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Redesigned iConsole for Ford Explorer

Posted by pudge on from the i-knew-i-shoulda-bought-an-explorer-instead-of-a-suburban dept.

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."

5 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. Other models? by josefcub · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Do you think there might be a market in making iConsoles for other model vehicles, or at least similar products that look as good? As much as I'd love to have a Ford Explorer again, I'm stuck with an Oldsmobile.

    --
    Bleakness... Desolation... Plastic Forks...
    1. Re:Other models? by ke6 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      What's the cost advantage of the current gas guzzler and getting a high milage vehicle.

      A few years ago I worked it out for a friend of mine with an F-350 he uses to commute every day (about 30 miles one way). He uses the truck to haul his boat to the Colorado River from the LA area about 5 or 7 times a year. The cost of a slightly used high milage car (to commute in, and keeping the truck only for the river), the insurance and registration would not offset the fuel cost savings he would of gained.

      Some rough estimates right now for me: My F-150-15 mpg is my worst average. Figure 300 miles a week. So 20 gallons.

      A Focus or other affordable higher milage car? Being generous at 30 mpg, that's 10 gallons. I save about 20 dollars a week. And the insurance is much cheaper. But I can't do the things I like to do, and sometimes need to. I have to put chains on when I go skiing, I have to be more careful of things in the road, and I can't go off roading.

      That 20 bucks a week, and the extra insurance is money I can afford right now and I enjoy it. Enough motivation for me.

      As for the hybrid cars.... The total cost of purchase is far to high to be made back in 3 or 4 years I think in gas savings. Great for the conscious. Bad for the wallet. But maybe in a few years....

  2. What would be nice ... by Entropy2016 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ... would be an iPod deck that replaces your car's CD or tape player.

    That way you could use it in more than just a Ford Explorer.

    I know I want a way to play my iPod in the car, but those tiny radio-tuners seem to get interfered signals with my local stations. My only other option seems to be reverting to the old tape-player & cassette adaptor.

  3. but... by thulsey · · Score: 3, Interesting

    the guy's just building the thing for his car and saw an opportunity to give other people something they've expressed and interest in (as well as make a quick buck at it for his time...) Can't fault him for not having a huge selection of models and colors to suit 'everyman's' needs, can you? (Offtopic - wonder if you could wire an iPod straight to the battery on an ELECTRIC car? My 5gb model is kinda drained...)

  4. Good job by CompressedAir · · Score: 3, Interesting

    That's a good job, there. Now if you would combine it with something like the ICELink that lets you control the iPod with your car radio, you'd really have something.

    As long as the total cost of the car install + iPod is equal to a dedicated car mp3 player, you've got a surefire winner.