Ipod, add-a-circuit, aux & 12v on parcel shelf, : (formerly:'30gb ipod on Dell')

[averyocooper]

I changed the subject for the new details on my install, the dell deal is over.
pics posted on 2nd page.
-averyocooper

[olarte]

I opted for a Creative Labs 60gb! zen for 399 direct.

I have about 600 cds, 9,000 mp3s and have 16gb left!

ivan

[averyocooper]

well, this ipod usually goes for 499 so i thought i would pass it along. if you don't like the ipod i guess my tip is worthless

hey, what is a "zen" mp3 player anyway? should i get a free one since i am a buddhist?

[dinlo]

Thanks averyocooper

I like ipod, it can display chinese, and it's REALLY easy to use.

I was thinking of zen too, it come with 30GB hard drive, but you can find on Ebay, someone will change the hard drive for you to 60GB. I have not try it yet, but will try later, if it can display Chinese and it's easy to use, I will go for zen too(I have a lot of CD, I need a lot of space ).

[olarte]

the Zen from creative labs is a competitor to apple's Ipod.

It's not as "sexy" as the ipod but it packs 60Gb (double the size of the Ipod) and as you all know here, Size DOES matter... <grin>

Anyway, I priced them both, and not only did I save $100 but doubled the size of the hardrive... so now I drive with a HUGE library of music in my MINI...

Also, there is a 3rd party addon for the zen (software) that makes the syncing a piece of cake as it becomes part of Windows Explorer.

The Mini and the Zen is the perfect Combo...

Ivan

[olarte]

Hey AveryCooper, Your tip about the Ipod is indeed an excellent tip if ipods are what you are after... I did not mean to minimize your tip... just pointing out an alternative device with twice the ammount of space.

Ivan

[BrantV]

You can fit as many songs of equal sound quality in AAC on the iPod as you can in mp3 on the Zen.

128k mp3s sound terrible. While seemingly acceptable at first, the harsh encoding quickly give me headaches.

Also, if you're an iTunes user, there's no need to keep your entire selection on your iPod. Set up a smart playlist that keeps itself populated with 5, 10, 15, or 30 GB of music you haven't played in a while, and then set you iPod to sync with that. Your iPod will always have new music on it, and it'll be months before you hear a song repeat.

[dinlo]

Just a tip for the zen, creative labs DID NOT make any zen model larger than 20GB, all the 30GB to 60Gb is someone change the hard drive and sell it again, just want to let you know creative labs doesn't warranty those zen. But the warranty for a real sen is only 90 days anyway. So take your risk Just my $0.02

[olarte]

Excuse me Dinlo, but Creative Labs DOES make a 60gb zen they just don't market it in the store. YOu can purchase it directly from Creativelabs.com for $399.

I'm not bashing Ipods, I'm just pointing an alternative if you are like me and want the largest possible media for music.

Do be aware that ebay and others could be offering "home" upgrades. but the one I'm talking about is indeed the 60gb zen FROM Creative labs.

As for the 128bit compression, I use variable rate between 128 and 256, have about 700 full lentgh CDs and still have about 18gb left.

Ivan

[dinlo]

Thanks Ivan

I'm sorry if Creative Labs make the 60GB version, it's just I called them last time, they said they don't sell any larger than 20GB. But may be they does now, good for them. Do you know at the display setting, can I use different language? If it does, I would love to have a zen instead of Ipod, I do need a lot of space.

If so, where can I get one? Thanks

[olarte]

No problem Dinlo, I'm very happy with mine.

As for the language I don't know... Mine lists English, European (whatever that is?) and Japanese.

If you do get it, make sure to check red chair software as they have an EXcellent addon for the zen which makes it like another "drive" via explorer.

for more info or ordering go to creativelabs.com and call the 800 number. they were pretty good.

Happy Motoring,
Ivan

[dinlo]

Thanks Ivan

I will check with them tomorrow

Dennis

[averyocooper]

My ipod arrived 2 days after ordering, even though i opted for the free 7-10 day ground shipping. dell is awesome!

over the weekend i installed:
-the aux input

-modified the parcel shelf for aux input port and 2nd 12v port to power the belkin cigarette lighter adapter for ipod.

-nokia handsfree kit cark-132 for my nokia 6590i, the sound comes through the H/K front speakers and mutes the stereo when making or receiving a call. thanks http://www.newministuff.co.uk/

still waiting for belkin to release the Tunedok ipod mount, for now I will keep the pod on the parcel shelf or consider another dashmount.

cheers,
avery

[dinlo]

Quote:

Originally posted by averyocooper
My ipod arrived 2 days after ordering, even though i opted for the free 7-10 day ground shipping. dell is awesome!

over the weekend i installed:
-the aux input

-modified the parcel shelf for aux input port and 2nd 12v port to power the belkin cigarette lighter adapter for ipod.

-nokia handsfree kit cark-132 for my nokia 6590i, the sound comes through the H/K front speakers and mutes the stereo when making or receiving a call. thanks http://www.newministuff.co.uk/

still waiting for belkin to release the Tunedok ipod mount, for now I will keep the pod on the parcel shelf or consider another dashmount.

cheers,
avery

Congratulatin avery

I also got a question, how do you wire /install the second 12V port in the parcel self? Thanks

Also can you post some pictures?

[averyocooper]

thanks.

i installed the aux port on the right hand side of the parcel shelf and the 12v outlet on the right rear of the parcel shelf panel.
To install the 12v outlet i had to drill a hole and a small notch to accomidate the outlet (bought at radio shack) and then just popped it in.

I used an "add-a-circuit" device to attach the power directly to the fuse box. It is very simple and easily removed if you want to take it out to avoid discussions on voiding the warranty by altering the wiring.

here is a link to the "add-a-circuit" http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...=1527&CATID=41

I should be able to snap a few photos this week.

cheers,
avery