Would it be fair to say that....

[Welshchris]

.... the perfect direct connect iPod solution hasn't been made available yet? - I've trawled through all the posts on here in an attempt to glean information, and like many I'm still undecided as to the best route to follow as there appear to be glaring problems with just about every solution on the market today.

In my ideal world, Apple (or for that matter any of the accessory/ICE manufacturers) would produce a din-sized head unit with a slot on the front into which I could slide my iPod docking end first (rather like a cassette) and have it covered by a flap and therefore completely invisible. The ipod would 'dock' when inserted.

On the front of the unit would be a digital display that would replicate the display on my iPod, and a shuffle dial that would replicate the iPod navigation. There would also be a built in AM/FM tuner with the required display/controls (probably shared).

Different coloured fascias could also be sold so that the unit could be integrated with individual dash colours.

When you get into the car you simply load your iPod into the head unit, and when you get out you eject it like a tape, nicely charged up.

I wonder if any manufactuers would take me up on this? - I'd be first in the queue to buy one.

Chris

[GavinD]

Interesting… I think you could do better though. What would be nice is a affordable deck that accepts a usb memory stick “like notebooks use” with a nice program to set music when you plug it into a computers usb port.

[dgstinner]

I like your idea Welshchris, but instead of a flap, how about hiding the iPod behind the face plate of the head unit; kinda like how some head units are with CDs.

[armandocerna]

that would be awesome... you could push a button on the face plate and it would be motorized and reveal a little slot that the ipod clicked into kind of like an 8 track

[500kv]

Even better. Put the connections in a glove box or similar to connect the ipod.(keep it hidden if you don't have to control it.)
The stereo interface reads the info too, as advertised.

[smooverjj]

Regarding the question raise by GavinD:


The other day I posted something about BestBuy selling a supposed USB interface/connection/ease of use car stereo. I took the time over the weekend to eyeball it.

As it turns, the unit only allows for connect of a USB memory stick , such that it has a USB port on the right side - as a replacement for what would be a AUX-in port. Originally, based on the desciption B/B gives online, I thought the unit would allow for an "MP3" player to be attached. It still might, but no one in the car stereo department could verify it - saying that what is says on the tag under the stereo is what is does - i.e. "memory stick." I didn't have my iPod with me, so I was not able to check to be sure.

The stereo is not a brand name that I am familiar with. I suspect it is their "in-house" brand. If I get a chance this weekend, I may stop by again and see if the iPod + USB cable connection would work.

I'll keep you posted




Smoov J