Treo Combo Car Audio & Power

Here I was thinking that with all my mp3's, Audible programs, Soundview summaries and IT Conversations Treocasts I had enough audio content on my Treo to set up my own radio station.  Then I came across the SIIG Wireless Audio Link ($26.95) which helped me to (sort of...) do exactly that. 

The Wireless Audio Link is essentially an FM transmitter into which you can plug your Treo and listen to whatever audio content you have stored via your car's radio.  There's nothing new about what it does but what I liked about this particular version is that it is a USB model which doesn't require any batteries.  Another thing is that the package comes bundled with a cigarette lighter adapter to power the transmitter but which I discovered you can just as easily use to power your Treo provided that you have a USB charging cable. 

Connecting the Wireless Audio Link to the Treo requires nothing more than plugging all the devices together but you'll also need to use palmOne's Stereo Headphone Adaptor (or the alternative is to get a double 2.5mm audio cable to plug directly into your Treo).

Once everything is connected I synthonize my car's radio to one of four frequency channels that the transmitter uses (I chose 88.3MHz), launch my selected music or audio program, max the volume (to increase the power of the transmitter), switch my screen off leaving the music playing in the background.  Any other volume adjustments I do directly from the car's radio.

In case my Treo happens to run out of juice, I can replace the Wireless Audio Link with my USB Travel Cable and let it fully recharge.

Although I didn't try it, I imagine that I could buy a two-port USB plug which would allow me listen to my music while at the same time charging my Treo.

Considering that other FM transmitters are typically more expensive, that just the USB cigarette lighter adapter retails for some $20, that I can use the Wireless Audio Link not only with my Treo but also with my PC or other devices and that it doubles as a charger as well a transmitter, I really think that this little package carries a punch and is tremendous value for money.

Treonauts live with music...