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Redesigned iConsole for Ford Explorer
Jesse Melchior writes "After all the attention I received from the iPod mini install, I decided to come up with an entirely new design, focusing on usability, functionality, and incorporating the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod into the mix. You now have the opportunity to purchase your own iConsole (that's what I'm calling it, temporarily) for the Ford Explorer Sport. To avoid any legal battles, the iConsole will not be shipping with the Apple logo. Custom install requests will be addressed as soon as possible."
How about making these consoles for motorized vehicles that DON'T contribute as significantly to our dependence on foreign oil which helps to draw us into murky political and military quagmires over and over again.
I'm not an environmentalist (in fact, I've been known to say "fuck the environment," mainly in reaction to people who care more about birds than people), but in light of the US political and economic situation anyone who buys an SUV is an asshole.
It is surprising how popular this portable is, but how few manufacturers have even added basic integration of an iPod into car stereos.
To my knowledge, no factory stereos come with line in inputs on either the rear of the desk (difficult to use) or on the front of the unit which is much easier. I had a blaupunkt with a front side line in and there are several aftermarket makers that have that ability.
But where are the ones that offer an "iPod Mini Dock", you know, just slide the think into a slot like a tape desk but shaped for the Mini. I dont' see these poping up anywhere.
At least our friends at Alpine are releasing a converter to treat your iPod like a CD Changer. This is the best attempt yet to integrate an iPod but it is, in my opinion, not a very tight integration.
At least it will display the track title on the head unit!
I only came here to do two things; kick some ass, and drink some beer...looks like we're almost out of beer.
Take a look at car stereo systems with minipin input jacks on the front. I've found that Aiwa makes several models that have this.
Yeah, but that's messy and you still have the problem of an ipod flopping around.
I want a car stereo dock. You slide the ipod in like an 8 track. Kenwood style. (The face flips down, there's a slot for the ipod. the face flips up, and has a whole interface)
That, of course, is way beyond your standard hacks, but it would be a great consumer product.