I interpret that picture to mean "Alpine is under control" (from the logo) and "OK to disconnect" means that pulling the data plug won't corrupt your drive (as opposed to an external hard drive where you can permanently damage the hardware by disconnecting without giving the proper disconnect signal).

Or is this some secret iPod langauge that I'm missing?

 

Good tip, thanks!

Actually, today I saw that Apple will be releasing the next generation ipod in August, so I am thinking about holding out until then. It is supposed to be more towards mini size with a larger drives than the current 3g, but with the same price point. Since 40gb was gonna be tight for me to begin with it makes sense to wait - assuming the 4g will work with the Alpine. Besides, 3g prices will drop when the 4g comes out, so maybe now isn't the best time for me to buy. Since Alpine doesn't release until end of sept, I guess I am in no particular hurry - besides, it'll be a while before I am done my ripping project.

-JD

 

All that counts is that the dock interface remains unchanged. Changing it now would be asinine.

 

glad to see this thing is finally out...

personal keyword: evenflo

 

Well, not quite out, but soon...

I have been trying to wade through all of the 4g ipod stuff to find out - has the dock changed or not? Apple has a different dock, but I am thinking that is just to fit the shape, and hoping the connector remains the same. I hope the 4g works with the Alpine!

I _almost_ bought a the new 40gb 4g ipod today just to get one before supplies ran low. I had my credit card entered and all, then decided to wait for the 60gb version - ya know, the one Apple was denying existed until Toshiba leaked that they were supplying 60gb drives for it

-JD

 

finally something that works very well.. only thing to do now is get an ipod

 

Just saw the dock on the G4 iPODs is slightly different. On the Apple site it says 'Dock for click wheel only'. Don't know if this will work with the Alpine HU... Ugh.

 

[QUOTE=KeithD,Jul 22 2004, 07:47 AM] Just saw the dock on the G4 iPODs is slightly different.

 

Okay, so on their website for Alpine it says you have to have an updated iPod with a certain software firmware to work. This firmware version is for the 3G iPods, so assuming they based their design on that firmware version, then it will work on our iPods. Besides, iPods took off in the 3rd generation, so I would assume the Alpine would support that version first and foremost.

I can't imagine that aside from the dock connector being different, that the fundamental interface isn't. Maybe Alpine will just have a different dock connector for the 4g instead of the 3g, and you get whatever when you order or what not.

My concern with this move is that Apple talked about interfacing with BMW way before it released the 4g iPod. I wonder what generation iPods will work with that interface and what will need redesigned?

 

If it transfers the file to the Alpine HU before decoding, then quite a few iPod owners are ed anyways, because our files are in AAC format.

More likely, the iPod does the grunt work and the data connection is for the transmission of file information and what not to the head unit. That'd be how I'd design it. That way you don't have to worry wether the iPod is formatted for Mac or Windows, or if the file is in AAC or MP3 format, or Audible books or whatever. And since the data connection would require use of the iPod's hard drive, you have to wait for the disconnection screen to disconnect the device.

That's how hopefully they designed it.