I4U News

The new Audiobug AB-250 FM-Transmitter sells for $39.95 at the Aerielle Site.

Overview
Today I am reviewing the Aerille Audiobug AB-250 (or as I call it the AudioBug 2)
a device very similar to the AudioBug AB-150 that I reviewed earlier, but with some minor improvements.

First for the similarities, it shares the same basic shape, size, color etc of the AB-150 and also the frequency coverage (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88.7 Mhz). To me, this is the biggest disappointment, I had hoped that they had increased the coverage, as Belkin had with their Tunecast series (the first Tunecast had similar coverage that the Audiobug has) the newer Tunecast II uses a digital tuner to cover the whole FM band (with 4 memories). When I was told I would be reviewing the Audiobug AB-250, I was looking forward to seeing what they changed or added. The changes for the most part are subtle, a bit better range, slightly cleaner signal (was already great on the AB-150), and they added Auto Power on and Auto Power off, (the AB-150 had a power button for turning the unit on, in place of one of the 'mouse eyes' (the Audiobug looks like a small silver mouse). On the newer AB-250, the button is gone, now both 'eyes' are clear blue, with a power light behind them, so now you can see when it's powered on. The light can be somewhat bright, especially when at night, but it serves the purpose.
 

I gave the AB-250 the same tests I gave the AB-150 (and Anydrive also) and it (at least) did as well as the first AB-150, in some cases better (like I mentioned, range is a bit better, and the signal seems clearer/cleaner) (read my previous Audiobug and Anydrive reviews).

 

All in all it is an minor improvement over the older Audiobug AB-150. If you already have the AB-150, there's no need to upgrade (unless you want the neat blue lights), but if you are looking for your first FM transmitter and you have a choice between the AB-150, and AB-250, get the AB-250 (as long as the lower range of the FM band isn't in use in your area).

Conclusion

Good Points:
Flexible, can still be used with ANY audio device that has a standard headphone jack
Battery life is still awesome (40+ hours easily)
Pocket sized.
Clearer audio than the AB-150

Bad points:
still uses the CR2 battery (too small for any other type) which can be slightly expensive
limited frequency range (hoping they add full range FM on the next model)

in conclusion I like the AB-250, I just wish it had been more of an improvement over the AB-150. At least they kept the flexibility of the AB-150.


How to Buy
The new Audiobug AB-250 FM-Transmitter sells for $39.95 at the Aerielle Site.