Another iPod / USB question

[Laineee]

Have just been trawling some previous discussions on iPod / USB, but was hoping someone could clarify the situation for me.

I have just picked up my new Cooper with full bluetooth / USB option. I've been trying to connect my Windows formatted 80G iPod Classic using a standard USB cable, but can't even get the device to be recognised. From reading previous responses, I get the impression that I should be able to get some sort of basic function from standard USB, but would need the special Mini cable to get full use - have I understood this correctly? If I have, what are the chances of the Mini cable solving my problem if I can't even get the device to be recognised via USB at the moment?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Laineee

[Yoastie]

I understand that it works the way you are trying for all players apart from iPod. For iPod you are looking at the £40 (ish) BMW cable to get it connected.

I could be wrong, though...

[andrewcregan]

£40 forget it! Got a cheap cable off ebay, and all functions work fine .

[mikeythemini]

I've got a new USB/aux ipod lead. Anyone prepared to test it & report back - they get to keep the lead for free .
p.s. You must have a R56 with the USB connector option, now.

[brett]

craps, I just bought one. My usual USB cable wouldn't reconise songs, and wouldn;t work, but the BMW one did. Weird

[Laineee]

Thanks for the responses - I've just ordered in the BMW cable from the dealership, otherwise I'd definitely take up your offer Mikey!

Laineee

[andrewcregan]

Got Mike's newministuff cable on its way to me. I shall test and report back on here

[andrewcregan]

Cable recieved thanks Mike . Got 2 x 60 mile trips to make over the weekend, so will give the cable a good try

[airbusA346]

Quote: Originally Posted by andrewcregan (original)

Cable recieved thanks Mike . Got 2 x 60 mile trips to make over the weekend, so will give the cable a good try

That was quick!!!!

[M111 CGC]

The BMW ipod cable interfaces the Ipod to use it to play the music, which is then sent via an analogue (i.e. line out) signal into the Mini's auxiliary jack next to the USB port. This is not the same as connecting a USB memory stick (or hard drive?) to the USB port, as this will access the data files and use the Mini's head unit to decode the audio files (like using an MP3 CD in a Mini CD player).

This is why you need a special lead for using an Ipod in the Mini with USB. Even if the Mini could access the hard drive on the Ipod it would not be able to decode the files due to Apple's file format (or DRM?) on the MP3 tracks. It would be interesting to see if there is a cheaper alternative to the BMW lead though......

[andrewcregan]

Quote: Originally Posted by M111 CGC (original)

It would be interesting to see if there is a cheaper alternative to the BMW lead though......

Read my post #3 above.

Also about to test Mike's (newministuff) cable, which I would anticipate would be a lot cheaper than the BMW one

[andrewcregan]

Quote: Originally Posted by airbusA346 (original)

That was quick!!!!

Living proof that 1st class recorded can work

[airbusA346]

Quote: Originally Posted by andrewcregan (original)

Living proof that 1st class recorded can work

It is isn't it, when I normally pay for something to be sent by 1st class recordered it takes 3 days and the postman never gets me to sign anything.

[andrewcregan]

Unfortunately Mike's new cable does not work .
My cable and ipod were working before removal to try the new cable.
The new cable never allows the ipod to be recognised - the USB symbol never appears.
I then plugged my original (not BMW) cable back in, and all the functions were fully available.
This was repeated 3 times to ensure my findings were correct.
Each time my ebay cable worked fine, yet Mike's cable never allowed the ipod to be recognised.
Mike's cable physically looks far superior to my cheap cable. However, mine works fine .
All the best Mike in your continued pursuit in trying to find a cable for your customers, and MINI2ers.

Andrew

[mikeythemini]

Thanks for trying it, fling it in the bin or pop it on ebay
The search continues