Just wondering how the Griffin iTrip (which transmits over FM) with the LCD (ie the new one) compares with a standard aux input as far as ipod sound quality goes?
How much better will the aux be? Of course the iTrip is more convenient and wireless, but if the aux input is much better I'll install the cable on my H/K.
BTW, when the aux cable is installed, does it appear as a new input source - so I'll go through radio, single CD, cd changer, and then Aux?
i have one of these in my mini and i think it is a great buy, mine cost £20 off ebay and you can move it to another car when ever you want. the sound qulity is very good and the is little interferance, normal when my phone is ringing is the only time it goes funny.
had an old itrip, thought it was duff...they sent me another one, which was nice, although it sounded the same...think AM radio on a damp sunday evening...well thats what it sounded like on my stereo...
Mainly concerned about wobbliness/shaking over bumps etc., and if it'll get in the way of the heater/stereo controls and/or gearchanges (the gooseneck is only 6").
The iTrip, or any FM transmitter, can only sound at best as good as a clear FM radio station. At worst, you get interference and reduced sound quality. In urban areas, prepare yourself for frequent interference and having to change the output channel from time to time as you move around town. It's an OK solution if there's no way to wire your music player to your car, or if you travel a lot and want to use it in rental cars, but don't go there if a better option is available.
The Aux input is cheap, and will sound much better. The FM transmission will compromise the sound quality, whereas the Aux input should sound just as good as plugging your iPod into a home stereo or a great pair of headphones.
Mikey: when you plug your iPod into the icelink does it basically take over the ipod? ie. can I take the ipod out of the cradle (so it's handheld), select an artist and album as usual (as if the headphones were plugged in), then plug it back into the cradle and the icelink will then be able to play that album? Or as soon as you plug it in does it take it over and you have to select from scratch?
Also will my stereo still mute and my nokia handsfree still work ok (ringing sound comes through speakers, music mutes, caller comes through speakers) with the icelink plus?
And when does the ipod backlight come on when it's connected to the icelink? Can it be on all the time (say if I can't get text on my headunit), or just turned on (if I can get text) when the icelink menu is activated and I want to select artist/album etc., then go off after a few seconds of inactivity?
If you were playing music on your ipod, you can plug it into the icelink and it will resume where you left it. By the same token, you can be playing a song in the car via the icelink, and then remove the ipod, take it into the office, plug it into speakers there, and continue playing the same track. The only problem I've seen is that if you've chosen to randomize songs, the random function will be deselected.
Although I think it's only if you use the text option, you can easily enter the setup menu from the headunit (select CD #6, follow the onscreen display) and then play by artist, or album, or playlist, etc). I use it regularly to play all my Def Leppard or Rush songs without needing a playlist for each artist.
I understand from other posts that the handsfree kits will still work, however, there's some question about the text to screen part. Maybe that only interferes with those kits that pass text info to the hud?? Not sure.
The ipod backlight is a controlled option on the icelink setup menu - always off, always on, delay, etc.
I am very happy I got the icelink over the aux or other options, with the benefit being that it can charge the ipod so it's always fully juiced, and is integrated with the multi function steering wheel (if you have it).
Will the icelink plus active cradle fit in one of the cupholders under the centre console? ie. Can my ipod (full size, 4G) be in it's cradle and then be able to sit inside the cupholder? It looks like with the cradle it may be too wide to fit in...
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I'll take Mikey's advice. 
