Yet another ipod question

[The Little One]

Hello!

Just joined the site - looks a great community to belong to.

I have a 2003 Mini One with the Boost CD player. Last week I received a 40GB iPod for my birthday.

I've been reading through all the threads in this forum about the different ways of connecting iPods to stereos. Being in the UK, the BMW's iPod kit isn't available here yet, and I don't have a MFSW, so I think that I'm going to go with the AUX input method and probably get the Belkin auto kit so that I can charge it through the cigarette lighter and use the line out socket for a better sound.

I see that many people have fitted it themselves - but just wondering whether it was just as easy to get to the back of the stereo on a RHD car?

Also, I want to buy a case for my iPod so I don't scratch it. Are there mounts or cradles (don't mind if mounted on the dash or in a cup holder) which can hold an iPod that is in a case of some sort? The ones I've seen pictures of, appear to be a fixed size and might not fit the iPod if it's in a case.

Thanks.

[Baker]

The Belkin TuneDok is what you would have seen as far as a cup holder is concerned, and it won't fit any iPod case I've seen.

I'd reccomend getting an IceLink from Mikeythemini, its a bit pricey, but its the best iPod solution ever - and its got a fantastic cradle, so you don't have to fiddle with cables every time you want to listen to the iPod in the car (which, if you're like me, is every time you drive!)

[ImaVunDerBrah]

I'm partial to the aux input method. Dirt cheap and highly effective

[scooperman_uk]

cheap and cheerful method.

buy a iSKIN case and cassette adaptor, store the iPOD in the cupholder

or

get an aux cable if u have a spare port on your HU

or

get

a dension ice link. much nicer..

[Mini_Blake]

You may want to have a look at www.xtrememac.com I have the xtremity case which protects the ipod and leaves the headphone out and line out (bottom of the pod) free. It connects quickly to the car mount which i have under my steering wheel. I would have bought the iPod Silicone Cases too if they were out when I first got my ipod.

[The Little One]

Mini_Blake,

Just taken a look at the case - looks very robust!

Just one question, when you refer to the car mount under your steering wheel, do you mean the mount that comes with the xtremity case, or is that something separate which you've bought?

[freedee]

Has anyone tried the FM transmitter for the i-pod?

[ImaVunDerBrah]

Quote: Originally Posted by freedee

Has anyone tried the FM transmitter for the i-pod?

Not in the MINI, but in both a Jetta and Audi. I think they're horrid. Reception is almost nonexistant while driving through neighborhoods and I don't think the setup is nice to look at. For some reason my 03 Cooper has an 02 headunit so, for the time being, I can't have an aux input (well I have it installed... it just doesn't work ) I still won't resort to using the FM transmitter.

[The Little One]

I think the FM transmitters are illegal in the UK anyway.

[Baker]

Not low powered ones like the iTrip - but their quality is *really* bad!