Hottest gadget for iPod has a design flaw - it's illegal

The must-have gadget for this Christmas has been called the "coolest iPod accessory in the world", is readily available on the Web and the high street and 10,000 have already been sold in the UK. The only problem is, it is illegal.

The must-have gadget for this Christmas has been called the "coolest iPod accessory in the world", is readily available on the Web and the high street and 10,000 have already been sold in the UK. The only problem is, it is illegal.

The iTrip attaches to Apple's music player and allows its songs to be broadcast through FM radios.It contravenes the 55-year-old Wireless Telegraphy Act and the regulator Ofcom has pointed out that anyone using it faces two years in prison or a fine. Don Foster, the Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman, called for the legislation to be overturned. "With a booming UK black market already, Ofcom needs to find a workable solution," he said.

But an Ofcom spokesman said: "Basically, it's a miniature pirate radio station. If a next-door neighbour complains that the iTrip is interfering with Radio 4 we would be duty-bound to act.''