Retractable Audio Cable: Driving Convenience
If you are like many people today, you and your iPod are almost never separated from each other. Whether in the car, at the gym, or even at home, you like to keep your music close by. One of the major inconveniences of using your iPod for your entertainment in your car is the mess of connection cables – find the right connector, get it plugged in, find a place for the excess cable, etc. An easy way to help reduce this hassle is by purchasing a retractable audio cable.
You can use a retractable audio cable to connect your iPod or other personal mp3 player to your car, multimedia speakers, or anything else you like. These cables, which come in different lengths (2.5ft. to 6 ft.) can be gently tugged from the central unit to the desired length. When finished listening, just give it another gentle tug and it will retract back into its housing. You won’t have to worry about a tangle of cables.
There are many brands and versions of retractable audio cable out there. One option is Belkin’s five-foot model; this length is useful if you have backseat DJs. While Belkin is generally associated with quality cables, this particular model has had some problems with tangling. If you are willing to give it gentle treatment, however, its maximum length makes it a convenient choice.
Another option is Scosche’s 2.5-foot model. Though its shorter length confines it to front-seat use only, it has fewer tangling problems, even with repeated use. It is a small unit, which won’t take up too much space on your console, and provides quality audio. You do need to pull on both ends to get it to retract, so don’t try to plug it in or take it out while driving (which is perhaps obvious, but worth a mention).
Also receiving higher reviews than the Belkin is Zip-Linq’s 3-foot model. Like the Scosche, users have had mixed experiences on durability and reliability. Some report excellent performance even with consistent or repeated use; others complain of difficulty with retraction or tangling.
What seems to be clear is that if you are in the market for a retractable audio cable, spendier doesn’t necessarily mean better. Look for the right length for your needs, and whatever you buy – treat it gently.