Does charging the iPod through just the electrical outlet cause the same wear and tear as when it is charging through the computer and firewire?
nope, not unless you leave it plugged in for an extended amount of time. its just that when the ipod is "connected," the hard drive is spinning. i just sync everything then eject it but leave it in the dock. if i need to sync again, i usually just quit and re-open itunes to connect the ipod.
Yeah, I bought an iTrip and although it operates nicely the audio quality leaves much to be desired, especially in the car.
I thought the same thing until I found the "correct" station. Sounds pristine now. Stay away from those stations being used. Try stations "higher" in the frequency range (above 104.1) and one as isolated a spossible. I use 107.3 with NO station on either side being used.
Well I did it. I placed an order for the KCA-420i at Crutchfield last week. Checked the status of my order, it won't be shipped until Oct. 11 (Oct. 10 is when they receive the KCA-420i) via ground (will arrive in 2-3 days after that). I'm disappointed though - it says that there is only one on B/O. I hope I'm not the only one who's placed an order for this at Crutchfield, they're a huge electronics online distributor. Has anyone here placed an order for it, or at least plan on doing it?
I will be sure to post pics of the install once it's in.
Well I did it. I placed an order for the KCA-420i at Crutchfield last week. Checked the status of my order, it won't be shipped until Oct. 11 (Oct. 10 is when they receive the KCA-420i) via ground (will arrive in 2-3 days after that). I'm disappointed though - it says that there is only one on B/O. I hope I'm not the only one who's placed an order for this at Crutchfield, they're a huge electronics online distributor. Has anyone here placed an order for it, or at least plan on doing it?
I will be sure to post pics of the install once it's in.
Definitely let us know how it works. If it works nicely I'm buying an Alpine deck and this next year.
Definitely let us know how it works. If it works nicely I'm buying an Alpine deck and this next year.
I'd like to second this. I just bought an Alpine 9833 (great so far) cause my old stereo went kaput. I can't wait for this part to be released. My manual even has instructions for it. If it works as advertised, this is gonna be sweeeet! Alpine appears to have done a great job with the UI. You can search by playlist, artist, or album and it displays everything on your head unit. Very cool.
Check out www.alpine.com for a demo. You can get $30-50 if you buy it with an Alpine deck. Noooo!!! I should have waited. Oh well, maybe I can have my stereo dealer hook me up still...
One other thing, you can still hook up XM, a changer, etc. It's not either or. Alpine has a sort of router that lets you hook them all up together.
You guys (apple & bmw included) are going the wrong way with this. We don't need/want to set up the ipod so that we can access it through the steering control buttons. . . .
We want to set it up so the ipod sits on the steering wheel, and we get to use the ipod to control all the electronic functions of the car. You KNOW the clickwheel works better than any mode, up, down setup they are currently producing. Plus, it would make me able to have sound controls on my older car that didn't come with it the first time around.
Now THAT would sell a few extra ipods, I guarantee!
ps, I've been browsing for a year, i own the original ipod, and will be buying a new imac any day. . .and this is my very first post. (i think)
We want to set it up so the ipod sits on the steering wheel,
Never, ever gonna happen. Where do you mount it? Every car sold for the last dozen years has an airbag taking up most of the real estate on the steering wheel. So that rules out mounting it in the middle. Airbags have been known to noses and even arms. Now imagine having it smash an iPod into your face. Plus, an iPod is just not that small. So then where else do you put it? It won't fit anywhere else.
And from an ergonomics/UI standpoint, I don't think steering wheel mounting is that great. A car stereo will display the text info in much larger letters than the iPod will. People are already distracted enough in their cars. Now imagine them squinting to read an iPod that's semi-permanently mounted on the steering wheel. Or even worse, imagine someone not turning the wheel properly because they're trying to change channels in the middle of the turn but just need to have the display be a little less crooked...smash!
Alpine has the right answer. Their system is even better if you get one of their fancy car theater systems with a touchscreen LCD.
I've been waiting for the Alpine unit too but I am disappointed.
I think the iPod handles long play lists well for two reasons. The display is deep enough to see five entries and most importantly the thumbwheel has "smart" (accelerated) scrolling.
But from what I've read about the Alpine unit, it has neither of these. All but the top of the line head unit have only a two-line display and all of them scroll through lists only at one speed (slow!).
My solution is to just fit a line-in to my existing head unit and get the Belkin car kit with a charger.
I'm still interested in the Phatbox from www.phatnoise.com but I like Alpine decks and right now I like the entry level costs of an iPod and Alpine deck with this support. I'll wait to hear reviews of this combo before purchasing an Alpine Deck
if you can control the ipod through the head unit and steering controls then it's practically the same thing as a phatbox. i had a phatbox in my m3. the thing you would be missing is the voice prompt available through phatbox. that's actually very useful since it's the best form of feedback while you're driving. the phatbox is a nice piece of equipment but it's much more expensive and fidgity to use (especially on a mac) than the ipod integrated solution seems.
The unit is waiting at my rent's house, so when I get home this weekend I'll install it and hope it works.
What made me say that I hope it works? Because according to Crutchfield's website, the KCA-420i will only work with the new click-wheel iPods. Checked Alpine's website, and it says it works with the iPods with the dock connector. I have the touch-wheel iPod, so I'm going to see if it'll work. If I do indeed need the new click-wheel model, then I'm going to be pissed because Crutchfield put that final note on their website just days ago, when I ordered the thing almost a month ago.
I will give an update on this on Saturday.
Alpine USA's website
Quote:
The KCA-420i is compatible with any iPod and iPod mini with dock conector and iPod Update 2004 04-28
Crutchfield
Quote:
Note: the adapter is not compatible with iPods running on software versions earlier than April 28th, 2004. Models with the "touch-wheel" or "scroll-wheel" are not compatible ? only the present "click-wheel" versions are compatible.
I thought the same thing until I found the "correct" station. Sounds pristine now. Stay away from those stations being used. Try stations "higher" in the frequency range (above 104.1) and one as isolated a spossible. I use 107.3 with NO station on either side being used.
I got Monster's equivalent gadget, which doesn't have the same range as the iTrip, but which does plug into the cigarette lighter, so your iPod charges while it plays. On the down side, it looks like something from Radio Shack. On the up side, the interface - a button that runs through eight station presets on the low end of the FM scale - can be operated with minimal attention. When I used it on a trip from NYC back to Iowa, I had to look for free frequencies every so often, and when I found one it was a simple matter of locating the red glow with my peripheral vision and pushing the button until I heard the iPod come through. I barely had to take my eyes or my mind off the road.
Oh, and when you unplug the device it pauses the iPod, which is a nice touch.
The audio quality is about what you'd expect from FM, and in cities where the low end of the dial is crowded it can be hard to get a good signal, but in use I've found it to require very little fuss. And it's nice to be able to listen to the iPod nonstop.
I've been thinking of getting an iTrip too, simply so that I can play songs for people from their radios without carrying a cable around.
Well I installed the unit this past weekend and it works flawlessly. However I only have a few qualms about it,
1. Search mode is slow. When browsing through a playlist for a song, you have to wait a few seconds for the song to load before you can skip to the next track. It varies though, sometimes you can hit the next track button a couple times and it will skip the songs in between - other times it will start playing a song before it skips to the next track. There is a feature called "quick search" that I will have to further examine. I'll update you all on how that goes. I suppose that could be related to the iPod however since it also experiences lag when going through playlists.
2. The controls for it are below satisfactory, but that all has to deal with the HU. If you want a decent interface for your KCA-420i, I recommend getting an HU that has a decent display. The bigger the display, the more satisfied you will be with it. I have the CDA-9827 and it's ok it does the job, but it could be a lot better.
With the purchase of this unit though I don't think I will be getting XM for my car - why would someone with a 10GB music collection with a 40GB iPod need XM?
If anyone is interested I can post pictures of the install so you can get an idea of what's involved.
Overall though I'm pleased with the purchase. No more iTrip crap and having to find an FM frequency that's not being used, no static, just straight from the iPod itself (while it charges at the same time!). Real cool setup.
Comments
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
Does charging the iPod through just the electrical outlet cause the same wear and tear as when it is charging through the computer and firewire?
nope, not unless you leave it plugged in for an extended amount of time. its just that when the ipod is "connected," the hard drive is spinning. i just sync everything then eject it but leave it in the dock. if i need to sync again, i usually just quit and re-open itunes to connect the ipod.
Originally posted by scavanger
Except anyone serious about car audio knows that FM Transmitters are shit.
Yeah, I bought an iTrip and although it operates nicely the audio quality leaves much to be desired, especially in the car.
Originally posted by WJMoore
Yeah, I bought an iTrip and although it operates nicely the audio quality leaves much to be desired, especially in the car.
I thought the same thing until I found the "correct" station. Sounds pristine now. Stay away from those stations being used. Try stations "higher" in the frequency range (above 104.1) and one as isolated a spossible. I use 107.3 with NO station on either side being used.
The iPod Ready unit (model no. KCA-420i) is expected to be released to the general public late in September with a MSRP of $100.00.
Confirmed on Alpine's website.
I will be sure to post pics of the install once it's in.
Originally posted by SoopaDrive
Well I did it. I placed an order for the KCA-420i at Crutchfield last week. Checked the status of my order, it won't be shipped until Oct. 11 (Oct. 10 is when they receive the KCA-420i) via ground (will arrive in 2-3 days after that). I'm disappointed though - it says that there is only one on B/O. I hope I'm not the only one who's placed an order for this at Crutchfield, they're a huge electronics online distributor. Has anyone here placed an order for it, or at least plan on doing it?
I will be sure to post pics of the install once it's in.
Definitely let us know how it works. If it works nicely I'm buying an Alpine deck and this next year.
Originally posted by hmurchison
Definitely let us know how it works. If it works nicely I'm buying an Alpine deck and this next year.
I'd like to second this. I just bought an Alpine 9833 (great so far) cause my old stereo went kaput. I can't wait for this part to be released. My manual even has instructions for it. If it works as advertised, this is gonna be sweeeet! Alpine appears to have done a great job with the UI. You can search by playlist, artist, or album and it displays everything on your head unit. Very cool.
Check out www.alpine.com for a demo. You can get $30-50 if you buy it with an Alpine deck. Noooo!!! I should have waited. Oh well, maybe I can have my stereo dealer hook me up still...
One other thing, you can still hook up XM, a changer, etc. It's not either or. Alpine has a sort of router that lets you hook them all up together.
We want to set it up so the ipod sits on the steering wheel, and we get to use the ipod to control all the electronic functions of the car. You KNOW the clickwheel works better than any mode, up, down setup they are currently producing. Plus, it would make me able to have sound controls on my older car that didn't come with it the first time around.
Now THAT would sell a few extra ipods, I guarantee!
ps, I've been browsing for a year, i own the original ipod, and will be buying a new imac any day. . .and this is my very first post. (i think)
Originally posted by skooz
We want to set it up so the ipod sits on the steering wheel,
Never, ever gonna happen. Where do you mount it? Every car sold for the last dozen years has an airbag taking up most of the real estate on the steering wheel. So that rules out mounting it in the middle. Airbags have been known to noses and even arms. Now imagine having it smash an iPod into your face. Plus, an iPod is just not that small. So then where else do you put it? It won't fit anywhere else.
And from an ergonomics/UI standpoint, I don't think steering wheel mounting is that great. A car stereo will display the text info in much larger letters than the iPod will. People are already distracted enough in their cars. Now imagine them squinting to read an iPod that's semi-permanently mounted on the steering wheel. Or even worse, imagine someone not turning the wheel properly because they're trying to change channels in the middle of the turn but just need to have the display be a little less crooked...smash!
Alpine has the right answer. Their system is even better if you get one of their fancy car theater systems with a touchscreen LCD.
I think the iPod handles long play lists well for two reasons. The display is deep enough to see five entries and most importantly the thumbwheel has "smart" (accelerated) scrolling.
But from what I've read about the Alpine unit, it has neither of these. All but the top of the line head unit have only a two-line display and all of them scroll through lists only at one speed (slow!).
My solution is to just fit a line-in to my existing head unit and get the Belkin car kit with a charger.
Originally posted by hmurchison
Alpine you probably just guaranteed a sale.
I'm still interested in the Phatbox from www.phatnoise.com but I like Alpine decks and right now I like the entry level costs of an iPod and Alpine deck with this support. I'll wait to hear reviews of this combo before purchasing an Alpine Deck
if you can control the ipod through the head unit and steering controls then it's practically the same thing as a phatbox. i had a phatbox in my m3. the thing you would be missing is the voice prompt available through phatbox. that's actually very useful since it's the best form of feedback while you're driving. the phatbox is a nice piece of equipment but it's much more expensive and fidgity to use (especially on a mac) than the ipod integrated solution seems.
What made me say that I hope it works? Because according to Crutchfield's website, the KCA-420i will only work with the new click-wheel iPods. Checked Alpine's website, and it says it works with the iPods with the dock connector. I have the touch-wheel iPod, so I'm going to see if it'll work. If I do indeed need the new click-wheel model, then I'm going to be pissed because Crutchfield put that final note on their website just days ago, when I ordered the thing almost a month ago.
I will give an update on this on Saturday.
Alpine USA's website
The KCA-420i is compatible with any iPod and iPod mini with dock conector and iPod Update 2004 04-28
Crutchfield
Note: the adapter is not compatible with iPods running on software versions earlier than April 28th, 2004. Models with the "touch-wheel" or "scroll-wheel" are not compatible ? only the present "click-wheel" versions are compatible.
Originally posted by ormus1
I thought the same thing until I found the "correct" station. Sounds pristine now. Stay away from those stations being used. Try stations "higher" in the frequency range (above 104.1) and one as isolated a spossible. I use 107.3 with NO station on either side being used.
I got Monster's equivalent gadget, which doesn't have the same range as the iTrip, but which does plug into the cigarette lighter, so your iPod charges while it plays. On the down side, it looks like something from Radio Shack. On the up side, the interface - a button that runs through eight station presets on the low end of the FM scale - can be operated with minimal attention. When I used it on a trip from NYC back to Iowa, I had to look for free frequencies every so often, and when I found one it was a simple matter of locating the red glow with my peripheral vision and pushing the button until I heard the iPod come through. I barely had to take my eyes or my mind off the road.
Oh, and when you unplug the device it pauses the iPod, which is a nice touch.
The audio quality is about what you'd expect from FM, and in cities where the low end of the dial is crowded it can be hard to get a good signal, but in use I've found it to require very little fuss. And it's nice to be able to listen to the iPod nonstop.
I've been thinking of getting an iTrip too, simply so that I can play songs for people from their radios without carrying a cable around.
1. Search mode is slow. When browsing through a playlist for a song, you have to wait a few seconds for the song to load before you can skip to the next track. It varies though, sometimes you can hit the next track button a couple times and it will skip the songs in between - other times it will start playing a song before it skips to the next track. There is a feature called "quick search" that I will have to further examine. I'll update you all on how that goes. I suppose that could be related to the iPod however since it also experiences lag when going through playlists.
2. The controls for it are below satisfactory, but that all has to deal with the HU. If you want a decent interface for your KCA-420i, I recommend getting an HU that has a decent display. The bigger the display, the more satisfied you will be with it. I have the CDA-9827 and it's ok it does the job, but it could be a lot better.
With the purchase of this unit though I don't think I will be getting XM for my car - why would someone with a 10GB music collection with a 40GB iPod need XM?
If anyone is interested I can post pictures of the install so you can get an idea of what's involved.
Overall though I'm pleased with the purchase. No more iTrip crap and having to find an FM frequency that's not being used, no static, just straight from the iPod itself (while it charges at the same time!). Real cool setup.