Advice, please: iPod connection kit worth it?

I got mine installed a few weeks ago and it was no big deal. There is no cutting involved but there is some disassembly. The dealership did a great job so nothing was damaged. The interface does have some issues but it is way better than having to try and stare down at a tiny ipod screen while you are driving. The major issues with the interface could be fixed with a simple software upgrade, although, who knows if that will ever happen. I would do it again, though.

 

All they are really doing is running a cable from a box under the driver's seat to the same place in the console where the current aux port is. As already said, there is some disassembly involved, but I wouldn't be worried about it. You already know it doesn't have great functionality though. Personally, I'll probably just stick with the bluetooth, or using a cupholder/stalk mount, with the aux cable. Also, someone here is about to install and test a new Vais Technology USB interface that may be much better. See this post:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...phone-work-2010-usb-interface.html#post978197

 

It looks like you will get a warning every time you plug in your iPod - I get this on my aftermarket stereo/navi (I feel better now knowing it is a common issue).

I believe (at least this is true on mine), that after the warning, it will not charge the iPhone (mine doesn't) - but it works fine - and you can change your tracks from the steering buttons (makes it worth it).

 

I have been very happy with the kit and the ability to select tracks with the steering wheel and touch screen. One of the secrets to getting around the dodgy interface is to make use of playlists. That way, instead of cycling through 100's of artists or albums alphabetically (playing "The Wanderer" by U2 on the Zooropa album is a pain ), you can select a playlist from the touch screen and get to the desired album/song a lot faster.

I like it so much, I am buying an iPod just to leave in the car so I always have it handy.

 

I will definitely be installing this when I go in for my 5000 service.

So what exactly do I ask for? iPod interface kit?

 

Since you have the Nav package, you want to make sure to request the iPod USB integration kit, not the "other" kit that installs in the glovebox and doesn't work with the Nav package. Once installed, the USB kit will be accessed along with the Aux input where the Aux input is now.

 

BTW, does this all work via bluetooth?

 

No, the nav/iPod interface doesn't work with bluetooth.

I hate the interface and don't like that it isn't really compatable with the iPhone. So I just use the bluetooth directly. Seemless movement between music and phone, a little clumsy to switch songs/playlists, but I have an app that makes it easier. I also like that I don't have to connect anything or worry about forgeting my phone in the car.

My fantasy: Play via Bluetooth with nav interface.

 

I use my USB with a USB Thumb drive with music on it. It doesn't work reliably with my 3G iPhone and when it does the interface is awful. Its pretty good with a USB drive.

 

I am going the cheap route with Kensington LiquidAUX on my non-NAV Prius Package III.
I would have used A2DP with my 3Gs had I had the Navigation unit on my car.

 

No bluetooth and isn't (really) compatible with the iPhone. Well that changes my mind about getting this. I love not having to connect my iPhone/iPod. Also love that is now remembers exactly where I was, even after I take the phone away and use it.

What app do you use to make song/playlist switching easier, Megan?

 

I agree that it is "pretty good" with a USB drive. Not great, fer sure! It's dog slow scrolling thru the folders or files and it's annoying that you (or your front seat passenger) can't scroll while the vehicle is in motion. And the fact that the display clips at 16 characters is just damned annoying. On the other hand, I have a 16GB stick plugged into the car which is just a little over half full and currently has MP3 files ripped from about 175+ CDs. That's more than enough to drive cross country without hearing something twice! I almost can do without the other program sources.

 

I don't use my USB port for my iPhone. I listen via BT and control my songs/playlists through the iPod on my iPhone. It's not difficult for me as I'm not one who messes with my songs during driving much- I've always been one of those listeners who plays an album from track one through to the end track when listening to music anyway.

Here's a great tip though, if you do use your BT on your iPhone, because the Nav system has no controls for it, you can switch artists very easily just by holding down your iPhone main round button for about three seconds, then when it kicks into Voice Activation mode, simply say something like "Play TRex"...works great for me so far. No need to even look at your iPhone.

 

I have my iPhone connected with my Blue Tooth and my thumb drive with the USB and it works nice and I have a button that makes the car think it isn't moving so that my passenger can get to all the Nav controls without topping.

 

I have a 2010 Prius II without a navigation screen.

I am also wondering whether to get an interface kit for my ipod installed, as opposed to using an Aux cable and charger mounted on my dash.

How would I sort through my music without a navigation screen, does the interface kit even work without a nav screen?

 

I recommend LiquidAUX by Kensington. Gives you all the features of a $400 kit for $45!

My iPhone 3Gs charges while playing, and I have all controls on the steering wheel.