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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."
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...
Like days of yore when timber masts tickled the underside of heaven, sails snapped tight in the breeze like the belly of a portly cherub, and treasure was only a shipping line (freeway lane) away? When women pirates like women geeks were lusted after by young boys the world over, when I can download crappy music from the SUV with gold wheels that is booming it next to me, oh when? I hope soon.
An Education is the Font of All Liberty
... 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.
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...)
Would you sell it with or without hot grits?
I mean, if its without, then I'm not sure your really looking at *billions*...
Integrate Keynote and LaTeX
But now what happens if I use it to watch porn while driving? Obviously, NY needs to institute a hands-free driving law for more than mobile phones. The death toll could reach thousands!
--Bennett Prescott
Former Lord Of Packets
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.
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.
I have a Ford Explorer for two reasons...one, I have done a lot of short films and video work. Try carrying all that equiptment(camera rigs, lighting, dollies, sound equiptment, special effects materials, ets.) in a small environmentally-friendly car, it just isn't possible. And two, I travel to work to an area that is somewhat prone to heavy snow, mud, and rocks.
I'm sorry if my vehicle of choice isn't the most environmentally-minded design, but you forget how many other vehicles that are equally as bad for the environment are often left out of these arguments-ANY MUSCLE CARS, Mustang, Camaro, Corvette...All of these cars guzzle gas just as much as any SUV, and some are worse, in fact. PLUS, how many guys do you know that remove the catalytic converter from these cars to make them louder and faster? I know plenty, my brother did this to his mustang. How many people remove catalytic converters from SUV's? Not many, no one that I know has. Another case-in-point is that SUV's also have the HIGHEST EMISSION STANDARDS of any other car, which make them safer for the environment by default.
Sorry to go off on that tangent, but I felt it had to be said. Anyway, I appreciate all the comments...keep them coming!
Jesse
The excuse holds even less water when dealing with an urban environment and trying to justify an SUV or truck based on "occasionally" needing to haul things. Put some of the money saved with everyday gas savings and rent a damned truck or pay for delivery when you really need to move something too big to fit into the car. Even small towns often have a U-Haul franchise in town and in cities one can easily find a good deal on renting a pickup or van for a day or two.