Conclusion:

The Roadmaster USA VRFM8 MP3 FM Modulator offers the quickest and easiest way I can think of to play your MP3s while in any car. All you need is a cigarette lighter and an FM radio, and just about every car has both of these. The VRFM8 represents the term "plug and play" quite well, as it is simply a matter of plugging your thumb drive into the device, plugging that into your cigarette lighter, and turning on the radio. No wires to run, no special devices to install, no mounting kits required. If you're not up and running with MP3 audio in your car within a minute, you must have done something wrong!


The ability to play music straight from a thumb drive is the most appealing feature of the VRFM8, but the ability to connect to any other audio device with an 1/8" audio jack is a nice bonus. You can now use your car stereo to play files from any other CD/DVD/MP3 player, carputer, or whatever else you might think of. This is particularly useful to those who have paid for music from onlline services, but need to use an audio player that supports DRM. In thumb drive mode you can not play DRM protected files, but using your iPod or other device via the audio cable unlocks that potential.

Searching PriceGrabber didn't turn up anything in the VRFM8, and actually quite extensive searches of the web were fairly disappointing. I did find it on Amazon.com and in a variety of eBay auctions for under $30, but overall it doesn't have mass retail / online availability. I have seen older models in stores like Target and Wal*Mart, and hopefully this improved version will find its way onto store shelves very soon.

Given the low cost and absolute ease with which you can play MP3s in any car, I award the Roadmaster USA VRFM8 MP3 FM Modulator a final score of 4.5 out of 5 stars and the rating of "Recommended".

Final Rating (4.5 out of 5 stars):


Pros:

» Simple installation and operation
» Just about the easiest way to listen to MP3s in any car
» Compact and stylish design
» Use with thumb drives or any other device with an 1/8" audio jack
» Good fit for use with carputers
» Low cost - @$30

Cons:

» Not for those who demand the ultimate sound quality
» Signal occasionally over powered by other FM modulators in the area
» Not widely available for purchase

Special thanks to Roadmaster USA for providing the VRFM8 MP3 FM Modulator to Bigbruin.com for review!