Nah, was just something that struck me

When I say harddrives in the previous post by the way, I meant microdrives.

 

So you want to use your memory cards correct

 

I know you have shot down the idea once already, but I will make the arguement again for an iPod.

The wiring for the HU adapter can be easily run into the center console glove box so the iPod is out of the way and hidden from view. You can control the iPod from the head unit without needing to access the iPod. 60gb is a LOT of MP3s.

And when you get home, you can easily remove the iPod and still use it as a portable music player. There are also a lot of extra add-ons and gizmos that could go along with the iPod. For example, you can get a USB connector that allows you to plug your digital camera directly into the iPod and use the iPod as a storage drive for your pictures. That way you can reformat your CF Card and continue snapping.


Barring that, I would look at a CD changer that plays MP3s. I have seen 12-disc changers that can read MP3 disks and play back that way. 12 disks with 640mb of MP3s on each would offer a lot of storage that would be relatively easy to update.

 

I would go for solid state storage, Hard disk is very delicate and can be easily damaged with road bumps and vibrations.
Anyone in the IT world can chime on this one.

ruexp67
Can you name the 12 CD changer reading MP3's please

 

Fwiw, the nice thing about the iPod is that it also works outside the car, so its an investment in more than the car.

 

30 seconds on Crutchfield.com...

Universal fit:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SovdhYLSlRY/c...asp?g=610&avf=N

Aftermarket HU Fit:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SovdhYLSlRY/c...asp?g=600&avf=N

 

iirc, Sony had a unit w/ a 20 GB HD built in, that would rip MP3's straight to the unit, or you could transfer some other way... (don't recall what method it used tho... )

Kenwood has 'the Keg' systems... outboard HD that wired into a Kenwood HU or used the SRPS FM modulators. i think they have been discontinued (but could be wrong)

Alpine had the I-Drive (that's the name iirc), that wired into some Alpine HU's, and was similar to 'the Keg'. these were very short run, and may be impossible to find.

there are various DVD based HU's and changers that will read MP3's.

now.... based on what you want and reading your exact requirements:
MP3's in car
Tons of space
USB connect/dock
Control from HU

if it were me, i'd seriously look into one of the numerous IPod compatible aftermarket HU's. Alpine (and i think others as well) have HU's and interfaces that will allow you to sort, read track info, and control the IPod from the HU.
not to mention, you get the IPod for carry around purposes as well.

all those other systems are HD's in your car. essentially an IPod is just a portable HD... buy the right interface, and voila!


(oh, and trust me... i'm no IPod fan. i own a Creative MP3 player... but the IPod integration simply cannot be matched.)


(i'd search up these things and link you, but i'm hitting this from work and need to limit my online time.)

 

Darknight - I don't HAVE to use them, no. It just struck me as ironic that I've got a fair few lying around yet no ICE units seem to use them

With regard to the iPod - it would never be used outside of the car. I just have no need for a portable player and I have an Epson P2000 for my photo storage when I'm out and about with the camera. No matter how well people have integrated their iPods, the fact remains, it wasn't designed with this use in mind. I prefer to deal with things that are specifically made for a particular purpose.

That's why I'm more inclined to find something "all in", ie a HU that has a harddrive, solid state slot, whatever.

I am going to weigh up pros, cons, prices etc and I'm not discounting the iPod solution yet - it's just down the list of preferences.

List being :

HU with integrated HD or Solid state slot
HU with separate storage unit, like the Keg
HU + iPod.

Keep the suggestions coming though, I'm really just gathering information at this point

 

I understand where you are coming from, and i don't want to be beat a dead horse. One thing to mention though, that I had forgotten about.

The iPod Nano is available in up to 4gb in size, and is all solid state. No hard drive involved.

 

Your choices are limited to

Alpine HU + Ipod + Ipod Interface
In-Dash CPU.