Looking for some advice.

I am considering buying a 20GB Dell Digital Jukebox. Right now the price is $237 shipped. As you can see it is about $60 less than the IPOD.

In order for me to play it in my S2000, I am guessing I need an FM transmitter? I have an Alpine HU, however there are no "line-in" options. Also, I want to be able to use this in my TL, and I have the factory stereo in the TL so I guess the FM transmitter is the only option.


Does anyone have any experience with the Dell Jukebox? Is it good, bad? Any forums where I could read about it?

Is the FM transmitter my only option to get it to play in my cars (besides the cassette adaptor)?


Thanks for the help.

 

I have an Archos Jukebox in my S. I purchased an auxillary input jack from PIE (www.pie.net). You can do a search to find the specific web site. The connector fits the auxillary plug in the back of the stock head unit. I dont know if other head units have the same plug available.

I also have a mount from pana-vise made specifically for the OEM Radio ...a little strategically place velcro and .....bingo!!!.....a nice set up with out an FM Transmitter.

Also consider installing an auxillary power plug on the passenger side of the console. Its a great inexpensive mod that save you from eating batteries or running power cables all over the center console. I saw the mod instructions posted in a link RUEXP67's sig.

Good Luck.

Steve

 

I have a pie connector that I can't use with my 04

I can sell it for say $30.00

 

I have i-river IHP-120 i think.. it's the 20gb version of their player.. it's simply the best setup, player I've ever used. It's basically a 20gb storage device that has very nice setup for the mp3/wma
since it's recognized as a storage device you can use it to transfer any types of files.
And the biggest Plus for me since I listen to some korean/japanese music.. the player actually recognizes some forein text. my korean pop displays in korean characters.

you alpine can have RCA input with an adapter for a-i net cable. do a search on crutchfield.com
I have the similar situation where with my audi i didnt' want to change out the whole unit just to add a mp3 player so I just got a PIE connector... who needs a cd changer when you have 20gb of digital music??

added plus IHP has a optical in/out also

 

Hey Bass, this PIE you have, is it a standard cable (Blitzsafe)? Basically I need it to fit my TL stock HU. If it fits, I'll buy it.

 

I just got the Nomad Zen Xtra 40GB from Amazon for $255, and they give you a $50 gift certificate for any purchases over $250 (I think the offer expires 7/31). I have it hooked up with a PIE on my 04. I really like it a lot!

 

Bass,

PM sent (although it gave me a error message so I am not sure if it went through)

DAMN V4

 

I know you're not looking seriously at the iPod, but because of the price drop in iPods, I would definitly give them a second look. One reason is that Alpine is going to apparently release it's iPod interface connector in late September. May want to check out the thread about it and see if it's something you'd be interested in.

 

I wouldn't get it. I have it and I am very unhappy. I will be ebaying my DJ soon and replacing it with something else (not yet decided what)

Problems with the DJ:

First one had to be returned. Noisy sound/static. It wasn't easy dealing with the dell "support" in punjab or wherever. I've had other dell "support" experiences and this DJ was the last straw. I will never buy a Dell again.

Doesn't play albums/songs in order. Automatically alphabetizes stuff.

Cumbersome to make playlists to keep stuff in order.

Software sucks. The ripping causes a skip at the beginning of a song most often, and it does not support digital ripping, sllllloowwwww to get it analog. Did I mention the software is difficult/not intuitive?

The thing is a brick. I jog with it and it is not that great.

Long delays to forward/back track, wait, or you might be tempted to hit the buttons more than once and go to tracks you don't want. Rrrrrr.....

i wrote a highly detailed critical review of the device on CNET and they deleted it, along with all criticism of the Dell, since they're a major advertiser there. Ha.

I got it because of the long battery life and support of WMA files. Big mistake. Should've just gotten an iPOD. Live and learn. Right now, I'm just making do with it, and will either get the xm wearable/walkman which is rumored for this winter if it has mp3 capability and is small enough, or I will get some kind of iPOD.

 

I've got a Rio Karma that I am very happy with. Still not sure if I want to wire it into the S or not, though. I use Etymotics and the sound is so incredible... I would hate giving that up to run through the lousy factory speakers.