[videian28]

the alpine solution is finally here, I have been waiting quite a while for it and am somewhat unimpressed and really don't want to spend $300 ($200 is cheapest for a compatabile head unit and the box costs $100) minimum (plus installation)to achieve this lackluster solution

so lets look at the very cheap end of the spectrum..how to add an auxilary port for damn cheap....

honda civic hybrid 2004

[tooki]

For "damned cheap"? That's damned near impossible.

If your head unit doesn't have an aux input then you have one possibility, which is to see if your head unit can control a CD changer, and if so, whether Dension makes an iceLink for your unit (it makes the iPod appear to the head unit as a changer( -- but those cost money.

If not, your only choice is to get a new head unit.

Besides, what about the Alpine solution is "lackluster"?!? Assuming it's half as good as they make it out to be, it'll still be the best iPod integration yet achieved!

tooki

[omegahack]

if you have a cd changer port you can get an adapterto switch that to aux inputs. I did that and it cost total around 70 dollars.

[videian28]

can you point me to a direction for that kind of interface?

tooki one of the main issues I have read was the scrolling speed of one item per second, and the unintuitive interface, once they come out with a head unit to match the iPod interface instead of the other way around, these problems will probably be resolved

here is a nice review

http://playlistmag.com/reviews/2004/...src=mcrss-0904

[tooki]

That very article seems to imply that the 2005 head units will have substantially better iPod integration. Perhaps something to consider.

tooki

[videian28]

agreed, but I am getting tired of waiting... I generally only use my iPod for audio books on my commute anyway...not a whole lot of navigation going on, but if I am gonna drop $300 it better be worth my while

[discotronic]

This is the cheapest route I could find. It has an Aux connection on the front. Purchase a cable for $4 and hook it into the headphone jack of your iPod. Work great for me.

The downside is you can't control the iPod through the stereo. If you want cheap here it is:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Aiwa-...oductDetail.do

[egleband83]

If you want a really cheap way and don't want to get a new headunit, use an in-line FM Modulator like the kinds used with aftermarket CD changers. They connect directly into your radio antenna port on your radio and deliver a sound that is way better than any other portable FM modulator.
Go to crutchfield.com and serach for "FM Modulator" and you'll find a handful of results. Here's a link to one that's only $40.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SwS7TwK...h=fm+modulator

[videian28]

I think I will go with that Aiwa until something really decent comes out

where the hell is the device you just slide your ipod into? why hasn't anyone done this and made a mint on yet?

[OAW]

If you don't have an AUX INPUT and your factory unit has an input on the back to control a CD changer, a cost effective way to do this is to use a Blitzsafe CD Changer to AUX adapter.

These products vary by make/model ... and the link above is what I used my my Acura MDX. You can navigate around that site and find the ones you will need for other vehicles. Even other products from other manufacturers that do the same thing. Unfortunately, if you have a Nissan you are just SOL because no third-party solution works on their factory units for some reason.

OAW

[videian28]

I actually emailed those guys a few days ago, non could tell me if it worked in a honda civic hybrid....I figured screw it, I will drop $99 for the aiwa (free installation)