Griffin Airclick Mini Remote Control for iPod Mini

This is another brilliant item from the folks at Griffin Technologies and I suspect that it will supplant the iPod Remote from Apple that I currently use when riding my motorcycle. Why? It's wireless. Better yet, it's RF (radio frequency) wireless instead of infrared. Indeed, this is the first remote control for the iPod/iPod Mini that uses RF instead of infrared. This means that it does not need line of sight/directly pointed at the iPod but instead can work through walls, backpacks, etc. The unit comes with a clip as well as a mounting piece/holder for the remote - you can use it as an armband or to mount on handlebars, etc. Other plusses are that the radio operates at 433 mHz - not likely to be subject to, or cause, interference with cordless phones, microwaves, cell phones, wireless routers, etc. as it is in a different frequency band from those items. Also, the fit is tailored to the iPod mini - like the iTrip, it fits flush and square to your mini - a nice, clean solution and it has a headphone passthrough (which is to be expected). I do have some minor nits to pick. First, the headphone passthrough is not compatible with Griffin iTrip. You could use another FM transmitter (like the Belkin TuneCast (ick)), but you cannot use the very nice iTrip. I mostly use the iTrip in the car though, where I do not typically need or use a remote - so I do not expect this to be an issue for me, but it might bug someone else. Second, this is a five function remote for a seven function iPod. The FF, REW, Vol +, Vol -, and Play/Pause functions are replicated on this remote, the Menu and Select functions are not. Accordingly, you cannot navigate menus or between playlists, etc. This is not really a Griffin complaint, but an Apple issue as I don't believe Apple allows for a seven-function remote implementation (as all remotes I have seen are five function plus a hold switch). Third, the remote (really any wireless remote) will use some additional amount of your mini's power. Finally the 60 ft. range is probably overstated and is only for the most ideal conditions - no walls, etc.

I don't know if the product I received is finicky or defective, but I have tried it on multiple iPod Mini's and the result is the same...very touchy. It will work if you plug and unplug it enough times to get it "just right", but if you move the iPod after you have it "just right" you might knock it out of alignment and it stops working. It's a great idea, and I really hoped it would work, it could be great for the car.

I bought two units. One does not work and the other: sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It's hit or miss.

This one of those products your girlfriend wonders why you are wasting your money on, that turns out to make life so much easier. It has allowed me to leave my ipod in my backpack on my way to work, and go through security to get into work, all without having to open my bag. The remote has a velcro strap that I use to attach to the shoulder strap of my back pack. I am able to start and stop tunes and change the volume without needing to pull the ipod out. My only complaint was that the headphone jack should have a strap or something to help keep the headphones in all the way and the device could also have a strap. As the device is made for active people it would be nice to know that everything would stay connected, because when things do come undone, you do have to open your bag and put it all back together and that defeats the point of having the air click.

I mostly use my mini at home playing through my stereo system and this remote is exactly what I needed to control the mini while working in the house. I love simple things and this is perfect. Plug the receiver into the mini and you're ready to go. Very glad I found this.

It wasn't clear from the packaging that this doesn't work with the newer iPods with video. I had to search the internet (after I already purchased and could see that it clearly didn't fit) to find this information.

I bicycle commute to work on a bike path - I put the remote on my bike handlebars, and put the IPod in my hydration pack. It comes with velcro straps to attach to handlebars or steering wheel, but the attachment is too loose for a bumpy bike ride. I ended up threading the velcro through a slot in my stem. The connection between the IPod and the Griffin sometimes comes loose too, so the remote won't work until the two are pressed back together. Now I'm using rubber bands to keep the two connected. There's a flimsy plastic flap on the back of the remote that keeps the remote attached to its holder. This flap broke off the first day I used it, but enough of it remains to still do its job. Aside from these problems, I have to say I'm happy with it. It lets me change the volume, pause when I come to intersections, etc. It works the way it should most of the time, the price is good, and the range is good... but it's frustrating when the remote doesn't work, and I have to dig around in my hydration pack to investigate.

I use the Airclick to control mi iPod, which is plugged to my car stereo's aux jack in the glove compartment. I have to touch my iPod only when it needs recharging. Another great product that the creative folks at Apple could not come up with on their own... Perfect if used in conjunction with this dock connector line-out cable Ipod Dock Conn To 3.5MM Cable

good