[Headshot]

Very Simple.

The Kenwood iTunes Music Keg is so dynamic in it's concept, I'm willing to pick it up, download the file-management software, and buy a new copy of Virtual PC just to make the thing work for my car system.

Basically, it's a removable hard drive for the car, you load up files to this hard-drive via USB cradle, but the software to manage this is only available for Windoz, or Mac's running a "PC Emulator".

Has anyone had experience with this? Before I invest the time and $, I just wanna make sure that it actually works, and how to integrate my current iTunes library & playlists into this idea.

Here's the product info...
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/excelon/excelonKeg.jsp

[wataru]

That sounds like a very frustrating system. Why bother when you could do the same for less money (when you factor in VPC and all) with an iPod?

[Headshot]

I have no doubt that it will be a phenominal performer. Plus, one less thing I have to worry about every time I park my car, whether it's on my Chicago sidestreet, or the grocery store.

Plus, what kind of connection will make this a top-quality sound? That dinky little ear-phone jack? I know Belkin probably makes a connector for at least a C-note.

This Keg will virtually take the CD-Changer's place, right down to the connection port on the back of the head-unit.

Therefore, it will read the tags and file-info on the MP3's. Right on the headunit display!

Can the iPod give that kind of info?

I like what the iPod has done for Apple's position in the marketplace and the ability to spawn new ideas and projects, but that is one little expensive mother****er to be toting around in everyday life!

[AlphaQuam]

I do it all the time. Got the Belkin adapter running a line out through my CD changer port in the trunk with my iPod mounted right next to my head unit. Much better setup than that stupid "keg" in my opinion. $350 for the setup... not including installation costs or VPC. Hell, spend an extra $50 and get an iPod. Much more versatile and Mac-friendly.

[3R1C]

Alpine is working on an adapter that allows the head to control the ipod and display the id3 tag info of a connected iPod. Keep the ipod in yer glovebox and the buttons on the head control the ipod. Im on the alpine "email me when its ready" list.

[hmurchison2001]

Check this thread out. It may help you. The Music Keg is just a rebranded Phatnoise Phatbox

http://www.phatnoise.com/forum/showt...;threadid=1941

This guy has a way to sync to the DMS cart from OSX. Give it a read.

[Headshot]

So, this Kenwood X979 head unit will read this thing as if it was a Kenwood Keg!

I just read this, but this iws exactly what I needed.

Again, the iPod connection is a great advance, but I don't wanna see it, worry about it, or carry it around.

Outta sight, outta mind!

Thanks, and keep 'em coming.

[elvis2000]

Originally posted by AlphaQuam:
I do it all the time. Got the Belkin adapter running a line out through my CD changer port in the trunk with my iPod mounted right next to my head unit. Much better setup than that stupid "keg" in my opinion. $350 for the setup... not including installation costs or VPC. Hell, spend an extra $50 and get an iPod. Much more versatile and Mac-friendly.

Does your iPod allow searches via voice-prompt? Can you search via Artist, Album, or Playlist with your stock car stereo? No?

Hence the appeal of the Phatbox.

JW