ipod/MP3 player in car?

AZZenny · August 3rd, 2008, 08:40 AM

I want to hook my ipod in to play in a car -- especially when I get a rental car overseas next month -- and if you folks have preferences of what type to get or not get, I'd like to hear it. Thanks.

SteelDog · August 3rd, 2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

I want to hook my ipod in to play in a car -- especially when I get a rental car overseas next month -- and if you folks have preferences of what type to get or not get, I'd like to hear it. Thanks.

I have both an MP3 Player and Ipod. The only difference between the two IMO is that Apples interface is a tad easier then many MP3 players. However, on the downside the Ipod has DRM and limits what you can play the music on and how many devices. MP3 is more forgiving with what you can do with your music.

It really depends on your preference. Either way don't forget to buy a Tape Deck adapter for your music player so you can play it in the rental car. Chances are your rental car won't have an MP3 or Ipod jack to plug it into.

BillsCarnage · August 3rd, 2008, 12:12 PM

Research FM transmitters for ipods based on your model. I have the old mini w/ FM transmitter and it works great, although the volume is a bit lower than normal.

Basically you dial the radio to the freq of the transmitter. I didn't get a car charger, but you can usually find combo's.

AZZenny · August 3rd, 2008, 01:18 PM

I have the ipod, the question is whether there's a brand people have had good (or bad) experiences with.

coyoteshockeyfan · August 3rd, 2008, 09:17 PM

Since its a rental car you choice of devices is kind of thin. The problem with the FM transmitters is that they're so feast or famine, even within the same brand. Get one that doesn't work so well and all you'll get is static and constant dropouts, very frustrating. If you go the FM transmitter route, I suggesting purchasing one before your trip from a place with a good return policy and trying it out prior to leaving for a while to make sure it works to your liking.

thirty-two · August 4th, 2008, 12:15 AM

I've had the best luck with the transmitters that plug into the cigarette lighter. Mine also charges the ipod at the same time.The transmitters that just plug into your ipod and are "wireless" WERE AWFUL. But I do think it has a lot to do with how well the car receives radio signals.

Mine is something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ton-_-55996058

dreamcastrocks · August 4th, 2008, 07:15 AM

The rental car (minivan) that I got had a AUX port that allowed us to use our Zune.

It depends on the car that you get.

AZZenny · August 4th, 2008, 03:12 PM

So I should ask if it has an AUX port?

SirChaz · August 4th, 2008, 04:30 PM

Most new cars including most rentals will have aux ports now.

You may need a cable to connect it though.

coyoteshockeyfan · August 4th, 2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

So I should ask if it has an AUX port?

Aux port is your best option if they're able to tell you if the car will have one.

dreamcastrocks · August 5th, 2008, 08:10 AM

The cable I used to connect it cost me about $1 on eBay. If you need one, I know I have extras around the house. I'll send you one.

AZZenny · August 8th, 2008, 07:39 AM

So it's not just the normal ipod cable?

As long as we're at it, anyone have an external battery or battery-back-up for ipod they recommend? I'll have about 19 hours of travel time to fill.

dreamcastrocks · August 8th, 2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

So it's not just the normal ipod cable?

As long as we're at it, anyone have an external battery or battery-back-up for ipod they recommend? I'll have about 19 hours of travel time to fill.

It is a 3.5mm cable that plugs into the top where your headphones plug into. It is the same 3.5mm jack on both ends. iPods don't traditionally come with this cable.

coyoteshockeyfan · August 8th, 2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZZenny

So it's not just the normal ipod cable?

As long as we're at it, anyone have an external battery or battery-back-up for ipod they recommend? I'll have about 19 hours of travel time to fill.

This device charges your ipod through the cigarette lighter and connects to the stereo via the aux cable.

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Liq...238841&sr=1-35

AZZenny · August 9th, 2008, 10:40 AM

Thanks, guys -- dcr, I'll PM you about that cable. I think I'm going to get a portable back-up battery for the trip since it'll be useful on the plane as well. Plus my older truck doesn't have an aux port, so although the kensington device looks good, it wouldn't be useful to me here.