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Not all iPod integrations are equal.  Here's an example of a very simple interface installed in a Toyota Prius. Although the Prius does come with a factory fitted AUX input, this 2008 model doesn't come with factory-fitted  iPod integration.  The owner of the car had therefore selected the € 300,-   iPod integration option when ordering the car but wasn't told exactly what she would be getting. Read the rest of this entry »

I wasn't very impressed with the iPod integration of the previous Lexus RX model. The audio system even still had a...cassette deck. Of course you could use a cassette adapter to play your iPod but come on. A cassette adapter in a Lexus isn't exactly the epitome of class. But in this new model they seem to have done it right. Read the rest of this entry »

What if you bought an Audi but didn't order the Audi factory-fitted iPod interface? No problem. Just ask your local Audi dealer to install an aftermarket iPod interface kit. That's what the owner of this Audi Q7 did and the dealer installed a Dension Gateway 500 iPod interface. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to listen to your iPod or iPhone music in a car that has a cassette deck (yes, they still exist) is by using a cassette adapter. Here's a short video of how it works with an iPhone in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Read the rest of this entry »

I had a chance to play with the iPod interface with the latest iDrive in a 2009 BMW 1-series.  One of the differences with the previous iDrive is that there are a number of quick access butttons next to the central iDrive wheel.

I especially focused on the quick search function. If you have a full iPod with a 60GB or more storage capacity it can be quite frustrating to have to scroll through a long list if you want to go from your ABBA artist to your favourite ZZ  Top Album. Read the rest of this entry »

If you're going to replace your factory-fitted system with an aftermarket in-dash unit, you might as well go for a fully integrated system including navigation, iPod integration with iPod video control and iPhone compatible bluetooth . Here are two systems that will do the job nicely if your original car unit can be replaced with a double-din sized in-dash unit. Those are the Kenwood DNX8120 (USA, Canada) or DNX8220BT (Europe) series and the Pioneer AVIC F90BT or F900BT series. Read the rest of this entry »

An increasing number of car manufacturers are offering iPod connectivity in their models. With the popularity of Apple's iPod, car buyers increasingly expect to be able to plug in their favorite MP3 player when they're on the road. But beware. Manufacturers have chosen different approaches to claim iPod connectivity. Here's an overview of the different offerings and what to look out for. Read the rest of this entry »