Got iPod, like Alpine...then this is for you...

[Dude]

Now do you wonder what the useless foldout pocket is for?...your ipod of course...no more FM modulation crap, no more JBL...I'm gonna scap it all and this seals the deal on my direction. With this interface, I can stow my iPod in the glovebox compartment or the flipout pocket...then, the track info is displayed on the headunit, the iPod is controlled via the headunit, and as a bonus, the iPod is powered. I just picked up my first iPod this week....the new Mini and it is awesome. I considered an FM modulator...but now my problem is solved...well, I might need to go get that 40Gb model now.

Here is a press release with the details:

Mobile multimedia specialist Alpine has developed a system that enables consumers to connect and control their Apple iPod portable music player from their in-vehicle sound system. Alpine's iPod Ready strategy is part of the company's overarching mission to create innovative in-vehicle electronics that are easier to use and provide great sound in the mobile environment.

"The integration of iPod control into selected 2004 Alpine in-dash receivers addresses the growing market of portable digital audio device users who want a safe and easy-to-use solution for playback in the car," says Graham Johnson, Alpine

 

[Wolver][ne]

<3

that is sweet...definitely the way to go

 

[bbates]

I just talked to Alpine...sounds like these units will be available some time in October.

 

[Vortec4800]

I guess you can get that on the new factory BMW stereos too. Pretty cool I'd say.

 

[Br1ck]

ICELINK

That is really nice looking. I've got a Kenwood DVD so I had to find an alternative, and ICELINK is its name. Check it out at www.densionusa.com. This baby works like a champ and installed right into my HU's cd changer port. It even charges the IPOD while it's plugged in. Anyway, they have kits for aftermarket and stock systems (including 2003-2004 4Runners) so for those without an Alpine, this might be the way to go.

Cheers!

 

[bbates]

I looked at the Ice-Link too...sounds like a viable alternative. The thing I liked about the Alpine solution though is that the Alpine Ipod connector will display the song title, artist, etc. on the head unit. I guess you can even scroll your playlists, etc. right on the head unit. I'm not aware of any other solution that offers this.

 

[bbates]

I looked at the Ice-Link too...sounds like a viable alternative. The thing I liked about the Alpine solution though is that the Alpine Ipod connector will display the song title, artist, etc. on the head unit. I guess you can even scroll your playlists, etc. right on the head unit. I'm not aware of any other solution that offers this.

 

[Dude]

If this unit works via Ai-NET system bus, any idea how the Alpine XM unit hooks up? I'm guessing there should be some way to have both. It would be too bad if it was one or the other....I guess you could get the new Alpine unit with a built in XM tuner and then have the Ai-NET system bus for the Ipod unit.......still waiting till fall.

 

[Vortec4800]

The XM radio box usually has a pass-through for a CD changer, which is essentially the same thing. In short, yes you can use both at the same time.

 

[MSU4Runner]

Quick question. I'm looking at some Alpine HU's and want XM radio. When the radio is "XM Ready", it still requires the tuner, antenna, etc. correct?

I think that I want a HU with the tuner built in, so all I need to do is subscribe and mount an antenna. Any opinions on whether this is better or not than the portable units?

 

[alpha]

Quick question. I'm looking at some Alpine HU's and want XM radio. When the radio is "XM Ready", it still requires the tuner, antenna, etc. correct?

I think that I want a HU with the tuner built in, so all I need to do is subscribe and mount an antenna. Any opinions on whether this is better or not than the portable units?

yes, that's correct. it would still need the XM unit.. If you're looking into Alpine's, I know that they make a HU with XM built in, the 9820XM. I don't really see a difference in having a separate unit versus it being built it. But I'm not sure if there are any..

edit: apparently with the 9820XM, you'll still need the antenna, but the tuner box is built in.

 

[ssmumich00]

I guess you can get that on the new factory BMW stereos too. Pretty cool I'd say.

i heard the bmw ones are GHEY!
They don't tell u the song or anything, just can change the song. . .alpine is the one to get. . .luckily I just got an alpine HU for my other ride for my bday. . .!!!

 

[Dude]

i heard the bmw ones are GHEY!
They don't tell u the song or anything, just can change the song. . .alpine is the one to get. . .luckily I just got an alpine HU for my other ride for my bday. . .!!!

I have a buddy with a 3-series that just go this installed....you are correct....worthless unless you point of reference is a FM modulator.