So you have realised how good a sound device the iPod is when properly connected to a good amplifier (see: iPod in the dock) but how do you rig it up for your car?

As it happens there are a number of approaches depending on your car's system and how much you have to spend. If you are lucky and have just got a new car you may find it already specified with an iPod connection, clearly the way of the future. For the rest of us - read on.

You have a line-in socket:

OK you probably don't have one readily accessible on your car radio system but if you did you could simply connect the ear phone socket to the line in socket. This would work but you would not get good clear sound. What you need is Monster's car charger for the iPod which is slim and neat and has a line out socket taken from the dock port. This should give good sound.

No line-in socket:

The easiest way to connect is with the iTrip, a wireless transmitter that fits neatly on top of your iPod which sends a short range FM signal to your radio. All you have to do is tune in to listen to your iPod. The problem is air wave clutter, finding a spare channel can be difficult and you may lose it when you drive around and have to retune. The sound quality is also disappointing. Oh it is also technically illegal in the UK.

Ice Link by Dension:

If you have the budget (expect to pay around £200 to £250 with fitting) the IceLink might be the best choice. Basically it comprises a support cradle that can be mounted in an appropriate place and a device that mimics a CD changer. In other words it operates just like a CD changer and can be operated from your standard radio (assuming it is compatible with a CD changer) and your steering wheel controls.

It is a great idea and in general a good device but not without problems. It turns out that my car has a reasonably high spec radio that uses fibre optic cables. Dension offers an appropriate kit but it adds £50 to the price. The first kit fitted was faulty. The new device works well with excellent sound on most tracks but not on all. Certain frequencies seem to give rise to distortion (essentially a crackling sound). The IceLink does have a set up menu and it might yet be possible to "iron out" these kinks however to access the menu (which appears on the iPod screen) the radio needs a "fast forward" button. As it happens my radio (which has at least one of everything else) doesn't. I have contacted Dension but so far they have remained silent.

Conclusion:

In the absence of a factory fitted docking kit the IceLink is a superb way of connecting your iPod providing it is compatible with your car. So you need to check. Dension may well offer a "compatible" kit howerver if your car radio will not allow you to access the set up menu (i.e. no fast forward button) then be suspicious.