Best way to connect your iPod

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EmptyG @ Jun 28 2006, 09:19 AM) [snapback]278076[/snapback]</div>

you can get this on ebay for $1 ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...Item=9729454730

 

It seems you can't charge your iPod at the same time using the PocketDock... or am I missing something?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EmptyG @ Jun 28 2006, 01:31 PM) [snapback]278143[/snapback]</div>

ah... Cool!
Thanks!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dancekat59 @ Jun 28 2006, 02:30 PM) [snapback]278142[/snapback]</div>

I have one and you can use the iPod while using the PocketDock, I use it to connect my Pod to my computer at work to listen while working. I would like to suggest another option though, try this, it is the Monster car charger with a line-out. I picked one up a few days after buying my Prius and, until I get integration that does not rely on playlists (I play mostly albums), this is what I will stick with. I also fed the 1/8" cable through the coiled Monster charger cable to keep the wires neat.

Regards,

Kolisar

 

Very interesting - thank you for all of the info.

I have a Belkin charger that fits in the USB/Firewire slot of my iPod and plugs into the power slot inside the center console. I then use a 1/8" connector cable to route sound from the headphone connector on the iPod to the Aux Input on the Prius. That works fine. I have noticed that I pick up static from the power connector when the car (or cable is warm). This makes me disconnect the charger while playing the iPod.

The PocketDock LineOut USB adapter sounds interesting - is the sound quality any better than using the headphone jack on the iPod?

The Monster iCar Charger looks really cool since you can charge and play - any static issues?

P&G, Friends

 

Sorry for being the ignorant one here, but where do I plus this into my car? Where is the "AUX Jack" in the car?

Thanks much!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EmptyG @ Jun 28 2006, 12:19 PM) [snapback]278076[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(red @ Jun 29 2006, 02:18 PM) [snapback]278795[/snapback]</div>

What year do you have? If it's a 2006 it'll be inside your center compartment. If it's a 2004-2005, you don't have the AUX jack. You'd have to get something like a VIAS or DICE for that.

 

red:

aaf709 is correct - in my 2006, the Aux Input is a small port inside the center console in the front, near the bottom, and close to the power plug.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EmptyG @ Jun 29 2006, 08:47 AM) [snapback]278604[/snapback]</div>

I will - thank you!!!

Rock on!

 

While the Monster iCar Charger is a simpler solution for the Prius, I finally opted for the PocketDock as it is more versatile allowing for other applications. Utilizing the direct line out, the sound is definitely better than using the headphone jack. Also, it's nice to have both the line out and the power cable on bottom of the iPod rather than having a cable on the top and on bottom of the iPod.

But DON'T make the same mistake that I did ... USB car charger adaptors are not all alike. My 4G iPod/PocketDock needs a USB 2.0 charger, not a USB 1.1 charger that I first bought.

Now I need to get a ground loop isolator to remove the hum when I'm charging the iPod.

 

But none of these options allow you to use the MFD or steering wheel to control the Ipod. The last thing I need to do is fumble around with my Ipod while driving - it would seriously impede my cellphone usage!

 

I looked for the Moster Cable charger/line out cable locally, and couldn't find it, all I was able to find was a Monster charger/FM transmitter (yuck), and that was like $70. I found a Belkin that basically did the same thing though, $30. Cable connects to the dock connector on my iPod nano, and goes to the power adapter. The power adapter itself has a 1/4" line-out jack on it, which then plugs into the AUX input in the center console. Awesome sound, noticably better than the headphone jack output. I switched from the line-out to the headphone out during a song ("La Villa Strangiato", wonderful dynamic changes) and the difference was night and day. I cannot recommend that method of connection enough . . . that is, until the DICE works on our 2006s. I, too, yearn for that MFD integration.

Andy

 

Since we're all made of money, you might want to get the Coastal E Tech Deluxe Lockpick to increase functionality and the Ultimate iPod connection to go with it, so you can watch your music videos or recorded TV on the MFD.

This is not an endorsement nor have I actually seen either product. Just passing some web info...

 

wow! i haven't checked the coastal website in months (not since the ordering problems of the viewtech), i guess they've been busy making the lockpicks! must be just what i've been waiting for. has anyone actually installed this? how is it installed, and was it really easy? i guess buying the viewtech is now out of the picture!

 

Having a 2005 Prius without AUX input, I am using the Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Auto Charger. It retails for $75, but it can be found for less at Amazon. Prior to purchase, I read the reviews for the various iPod transmitters at the Apple website, and the Kensington had a lot good reviews.
While the transmitter is tuneable, I've found the default 88 FM setting to work fine for my driving area in eastern Pennsylvania. Sure, it's not "CD quality" sound, but it's as good as a radio station.

 

Does anyone have an opinion about: Pocket Dock vs. SiK? A poster on Amazon notes that to attach Pocket Dock you have to remove your ipod case, if you have one (I do), since Pocket Dock has a thick base (unlike SiK), and also that it doesn't click as securely into place as SiK.

Just got my Prius yesterday! This is my first post to PriusChat. I've been lurking while waiting for my car to come in -- what a fantastic resource.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eak354 @ Jul 20 2006, 03:31 AM) [snapback]289263[/snapback]</div>

See my reviews of the Lockpick and Valor iLink combo here:
here

and continued:
here

to answer your question...

Jann