Can you get radio on the iPod? If not, why is there a "Radio" option?

This is the type of question that some experienced iPod users might flippantly dismiss, but upon reflection, one has to admit that it is a bit less than intuitive for the iPod 5G, iPod classic, and iPod nano models to have a "Radio" option in the settings but not have an integrated radio function.

What the "Radio" option does is enable the iPod Radio Remote, a separate hardware device that plugs into compatible iPod models and allows the iPod to receive FM radio signals.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

In advertising copy, Apple explains:

Just plug in your iPod Radio Remote and select "Radio" from the main iPod menu. Tuning takes place right there in the color display with your Click Wheel, just as you'd set a classic analog radio. Easily mark a favorite station for quick access later, and switch between favorite stations using either the iPod or the remote.

If you're listening to a station that supports the Radio Data System (RDS) standard, you can even see song title/artist or radio station information in the iPod display [currently not supported in Japan]. The iPod Radio Remote supports FM stations from 87.5 to 107.9 MHz (in both the US and European standards) and 76 to 90 MHz (the Japanese standard).

As first noted by the always excellent iLounge, when used in conjunction with the iPod nano (4G), the iPod Radio Remote also offers a slick new "tagging" option that allows you to flag songs that you hear on the radio for later purchase via the iTunes Store, but this is not yet widely supported by radio stations.

At US$49.00, the iPod Radio Remote is expensive, but for those interested in listening to the radio on the iPod it is worth consideration. Those interested in a small portable radio might instead consider the Panasonic RF-P50 Pocket AM/FM Radio. It's not beautiful or fancy -- and you'll have to borrow your iPod headphones or provide your own for private listening -- but it costs less than US$10.

Site sponsor PowerMax has the iPod Radio Remote as well as new and used iPods available for sale free of sales tax.