FUNKOMETER RATING: 5

Well, after my horrible experience with another Zune FM transmitter (DLO Transmicro Review)I decided to give another one a try.  I was waiting for Monster Cable's Zune FM transmitter to become readily available (meaning I didn't want to order it online and wait 1 or 2 days for it to get here), but I haven't seen it around. So I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and review the Microsoft FM transmitter. I mean come on, how can I have a website that tells people not to believe everything they read about a product and then not try something just because I read it sucked.  So I got one, and I eager left the store wanting to listen to my Zune in crisp clean FM stereo (that's right I said it).  I tuned to a station that was pretty clear of other stations plugged the transmitter into the Zune and drove off.

So, it's me, my Zune and a quart of beer (joking, I don't drink and drive, they hang you for that kind of stuff in Texas).  Things start out ok, but as I'm driving, the signal cuts in and out, so I'm moving the Zune further and closer to the radio and the antenna (practically driving like I'm drunk), but it really doesn't help much.  The more I drive around, the more it cuts in and out and it gets harder for me to move the Zune around.  I finally get home and start playing around with my home stereo.  Not suprisingly, the transmitter puts out to weak of a signal and I can only pick it up if the Zune is right next to the stereo antenna.  Well, another bust for Zune FM transmitters.  The highlight of this device is it's really easy to use (just two buttons to tune into a station) and plugs into the dock connector making it like an extension to the Zune.  Now for most people this is were the review ends, the more adventurous may want to continue on (keep reading if you want to know why it gets a 5 instead of a freaking 9 or 10). 

So, if you read the DLO review, you know I mentioned a hack for this transmitter to make the signal stronger, this hack is not for the weak of heart (or soldering ability).  I decided to give the hack a shot.  After following the instructions and taking the transmitter apart I easily found the antenna and the transistor mentioned in the hack.  I put wire on the antenna and tested it, and it worked, the signal came in loud and clear on my home stereo from across the room (about 10 feet).  I did the same test with the transistor and the signal was stronger, but my soldering skills (and tools) were to lacking to be able to solder on to that joint, so I went with soldering it on the antenna.  Now, I figured I was done, so I wrapped the wire around in the transmitter and closed it up.  I turn it on and the signal goes straight to hell.  So I opened the transmitter again and test it, and it works great again.  Out comes the drill (I guess you could use a dremel, but what fun is that?).  I made a small hole and ran the cable out of it (small cable you can see in the pictures).  I closed up the transmitter and tested it out.  It works great. In some areas of town when I drive around it still cuts out on occasion, but it's usually when I'm around radio or television towers (by around I mean pretty close).  So this little hack is the one true saving grace for the Microsoft FM transmitter.  I give it a 5 because not everyone would be willing or able to do the hack, but enough people can to keep this thing useful.

Oh yeah, it comes with a car charger, awesome!

The end result:  Really easy to use, plugs right into the bottom of the Zune, and a charger for in car use.  Really bad signal unless you're willing to do some hack work.