Newbie question: Is it possible to use an ipod in these vehicles?

[Frank1991]

Hello:
I am totally new to ipods. I have about $200 in Circuit City gift certificates. So I am trying to decide between XM Radio or an ipod. After Xmas I will likely throw some of my money into the Circuit City gift certificates.
I really like the idea of the ipod verses XM, but I need something that can be used in the car about 95% of the time. Neither of the cars I drive has a tape deck. Seeing how I really do not know much about ipod's I am wondering if you all can assist me. I drive a 2004 Ford F150 to work and a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria once I get to work. The F150 has an "AUX" jack on the stereo face (I do not know if this means anything). I am not sure about the Crown Vic. So what are my options in getting an ipod and using it 95% of the time in a car (if this is even possible)? Which ipods are recommended?

Thank you

[danny_w]

If the radio has a selectable AUX input on the front panel, all you really need is a cable to connect your iPod to the radio input. Since most AUX inputs like this are stereo phone jacks, then a cable with stereo phone plugs each end will do the trick. A better solution is something to charge the iPod and provide a line output, such as the Sik Imp with the appropriate audio cable.

Most radios don't have AUX inputs, so a different solution is necessary. Since you have said that the cars don't have tape decks, a cassette adapter is out. I assume that at least one of these vehicles is a company car, so a permanent installation is also not an option. The last option is an FM transmitter, but this may not work well depending on your location; they epecially have problems in highly congested areas with many radio stations. I have a NewerTech Roadtrip+ in the Austin Texas area and it seems to work quite well (but of course not as well as a direct connection); it was a good solution for me at the moment, and relatively cheap at only $28.

I have only had experience with the iPod nano, but from what I know most if not all of the above solutions should work for any recent iPod. I have heard of problems, however, with the Roadtrip+ and the 5G iPod Video. The Shuffle does not have a dock connector, so the Sik Imp or equivalent will not work with that model.