Best ipod accessory for the car

[bozer]

I was at BestBuy this weekend and I seen several options for using your iPod in the car. Can anyone reccommend the hands down, best automobile accessory for the iPod? I dont want to blow my money..

Thanks

[Pistol_Pete]

Don't waste your money on an iTrip that's only gonna work in rural areas. Spend the extra cash and buy an Auxiliary Input Converter for you car's head unit. Depending on what model car you have, buy the specifc auxiliary input converter and accessories to hardwire your iPod to the car stereo.


http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxinpconv.html

[brted]

Some people have good luck with the iTrip, but with any FM transmitter, make sure you can take it back if it doesn't work for you. Use a cassette adapter if that's an option for you. It's cheaper than the aux input converters but sounds a lot better than any FM transmitter. Then you just need a charger that hooks into the lighter socket.

[manutd]

AUX input adapter is the absolute best way to go! Thank goodness BMW/MINI are on the ball on this one!

good luck!

[kloh]

The problem is, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you're not going to have many options. Cassette adapters are cheap, but the dangling wire coming out of the deck is an eyesore. As far as transmitters are concerned, make sure you get one that offers the ability to switch frequencies. The more options, the better. That way you can find a "station" that works best in your area.

[bozer]

Hmmmm...

How hard would it be to install this auxilary input converter? Do I have to actually disable my 6 Disc Cd changer? I have a 2004 Accord, and I'd really prefer not to rip things out of it.

Thanks for all the replies =)

[kloh]

There are some AUX adapters that are very easy to install. Does your Accord have an in-dash changer or is it in the trunk?

If it's in the trunk, the install should be fairly easy, but you will have to disable the changer if you use this method. If it's in the dash, then you'll have to take your dash apart to get to the back of the stereo.

[bozer]

Ahhh,,, screw that. I dont want to disable my CD player at all. Oh well, I guess no iPod in the car for now =(

There's no other options?

[IpodAlien]

There's the FM transmitters that are available. You could get the Itrip which is made for the iPod, the Tunecast which can be used with anything with an earphone jack or the C Crane transmitter. The C Crane is slightly more expensive but it seems to get good reviews over the others. The Itrip and Tunecast are made by Belkin.

[chinhster]

But if you have an iPod in the car, why would you ever use the disc changer again?

I have single disc players in both of my cars and ever since I put an iPod in them, I have not used the CD players once. I think most people hesitate disabling their changers thinking they'll actually use them but trust me, you won't miss it.

I've never used an FM transmitter but I've heard generally bad things about them. I've got a tape adapter in my daily driver (until I decide between an icelink or an alpine solution) and it's ugly and very tinny sounding. I've got my mini hooked up to the aux input of my weekend car and it's definitely the way to go.

[Pistol_Pete]

Bozer,

I have a 2004 Accord, and I didn't have to disable anything. My 6-disc changer works, but i never use it. The installation took only 20 minutes.

http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19293&highlight=2004+accord

Check out this thread and link. It's very informative!

[bozer]

Pete... does your method end up disabling XM radio>?

[BarracksSi]

Originally posted by IpodAlien
... The Itrip and Tunecast are made by Belkin.

To be picky, the iTrip is made by Griffin Technologies, and the TuneCast is by Belkin.

Best three solutions, IMO, are Alpine's interface, the ICELink, and the PIE adapter. All three should give good sound.

[eigna]

i agree with chinhster - once you have your iPod in the car, you'll never use your cd player... i just bought a honda element, and i'm lucky enough to have the aux jack right there to plug the iPod into - best thing since sliced bread - now i just need to find a way to make it look good in there (might start a new topic for suggestions on that one, lol)

-angie

[Purple72]

What is the Alpine called? Do you have a link where I can go look at it. I bought my brother the itrip, and he doesn't like the way the accoustic songs sound in his car, so I have to return it. He got his ipod to use at the gym, but I'd like him to be able to use it in his car too. He does not have a tape player, so that option is out. Nissaan Ultima, 2004. Any help would be appreciated,

[BarracksSi]

Press Release:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/company_info/press_release/010804_ipad.html

Alpine, the car audio & entertainment company, is going to be coming out with their "iPod Ready" interface, using certain models of head units. You'll be able to browse menus.

Really, that's the coolest part -- no more squinting down for the iPod's display. As nice as it is, it's not meant to be read while driving.