Basically the TuneCast 3 works with any device with a headphone jack – including portable music and video players such as the iPod, PSPs and even notebook computers.

It is quite straightforward to use – you simply plug the TuneCast into the headphone jack, tune your FM receiver to a fuzzy channel, select the same channel on the TuneCast and then you will hear all your songs via the stereo.

You will have to keep the TuneCast quite close to the car stereo and if possible, adjacent to the antenna (on a home stereo, for example) for the clearest reception.

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It transmits on FM channels 88.1MHz – 107.9MHz with two memory presets to save your favourite ‘fuzzy' channel to transmit your tunes. Setting the presets is also simple – you just tune the station and hold down the preset button for a couple of seconds. The colour display on the device makes reading the channels quite easy in daylight or at night too. 

There is also the option of selecting stereo or mono transmission – the idea being, that if you can not get a clear signal through stereo, you can try with mono.

Of course, if you wish to play your tunes on your home stereo you will get more reliable sound from a dedicated iPod dock or cable. However, its portability, versatility and decent signal clarity makes the TuneCast 3 ideal for use in the car or for travel – and this is what Belkin is primarily pitching the device at.

Though a handy benefit of keeping the TuneCast mounted in the car (it comes with a car mount kit) is that if you find yourself at a friend's place and wish to share some music, you can quickly grab the device from the car and play away on a home stereo too. The option is certainly there.

The TuneCast 3 is powered by two AAA batteries and also comes with a car (cigarette lighter) charger, as well as a lifetime warranty. If your car doesn't come with a dedicated iPod jack, then the TuneCast 3 is a fairly inexpensive and easy-to-use way of playing your tunes via the stereo.

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Belkin TuneCast3 | $89.95 | | www.belkin.com.au
For: Ease of use; stereo/mono switch for better reception; included mount kit
Against: Only two presets; must keep the device close to the FM receiver
Verdict: A great way of simply and cheaply playing music on a stereo