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After deciding that the lack of FM on the iPod was somewhat regrettable, I went over to Amazon.co.uk and bought myself the Apple branded iPod radio remote. Somehow the feeling of being able to add yet another option to my iPod’s home screen seemed tantalizingly attractive. So I laid down a somewhat wallet-depleting (for a mere remote) £35 and hoped for the best. It comes in the usual pretty Apple packaging and I was pleasantly surprised to find a set of Shuffle style ear buds (with a shorter lead). After figuring out why I could only tune into odd numbers on the dial, (you have to set the region for the radio in your iPod settings), I experienced the unbridled pleasure of listening to the various BBC radio stations (arguably some of the best in the world- especially if you are used to US programming!). All right on my iPod.However, I had a couple of issues. The reception is far from perfect. On my commute to work (which is 20 mins by bicycle or 10 mins by car), I get quite a lot of static, and its not much better in other areas.

I did have a nice experience listening on the Tube in London (Subway for those in the US) where someone came and asked me how I got the radio on my iPod as he had never seen the screen that pops up when you are listening to the radio. It was quite significant because as you may know, it is a big no-no to speak to strangers on the tube.

It does work fantastically as a remote for the iPod. Its Shuffle-like controls make it a perfect addition to my iPod themed musical collection of gadgets.

In summary: After a couple of weeks of use, I would recommend the Radio Remote more for the‘Remote’ part than its ‘Radio’ features; I find myself using the latter less and less. I use it on my bicycle and motorbike as a remote. Finally something that enables me to block out the rest of the world to some degree even when riding right through it.