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Aiwa car CD-MP3 player
conraduno writes "Looks like Aiwa is releasing a car stereo MP3 player which loads tracks from a CD. Called the CDC-MP3, it plays CD's, CD-R's, and CD-RW's. Now all I need is a burner. " Here's a
few more details from mp3.com.
All I need is a car!! *G*
This is basically the same thing, only instead of in-dash, it's like a portable cd-player. Definitely cool.
oh, yeah, and it's only $200 too.
-- Dr. Eldarion --
It's not what it is, it's something else.
http://www.empeg.com/
http://www.carplayer.com/
http://www.mp3-player.org/hardware.htm
http://www.mp3carplayer.com/
Descriptions of personal projects
http://utter.chaos.org.uk/~altman/mp3m obile/
http://www.jarcom.com/inmotion/
http://www.ryanspc.com/carmp3/mp3playe r.html
http://www.capybara.org/~dfraser/car- mp3.html
--
The shareholder is always right.
That thing is pretty cool, but I think that aftermarket CD players are ugly, and that one definitely won't match the interior of my car. I want a large-capacity MP3 player that sits in my trunk and is controlled by the CD changer controls built into my factory stereo. That's what I'd pay money for.
Take care,
Steve
========
Stephen C. VanDahm
I'm surprised that this hasn't been posted to /. yet but an actual CD/Mp3 player already exists: http://www.easybuy2000.com/store/products/mp3/mp3_ discman.html . In stock and everything. I've had mine for about a week now. The total cost was $117 US. Sure, there are some shortcomings to it (e.g. Directory skipping, ID3 tag reading) but the thing is just over 100 bucks. It's definitely worth the dollars I paid for it.
Built-in CD player, slot loading, not a changer.
(plays audio CDs & MP-3 encoded CDs:
Added bonus if the CD can act as a CD-ROM reader and provide data for a map display if I have one. But it's strictly a bonus.)
Built-in hard disk storage. Plain old cheap and huge 3.5" would be nice, but 2.5" is more realistic. It should be easily swappable by the end user.
FM tuner. This is one feature I would give up without complaining too much, but it's so cheap to add, why not? One day there might be a decent radio station without too much advertising in the bay area.
Line outputs for connection to an existing head unit.
4-speaker + sub outputs for simple replacement of an existing unit without a separate amp.
slot-in secure design, grab it by the handle and take it with you when you leave the car. The cradle (permanently installed) must be DIN standard size. Plastic shell to protect the unit when carried.
Headphone socket on the front - so when I have it on my desk at work I can listen to my tunes without the music being interrupted when Windows crashes again.
Spare desktop cradle providing PC connnectivity. Better still, 100baseT connection on the unit itself!
Expanding the above idea, include a web-based interface to the unit for management of on-hard-disk MP3s. Throw in a telnet client for good measure, and FTP too. Napster client? Maybe. I bet they would contribute to development too.
Tasteful faceplate. I don't want the inside of my car to look like a disco for pimps. Discrete Tux logo OK.
Make steering wheel control possible through a rear connector interface.
PIN protection. User has the option to set a requirement for re-entry of the PIN every 30 days or so. Screw those thieves.
Remote Control What the hell for? Not much use to me, but I suppose if you drive a behemoth it would be good. Do you really want to give the back-seat passengers control over the tunes?
Price point? $200.
OK, this last point is a joke. I would expect to pay around $1000 for this unit. But I would.
As usual, I want everything. Empeg Car is almost perfect, but a couple of features are missing.
I don't like wondering where one of my CDs is when I take it out of the case and put it in the car. I lost Swordfishtrombones for a few months once and it really pissed me off. Point me to a device like I've described above, and I'll buy it right now.
Better still, give me venture capital and I'll build you a prototype inside of three months.