One of the problems with iPod remotes is they either have to be connected to your iPod by a wire, like the Apple iPod remote, or be in line of sight in order to pass an infra-red signal. Not so with Griffin's AirClick.
The AirClick uses RF (radio frequency) to transmit and receive signals and therefore can be used when you're on the move and your iPod is in a bag or pocket, or at home with your iPod plugged into a set of speakers. It comprises two elements: a transmitter and receiver. The remote itself, the transmitter, is a compact unit - about as long as an iPod is wide and a little over an inch wide. It has five buttons: play/pause, step forward, step backward, volume up, and volume down, as well as a hold switch. The remote also has a spring-loaded belt clip and optional armband. It's powered by a 3V battery which is designed to last the lifetime of the unit.
The receiver, which is roughly the same size as the transmitter, plugs into the iPod's dock connector and has a status light and pairing switch. The pairing feature is a neat idea that allows multiple remotes to be used within range of each other, you simply pair up a remote with the desired receiver. If you're only using one remote and one receiver, there's no need to pair.
Griffin claims that the range of the AirClick is up to 60 feet, but we found this to be very optimistic and struggled to get to half that distance. Still, if you only plan to use it on the move or in your living room, that's more than adequate.
AirClick will only work with Click Wheel iPods, as earlier iPods have a different pin configuration in the dock connector. This means that ipods from 3G backwards are incompatible, although other models are available for earlier iPods. This model also allows you to control photo slideshows on colour screen iPods. By putting it into 'Photo Mode' you can browse backwards and forwards through a photo library. It can't be used in conjunction with the TV out function of the iPod, however, so its usefulness is limited.
The AirClick is an excellent solution to the problem of controlling your iPod remotely both on the move and at home. Its minor flaws are more than compensated for by its sheer convenience and very reasonable price.
The AirClick is an excellent solution to the problem of controlling your iPod remotely both on the move and at homeAuthor: Kenny Hemphill
Griffin AirClick