products from before, this one will allow easy tuning with the SmartDisplay user interface that shows the selected frequency. You can preset your favorite station frequencies for easy access. You can even jump from mono and stereo modes effortlessly.

Even with the huge space in your iPod flash memory, there's bound to be a time when you want a degree of unpredictability that is beyond just shuffling tracks. For those days, the Pocket will be more than willing to serve.

The UK may soon legalize gadgets which convert MP3 audio output into an FM radio signal. These signals are then picked up by devices such as car radios. Though widely available (and popular), low-power transmitters, such as the iTrip, are banned in Europe as signals coming from the transmitter can interfere with legal stations.

The ban is based on the the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949, which forbids the use of radio equipment without a license. But with communications regulator Ofcom holding a public consultation over the issue, these low-power FM transmitters are expected to become legal to use without license by 2007.

Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Don Foster welcomes the proposed legalization, "I am delighted Ofcom have ended this ludicrous ban, based on 1940s legislation... which threatened two years imprisonment to music lovers using iTrips."

Gadget magazine T3 deputy editor Jason Jenkins is also delighted with the proposition and said, "They are nifty little things and an easy way to listen to your iPod tunes in your car."

Griffin Technology has released the iTrip Auto, the newest addition to the iTrip lineup, is the most versatile iTrip to date, accommodating every dock connector iPod, including iPod nano and 5th Generation iPods with video. iTrip Auto combines Griffin's renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger.

Designed specifically for use in the car, iTrip Auto's large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and easy status at a glance.

iTrip Auto uses the audio line out from the iPod's dock connector and optimizes the output volume. Speaker volume can be controlled solely from the car stereo controls, without having to adjust the iPod's volume level.

iTrip Auto brings with it all the innovations of its iTrip lineage, including selectable LX and DX modes for best-quality audio under real-world conditions, US and International tuning modes, Griffin's RF technology, and the trademark Griffin world-class industrial design.

Works with:

? 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
? iPod mini
? 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
? iPod photo
? iPod U2 Special Edition
? 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen
? iPod nano
? 5th Generation iPod with Video

You can purchase the iTrip Auto at their website for $69.95.