Recommend an MP3 Player / FM Transmitter

[Yob]

Since Sirius has dropped BBC Radio 1 I am looking for a way to listen to it in my car. I have setup Radio Downloader to automatically download shows, now i need an MP3 player and an FM transmitter.

I’m looking from something under $50 if possible, the MP3 player needs to atomically bookmark the show/podcast, I want to turn it on and resume where I left off.

There are many FM transmitters that plug into the car 12V outlet, I need one that has a strong signal. (I currently have an original Sirius receiver that has a very powerful FM transmitter) Many of them can also play MPS from a USB stick or SD card, but I don’t think any of them have bookmarking.

If anyone can recommend an MP3 player and FM transmitter it would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mapboy]

For an MP3 Player, I would recommend using an iPod, with regards to an FM Transmitter, I still can't find one that works properly. The big problem is in Toronto we have so many radio stations its hard to find an empty frequency to transmit to. I would love to get a recommendation for an FM Transmitter as well.

[Yob]

After some reading in an audiobook thread, I bought the Sandisk Clip Plus, it works perfectly for podcasts, it will resume where you left off, and you can fastforward through it.

I bought the Hip Street FM Transmitter, it’s giving me similar results as my Sirius Starmate 1 transmitter. 87.9 and 90.7 are working well in Toronto. It’s not perfect but it will do.

Here is my review of each after a few days of use.

Hip Street FM Transmitter
Pros:

• Has power button so you don’t have to remove it.
• Remembers the channel you are using.
• Starts below FM dial at 87.7 (if your stereo can go below 81.1 you’ll have an open channel)
• Goes up in 0.1 intervals (if you can set your stereo to use even numbers it may be useful)

Cons:

• No USB connection to charge MP3 player.
• Display does not swivel so it could be upside down in your car.
• The 3.5mm cable is permanently attached and very short, you’ll need an extension if your device isn’t right beside the transmitter.
• Sometimes there is a background humming noise (not static)

Sandisk Sansa Clip Plus MP3 Player
Pros:

• When you start an MP3 that is in the Audiobook or Podcast folder it will ask you if you want to resume or start from the beginning, like a PVR.
• When you turn it on it will atomically resume the MP3 where you left off.
• Can expand memory up to 16GB with a micro SDHC card.
• The files on the SD card integrate into the existing folders.

Cons:

• Only comes with a USB charger which is very short