Apple iPod and VW Beetle Commercial

[MacRumors]

Apple has posted the Pods Unite (http://www.apple.com/ipod/vw/video/) television commercial to their website.

The Pods Unite campaign (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK8.story&STORY=/www/story/07-15-2003/0001981807&EDATE=TUE+Jul+15+2003,+07:04+AM) pairs the Volkswagen Beetle and Apple's iPod and will be featured in multiple markets: television, radio, newspaper, boardcast meda, and e-commerce through the end of September. The promotion offers a free iPod with 2003 Beetle sedan buyers.

[Freg3000]

I like better than the new G5 ad. I just think that it is a bit more of a VW Beetle commercial than an iPod commercial.

http://www.apple.com/ipod/vw/

[zoozx]

What happened to Apple and creative advertising?
Think Different Apple.
This is sad.

[MrBillGates]

Stupid as hell...

[crazy8ball]

wow...groovy man, groooovy!

I give it a meh

[mingisback]

a lot of my friends say it's common for them to see Apple Stickers on VW cars. like a person that is really into one of the brands is into both.

how many of you would believe this to be true. maybe i'd get a better responce askin this same question at a VW board.... who knows. :)

[jelloshotsrule]

i don't understand what all the advertising professionals on this board want to see in a commercial, as nothing pleases them.

[MrMacMan]

I like it.

[beloit08]

I have a black p.o.s. Jetta. One of the first things I did was stick a white Apple sticker on the back bumper.

But I don't know why... :confused:

[MetallicPenguin]

I like it, I admit the song could have been better but the video itself was nice and smooth, the part where she takes out the the earphones and turns the music on in her car was a smart way to end it, but the song...either way its just a commercial, I've seen worse, much worse.

[elo]

Ooooh, I like this *very* much. But I like all VW commercials. Almost as cool as the cars!

elo

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by elo
Ooooh, I like this *very* much. But I like all VW commercials. Almost as cool as the cars!

elo

I've heard VW's quality has been going downhill, but who can resiest a GTI VR6?

[AngusB]

Of course, if they really wanted to be clever...they would sell a $20,000 Ipod that comes with a free VW Bug

[dstorey]

cool, polymorphic spree in a apple/VW advert...wild, great song, cool but wacky band...they seem to be taking off a bit inthe uk, and look like a strange cult...hmmm bit like apple then ;)

[phgreer]

If Apple wants to appeal to a broader market then they should get away from the Neo-Hippiyism. It's getting old. I don't care if Jobs was a hippy.

[Tue12]

Awful commercial. I had to explain to my gf that the iPod would come free.

"Buy a beattle. Get an ipod" says nothing about "free".

Now we have to read news site to understand commercials?

Apple's advertising is at an all time low. They suck and they suck big time! The g5 commercial is atrocious.

[gwangung]

Originally posted by phgreer
If Apple wants to appeal to a broader market then they should get away from the Neo-Hippiyism. It's getting old.

Well, yeah....that's because all us hippies ARE getting old....

[zarathustra]

Originally posted by mingisback
a lot of my friends say it's common for them to see Apple Stickers on VW cars. like a person that is really into one of the brands is into both.

how many of you would believe this to be true. maybe i'd get a better responce askin this same question at a VW board.... who knows. :)

I have an Apple sticker on my VW! :p Both brands stand for more than just the pure product - they personify a lifestyle that I enjoy.

[dstorey]

Apples ads? i'm pretty sure by the VW and no apple logo at the end, that its a VW ad... plus isn't it a bit obvious that you get a ipod free if they say, buy a bug and get a iPod...uits not as if they are just recommending tyouy to buy one when you get a bug....

[zarathustra]

Originally posted by dstorey
cool, polymorphic spree in a apple/VW advert...wild, great song, cool but wacky band...they seem to be taking off a bit inthe uk, and look like a strange cult...hmmm bit like apple then ;)

It's the Polyphonic Spree... :rolleyes:

They are from the DFW area in Texas, so not everything is hick and backwards here. ;) :)

[phgreer]

Originally posted by zarathustra
I have an Apple sticker on my VW! :p Both brands stand for more than just the pure product - they personify a lifestyle that I enjoy.

What kind of lifestyle would that be?

[evolu]

Originally posted by phgreer
What kind of lifestyle would that be?

Design-aware non-conformists!

And PS, The Polyphonic Spree was a great choice musically.

[SoonToGetAMac]

Originally posted by phgreer
What kind of lifestyle would that be?

The lifestlye of singing "Da, Da, Da" with your friends in your VW. Obviously.:D

[RHutch]

I don't think that you can criticize Apple for the commercial if you don't like it-it's not an Apple commercial. It's a VW commercial that features an Apple product.

Also, I'm amazed at the number of people who read and comment in these forums who must do work on commercials. Really, they have such harsh words and know how it coud be done better. Maybe they should be doing commercials for Apple.

[Kid Red]

Some of you guys are morons and those who rated this negative are idiots. This makes the iPod seem like the only player out there, the absolute best mp3 player there is. It assumes that everyone knows what the iPod is, and if you don't, you're lost behind some cloud. This is no short of absolutely stating the iPod is the ****. This is also, a um, VW commercial as told by the um, lack of Apple logo but presence of a VW logo. :rolleyes:

Some are so quick to whine, bithc and moan that they forget to realize how stupid they luck to others. This is fantastic for Apple and the iPod.

Side note- those who claim VW quality lagging, don't have one, don't read consumer reports or edmunds.com and are in the extreme minority (as most whiners on this site are)

[raynegus]

Uh, so is there an iPod dock built into the Beetle or what? Apple needs to be more informative in their ads.

Like in the old iPod ads, they need to show what iTunes can do, what an iPod can do, and what advantages there are to having a Mac over a PC. Instead they show some fat guy badly singing My Generation. Come On! 98% of the public doesn't even know how cool iTunes is!

[Bozola]

But.. the song isn't available at the music store !!

[SoapmakerX]

Did everyone miss that there is a cool stand for the iPod, where can i get this for MY car, i don't want a peice of crap 2 year warranty VW!

Tim

[copperpipe]

You tell 'em Kid.

[jettredmont]

I liked the commercial. More Apple-y than the G5 commercial. Had a point, made it, gave lots of good product shots (both Beetle and iPod) ... effective IMHO.

Not an Apple commercial, of course; more a Beetle commercial ... but still, more Apple-y than the last Apple commercial ...

[SoapmakerX]

Everytime i ride the T (Boston's Subway) i see at least 1 or 2 people besides myself with an iPod. Its a cultural revolution much like the "walkman"

Tim

[Wash!!]

I want the dock for my car that is so sweet push a button an get the ipod to play in your card stereo...cool very cool:cool:

[slightly]

The commercial was so bad it crashed Sarafi while I was in the middle of posting a reply to this thread saying how bad I thought the commercial was.... :)

It's perfectly reasonable to criticise something when you aren't in the same business. I think Windows is awful, but I can't write my own operating system. I am, however, a "consumer", and as such, I can say why the commercial doesn't appeal. It's the god-awful music.

The G5 commercial, on the other hand, fails because, getting past the hyperbole that the machine is so fast it will blow you out of your house (hello, '80s, well hello, '80s), it doesn't tell me anything as a potential user. *How* fast is it? What will it allow me to do that I haven't been able to with my Wintel/older Mac system? It's a valid criticism, not "whining".

Matt

[Wash!!]

It's a ******** commercial get over it..:rolleyes:

[TWinbrook46636]

I would love (twinbrook46636@yahoo.com) to buy one of these kits off someone (hint, hint... nudge, nudge) as I naturally just have to have a custom engraved VW iPod! ;)

[Wash!!]

I'm building myself one for my car.. very simple concept I actually ws thinking of doing something very similar.. oh well there goes my get rich quick idea...:rolleyes:

[ennerseed]

the close ups / 3d renderings (?) of the iPod are beautiful. The more people / products that tie into the iPod the better. It gives the iPod a feel of popularity and solidity. If they (VW) really wanted to do the iPod / Beetle thing right they would create a slot for the iPod to slide into in the car, like vertically down in to the front-center dash.

[jelloshotsrule]

Originally posted by slightly
It's perfectly reasonable to criticise something when you aren't in the same business. I think Windows is awful, but I can't write my own operating system. I am, however, a "consumer", and as such, I can say why the commercial doesn't appeal. It's the god-awful music.


interestingly enough, some people here like the music. so, as always, can't please everyone. but you'd think you could given the way people talk... "if only they did this or that"..

not to mention the fact that this is in fact a vw commercial....

originally by tue12
Awful commercial. I had to explain to my gf that the iPod would come free.

"Buy a beattle. Get an ipod" says nothing about "free".

Now we have to read news site to understand commercials?

Apple's advertising is at an all time low. They suck and they suck big time! The g5 commercial is atrocious.

are you serious?

1. your girlfriend really couldn't tell? wow.....

2. apple's advertising? i guess i missed the apple logo eh? oh no... vw commercial. right.

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by Tue12
Awful commercial. I had to explain to my gf that the iPod would come free.

Time to trade her in for a new girlfriend. Did you also have to explain that the new G5 won't *really* destroy your house?

[RHutch]

Originally posted by Flowbee
Time to trade her in for a new girlfriend. Did you also have to explain that the new G5 won't *really* destroy your house?


:D AWESOME! LOL:D

[agreenster]

I thought the commercial was very well done, simple to understand and elegant. I dont like VW, especially the beetle, but I would sure love to have an iPod integrated sound system in my car. I, too, would like to know what that holder is, and how the iPod integrates into the sound system.

I think this commercial says more about lifestyle than about a free iPod. I mean think about it, they are suggesting that cars no longer need CD players or anything, just an iPod. Every Beetle from now until they run out of supplies will have an iPod in it.

What if other car manufacturers pick up this idea and we see the iPod as the standard in-dash music system? And since it was originally designed as being portable, no one would have to worry about having their 'stereo' stolen from their car, since they are walking down the street listening to it. Of course, theres always the amp and speakers etc, but you get my point.

[Wash!!]

in the apple's web site if you click on the
new bettle link it pops the info on how it works..

[mintyfresh]

The iPod connects via a cassette deck adapter, which doesn't sound great at all. The only "custom" item included in the kit is the iPod holder (NOT dock). The base of the holder inserts into one of two cupholders. For more details just check out www.vw.com.

If people are interested in getting RCA quality sound into their cars, check out this link to a VW enthusiast site: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=509131
Although it is VW specific, there are lots of links to sites that sell parts for other cars (RCA inputs, iPod holders, mounting brackets, etc, etc).

Quick note to the individual that doesn't want a car with only 2 years warranty: VW has 4 yr, 50,000 mile warranties on all their cars now. The 2 year warranty plan ended almost 2 years ago!

[macmax]

SO ********** Cool!!!!!

[clonenode]

Can anyone get this right. Its the pods unite campaign... not "iPods Unite" as has been quoted all over. Two pods... the car and the iPod.... uniting. Not two iPods!

And the commercial is very typical of the less is more idea in advertising. All of you clamoring for it to say exactly, literally what it means just don't get it But you DO, because you already know, even if you girlfriend didn't.

The commercial is meant to evoke feelings and emotions. A soft sell approach.

[macmax]

Originally posted by mingisback
a lot of my friends say it's common for them to see Apple Stickers on VW cars. like a person that is really into one of the brands is into both.

how many of you would believe this to be true. maybe i'd get a better responce askin this same question at a VW board.... who knows. :)

I don't know , but i have a passat turbo, a jetta and my sis drives a Seat, which is the same Polo VW and is owned by VW That company, but i don't know;)

[nagromme]

I don't know how many people will get the "Pods Unite" slogan--it went over my head for about 2 days. (They mean that the New Beetle is a "pod"?) I also think that the solution they include with the casette adapter is a little messy, given that Beetles have a connection for a trunk CD changer that could probably have been used in some way (with more dealer labor).

Nonetheless, it's good brand-awareness for Apple. And the thing that holds the iPod in the cupholder is a nice idea. They also throw in some other freebies like music and a cable for your home stereo.

I haven't heard about VW quality being poor (maybe mediocre), but I HAVE heard of lots of problems with the New Beetle specifically. My family members have several of the first year New Beetles and they certainly have had perpetual little failures both in warranty and out. Maybe they've recently improved--and if they weren't becoming so common, I like the geometric looks enough to consider risking it anyway!

But the upcoming 2004 Prius has the New Beetle beat for futuristic looks. And with Bluetooth and every new technology you can think of, that's the "Apple-like car" for me! (No, not as iPod-like: the VW has all the circles!)

[electric]

I like it.

I like the abtract feel of it. Thats the thing about Apple Ads, they cater to artists and designers. I dont know about you folks but I dont want everybody using macs, just a little more than enough users to keep Apple here for ever, or at least until I die.


I'm having shell fish for dinner.

[billyboy]

This is basically an ad showing one of the niffiest Apple products intrinsically linked to the car that I believe bears the name of the best selling automobile mark in the history of the universe. What more do the Apple fans looking for popularist exposure want? Don´t tell me - an advert including an in-depth explanation of the workings of the internal combustion engine found in the wierdest place on a Beetle. How artsy!

[eric_n_dfw]

Originally posted by Wash!!
I'm building myself one for my car.. very simple concept I actually ws thinking of doing something very similar.. oh well there goes my get rich quick idea...:rolleyes: You were "inventing" a plastic cradle, cigarette lighter power adapter and cassette adapter? I think you're about 15 years too late! ;)

[Abstract]

Originally posted by evolu
Design-aware non-conformists!

And PS, The Polyphonic Spree was a great choice musically.

The wackiest part about this is that when I first clicked on the video to watch the VW/iPod commercial, I was listening to The Polyphonic Spree --- Days Like This, and then 'Reach For The Sun' starts playing in the commercial, and I thought that it was my mp3 playlist skipping over to the next song. :cool:

Good VW commercial. I think that VW makes some great commercials, and they use some pretty great songs in their commercials. I hope the same deal is in Canada so that the commercial runs here too.

I remember when I was living in the UK for a while, and they had a VW Beetle commercial featuring a new and unheard of song. It ended up being a song called "Strange and Beautiful" by someone named Aqualung. Dang, that was a "sic" commercial. Hehe, "sic". There I go, speaking my ebonics again, foshizzle my nizzle. ;)

PS: The G5 commercial, despite the fact you guys think its more "Apple-y", is crap. :D

[Doctor Q]

Did you say I get a free VW when I buy an iPod? That's just so great that.... oh, what's that you say? A free iPod? OK, so I get a free VW and a free iPod? Gee, they make these commercials so confusing!

By the way, this commercial seems to show someone driving while listening to an iPod despite the disclaimer in the ad warning you not to play an iPod while driving.

[Maclicious]

The Honda Element web page has (or used to have when I check a while back) a picture of an iPod being used by its passangers--the Element has a little port where the iPod (or probably any digital device) can be plugged in. I'll be purchasing the Element over a VW... when a hybrid Element is finally available :-).

[Steve M]

Originally posted by nagromme
I don't know how many people will get the "Pods Unite" slogan--it went over my head for about 2 days. (They mean that the New Beetle is a "pod"?)

Many in the New Beetle community have been referring to their cars as "pods" since the New Beetle was introduced. I have a feeling that either Apple or VW got wind of this (perhaps due to sites like http://www.allpodsgotoroswell.net) and decided to use the terminology to tie the two products together.

I know a LOT of people in the NB community who have iPods, myself included. I only wish VW would make the cupholder iPod holder available for sale. There are a lot of Mac users in general in the NB community -- a higher percentage than outside that community, actually.

As to the VW Vortex post, I know that http://www.mohawk-motorsport.com is working on productizing the CD changer pass through cables as a kit, so you'll be able to buy them instead of making them.

I like the commercial, it's pretty typical Volkswagen, and very reminescent of the first series of New Beetle commercials that aired when the model was launched in 1998.

[Abstract]

A lot of you have been saying that Apple should make the iPod cupholder contraption an accessory for you to purchase. But maybe, just maybe, the cupholder is of a specific shape, and so even if you did purchase it for your car, it may not actually fit the cupholder properly.

I've never been inside a VW Beetle, but this is a huge possibility, fo sho.

[Steve M]

I want to buy the cupholder iPod bracket for my New Beetle :)

[mproud]

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I think the promotion itself is splendid.

Volkswagen has that appeal and "cool" factor, emphasis on the driving experience, and quality with their products that gets buyers coming back. They introduced the successful New Beetle and soon released it in a cute assortment of colors (where does this sound familiar?).

VW's ads aren't overly glitzy and they don't show slow motion shots of vehicles while comparing them to stationary glacial excrement. Instead, they are simply witty and stylish, and are aimed at young drivers and people who want to be different.

To me, this is the best match for Apple. Two companies with the same mission. I couldn't think of anything better.

[Websnapx2]

Originally posted by SoapmakerX
Did everyone miss that there is a cool stand for the iPod, where can i get this for MY car, i don't want a peice of crap 2 year warranty VW!

Tim

Actually it's a Four year warranty and the VW has some of the best quality and safety reports since 1999. These are solid products (both the beatle and the iPod) sold together in a pleasing package. Andfor those nocking the ad, realise that it's a commercial, not an infomercial. if you want more info, go to the website like every other product out there.

Here, inform yourself (http://www.vw.com/podsunite/mini/flash.htm)

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by Steve M
I want to buy the cupholder iPod bracket for my New Beetle :)

I just put my iPod *in* my cupholder. :eek:

[iLilana]

iPods are cool
Beetles are cool
commercial is cool (i'm guessing thats the flaming lips doing the music but apparently it's the Polyphinic Spree)
It was just a matter of time before my two favorite toys got together.

oh...

as others have finally pointed out, this is a VW ad and NOT an Apple ad. Its the same ad campaign they have used since the new beetles have been around. I remember doing a story for an auto magazine when the new beetle was just a concept car. It was origionally meant to be a hybrid electric/gas car.

I like this.

Now we just need a place to mount our iBooks or some GPS SW for the iPod.

[QCassidy352]

I liked it, just thought that there should be some more shots of both products that showed them as a whole (instead of so many close ups). Both really sell on their form factor, and I think the commercial should show them as whole units more.

But I really liked how, at the beginning, the close up shots they were showing could have been either the ipod or the beetle.

[MUrhino]

You guys that keep bashing Apple because the ad wasn't up to your standards need to go find a girl or something. It wasn't even their commercial, they just put their ipod in it. Time to come out of your mom's basement. I bet most of the critics here didn't even know that it aired during the All Star Game, they just saw it on one of these message boards....Sad...

[Jerry Spoon]

Originally posted by Tue12
Awful commercial. I had to explain to my gf that the iPod would come free.

"Buy a beattle. Get an ipod" says nothing about "free".

No offense to your gf, but it seemed rather obvious that it came with the car...FREE.

[kernel_panic]

It is not iPods Unite...

It's Pods Unite. There is no "i" in this campaign.

[Jerry Spoon]

Originally posted by Flowbee
Time to trade her in for a new girlfriend. Did you also have to explain that the new G5 won't *really* destroy your house?
First good laugh I had today:)

[Steve M]

Originally posted by Flowbee
I just put my iPod *in* my cupholder. :eek:

I do that too. But spirited driving can cause it to fall out, because it's not clamped in place. The iPod connectivity kit that comes in this promo includes a bracket that holds the iPod securely and fits snugly in one of the cupholders. Go to http://www.vw.com/podsunite and enter the Flash site, you can see pictures of it.

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by Steve M
I do that too. But spirited driving can cause it to fall out, because it's not clamped in place. The iPod connectivity kit that comes in this promo includes a bracket that holds the iPod securely and fits snugly in one of the cupholders. Go to http://www.vw.com/podsunite and enter the Flash site, you can see pictures of it.

OK... I'll admit that the cradle would make the iPods controls easier to access. It wont be long before there are 3rd party variations on this design available for the non VW market. Hmmm... that gives me an idea :cool:

[Websnapx2]

I actually thought it was smart to start off with a cassette adapter. It keeps costs down from having to change stereos and dash configurations just for the promo, meaning when the promo is done, they don't have 20 beatles they can't sell just sitting on the lot. They can just send back the iPods and their kits.

The idea is to offer something other cars don't in a factory equiped car, a removeable digital lifestyle device. Plus, if someone is really into quality sound, the money one might spend (if so inclined) on a iPod + a mount setup (that isn't available to outright purchase) + charger hook up +RCA hook ups can now put that cost (which would be $557.85 US total for a compareable, but not quite as well thought out complete mobile solution can now use the money to have a cable mounted directly to the back of the stereo through an RCA unit, something a person not yet comfortable with the idea of an iPod might not want.

I think it is safe for VW because it can pull the promo quickly if needed, and apple has an ecconomical way to show how easly it can be to have a ipod hook up in one's car. everyone's happy all around.

[Websnapx2]

I think in a few months we'll see a few of these mounts on ebay, especially if they don't sell out all their kits.

[saulbug]

The ad campaign is "Pods Unite", not "iPods Unite". The VW is not an iPod.

[Bob Knob]

The concept is good, but I'm somewhat disappointed in the execution. I was hoping for a simple arm with a single connector, rather than a non-electronic mount that sits in a cup holder with a separate power adapter and a cassette adapter for the audio. Seems a little "thrown together"

[Websnapx2]

the "Pods Unite" "iPods Unite" issue has been dealt with. People shouldn't be aloud to post with out reading the whole thread. No offence to you in particular Saulbug, just thought it had to be said.

[Websnapx2]

bob knob => see my second last post.

sorry, third last :confused:

[zim]

okay, so the vw site offers some free mp3's, oddly enough they do not offer that song in the commercial.... if i download them, how do i prove that i own them and did not download them illegally... hehe... just kidding...

I say, any commercial exposer that apple can get though reliable companies is good exposer.

[MacSlut]

I think it's good, but could've been better. It's too bad that being a VW commercial there's no Apple logo or mention.

I like the visual style of the ad. I also like the song, but I don't care for the audio transition. It was a bit abrupt and the timing is such that I though there was something wrong at first.

I also would've cut a couple of imagery shots and then included more of the woman with the iPod...perhaps a shot showing the iPod attached to her as she's walking to the car.

The G5 ad grew on me. I really didn't like it at first, but there's something about the whole, "it's more power than you can handle unless you have a really big p*enis" thing that works a little, but could've worked a lot better IF...

They had shown lots of cool stuff on the monitor instead of just showing the desktop...perhaps also having two monitors. Also Jeff should have spoken numbers as the camera enters the house.

[Judogi]

Actually, I find it rather amusing that Apple is teaming up with VW on this one. At least it is a NuBee in the ad. Trying to group together an original beetle with an iPod would be a bit of a stretch, more like give away a free Windows PC with a new Jaguar purchase. Great car, crappy computer. The old beetles would be better compared to a Windows box - constant maintenance, extremely picky to keep running, and always seems to break down at the least opportune time. Damn #3 cylinder burnt again! Let's see, time to change the oil, set the valves, tune the carb, etc etc. And if you need new parts, they're cheap as hell. But that's what it's all about right? Getting the cheapest Thing (no pun intended) that will get you by? Of course, they don't sell the original beetle in the states anymore so my post has no real relevance.

[sacrilicious]

Nor are the original Beetles that unreliable, Judogi.

Of course, I have a new one. It's aluminum, though, so it won't match the iPod. Hello, PowerBook.

[Bob Knob]

Originally posted by Websnapx2
bob knob => see my second last post.

sorry, third last :confused:

The post before your "third last" was the last when started to write mine... I hate when you get interrupted by a tele-marketer, but that's another thread on another board.
I'm mostly disappointed in the use of the cassette adapter. Every car I've (and family members) bought in the last five or so years that had a "factory radio head" had a connector for a factory CD changer. The connector/adapter that I use for my Honda CRV to hook up my iPod was only $35 and a few minutes to install.

[erova]

if i get a 15 gig one with a VW, do i get a 30 gig one with an Audi?

[sebisworld]

Well... i'd think no one would buy a new beetle to get the ipod, but how about a 'buy an ipod and get a new beetle' kind of thing? That would be a blast:-)

Think different
Sebi

[Websnapx2]

Originally posted by sebisworld
Well... i'd think no one would buy a new beetle to get the ipod

Think different
Sebi

true, but if you were looking at a beetle already, or choosing between it and another car, I know it would sway me. But no, I wouldn't buy a beetle for the iPod if I wern't already looking.

[MontanaMacster]

or is that song by the cult people from the movie bubble-boy?
Bright and shinny-fuly yours Todd.

[cristiana]

I looked at the ipod/beetle site, and it interfaces to the radio with just a tape adapter. They didn't make a minijack input into the stereo, or made better acommodations for it.
I have a beetle, and use an ipod, and when i used a tape adapter, the stupid 'music sensor system' kept fast forwarding whenever there was a pause in the music. It was a big pain, and there is no way of turning the damn system off. The only thing unique to this deal is the ipod holder that mounts inside the cupholder. I hope they release that separately, because I would buy one in a second.
I know i have posted this before, but i added an rca input to my new beetle's stock stereo. You can see it here http://cloud13.com/vwaux/

[Websnapx2]

nice setup!! Do you do that often or just when your bored?

[Moxiemike]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac
I've heard VW's quality has been going downhill, but who can resiest a GTI VR6?

Totally right about that.... a free ipod wouldn't get me to buy another VW ever....

[rgury]

Originally posted by SoonToGetAMac
I've heard VW's quality has been going downhill, but who can resiest a GTI VR6?

That's what I got :) But I hard-wired it with an FM Modulator, having all those wires when you're flying 'round a corner sucks. All I do is place my ipod into a dock on the dash and throw a little strereo headphone jack into it, that way you only see an inch of wire.

VW and Apple make extremly sexy machines, screw those who think otherwise.

[raschild]

I, too, have a VW and am a big fan of its cousin (Audi), and Apple. This is the perfect pair.

[morgan-e]

People are upset about this???? I think this is great for two reasons:
1) Boosting sales in Beetles because they are currently the only VW model that doesn't come standard with In-dash CD.
2) Possibly introducing an Apple product to someone that isn't familiar with them. The iPod's performance and ease of use could easiliy produce a fair amount of 'switchers'

and the two brands DO employ a similar design philosophy. Head-above-the-rest industrial design, ease of use etc.

p.s. - yeah, i have an Apple logo sticker on my Jetta, but i'm a BMW driver at heart.

[Doctor Q]

I captured the ad and looked carefully at the notice at the bottom (for 4 seconds, starting 21 seconds into the ad). It saysGet an iPod with purchase or lease of any 2003 New Beetle, except New Beetle convertible. Offer available in U.S. until 9/30/03, or while supplies last. Don't operate while driving.I'm missing something. If you can't use the iPod while driving, what is the purpose of having an iPod holder and a connecting cable?

[rickvanr]

i love the idea... too bad i got a beetle a year and a bit ago, altho, i would love to buy the cool cup holder they made... do u think they will be sold seperatly perhaps?

[VT_hawkeye]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
I captured the ad and looked carefully at the notice at the bottom (for 4 seconds, starting 21 seconds into the ad). It saysI'm missing something. If you can't use the iPod while driving, what is the purpose of having an iPod holder and a connecting cable?

That's legal boilerplate, so some idiot doesn't sue VW (and probably Apple too) when they wreck their car messing with the iPod instead of paying attention to the road.

--vth, an iPod and '03 Jetta TDI owner... 700 miles on one tank of diesel, and no changing CDs on the way

[MrMacMan]

The iPod and the Beetle are a perfect connection.

[Choppaface]

The beetle is a coupe, not a sedan....

Originally posted by raschild
I, too, have a VW and am a big fan of its cousin (Audi), and Apple. This is the perfect pair.

Audi would be more like a child to VW.... considering VW owns Audi

[visor]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
I captured the ad and looked carefully at the notice at the bottom (for 4 seconds, starting 21 seconds into the ad). It saysI'm missing something. If you can't use the iPod while driving, what is the purpose of having an iPod holder and a connecting cable?

I think operate refers to you fingering around with it. It sureyly plays musik while driving ;)

[Belly-laughs]

Originally posted by AngusB
Of course, if they really wanted to be clever...they would sell a $20,000 Ipod that comes with a free VW Bug

Totally agree, that could be an interesting angle!

As far as the ad goes; I´d rather have a good looking iPod than a car with a way too heavy behind. Or is it the front? It´s nostalgia gone bonkers.

If I had to pay $20,000 for the iPod, I could at least give the car away.

[Nobs]

Originally posted by Tue12

Apple's advertising is at an all time low. They suck and they suck big time! The g5 commercial is atrocious.

And why exactly do you find the g5 commerical atrocious? Isn't that a bit of an overstatement?

[morgan-e]

Originally posted by Choppaface
The beetle is a coupe, not a sedan....



Audi would be more like a child to VW.... considering VW owns Audi

not to get too off-topic but by that rationale Lamborgini, Bugatti, Seat and Bentley are also 'children of VW' ;)

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by rickvanr
i love the idea... too bad i got a beetle a year and a bit ago, altho, i would love to buy the cool cup holder they made... do u think they will be sold seperatly perhaps?

http://www.welovemacs.com/001cm330.html

[rickvanr]

Originally posted by Flowbee
http://www.welovemacs.com/001cm330.html

thank you very much.

[Wash!!]

I went to a closeout store where they sold cell phone holders found the perfect place for it an it works like a charm is great much better than putting my 15gig ipod in the cupholder.. pictures to follow tomorrow:D I forgot the whole thing cost me $5.00

[avus]

Originally posted by morgan-e
not to get too off-topic but by that rationale Lamborgini, Bugatti, Seat and Bentley are also 'children of VW' ;)

How could you forget to mention poor Skoda??? :mad: :p

[osos10]

As it turns out Apple is no different from Microsoft, probably worser. Any one dealing with one of the LARGEST destroyers of our world should be ruled out. For the past half a century, since Hitler founded this company, VW is constantly polluting our plant. I am an Apple-Mac user for 20 years now, however the link with VW is goodbye Apple for me !!!!

[billyboy]

Originally posted by osos10
As it turns out Apple is no different from Microsoft, probably worser. Any one dealing with one of the LARGEST destroyers of our world should be ruled out. For the past half a century, since Hitler founded this company, VW is constantly polluting our plant. I am an Apple-Mac user for 20 years now, however the link with VW is goodbye Apple for me !!!!

I guess you better invest in a good pair of trainers as Im assuming you wont be using any form of aparatus with an internal combustion engine. Might I suggest a pair from that great ethical bastion Nike:D

[zim]

Originally posted by billyboy
I guess you better invest in a good pair of trainers as Im assuming you wont be using any form of aparatus with an internal combustion engine. Might I suggest a pair from that great ethical bastion Nike:D

you tell him billboy!

gee didn't ibm catch some heat because it was discovered that they had some connections as well? humm maybe he should just stop using technology all together.

[osos10]

Originally posted by billyboy
I guess you better invest in a good pair of trainers as Im assuming you wont be using any form of aparatus with an internal combustion engine. Might I suggest a pair from that great ethical bastion Nike:D


In fact, if it wasn't for low-end technology greedy companies like VW (making their best to preserve a lousy 100 years old internal combustion engine technology), we might all be traveling in better and more fun transportation and in a cleaner world. Apple, if really wants to be innovative, shouldn't encourage and link with this greedy behemoth !!!!

[billyboy]

I know what you are saying, but arent VW into recycling in a big way, their cars are also built to last to delay the time till it goes to the eco friendly scrap heap. And at the other end of your equation, my Apple battery can go 4 hours plus between charges while the bulk of users on the other side struggle for 2, and the PB consumes a handful of Watts on sleep and havent they got iMacs with low energy LCDs instead of energy guzzling irradiating crt monitors. Not earth changing points exactly, but these two companies are pretty progressive, and unless you literally stop producing, you simply cant cut consumption of energy to nothing.

Id concentrate your ire on the fuel companies. Keep your Mac and use it to write to Shell etc and get them to stop drilling. That would force the auto industry to look for alternatives on a grand scale, and then you might get hydrogen technology in full swing and your fun clean transport happening.

[HAHAHAHAHA]

Originally posted by evolu
Design-aware non-conformists!

? Explain ? non-conformists? excuse me, but the PC is highly customizeable as far as hardware look, software, (YOU DONT HAVE TO GO WITH MICROSOFT YOU KNOW) people with that sort of attitude are just generally ignorant about computers like I said you can customize a PC to death, you want a specific feature, you throw it in, you want neon in the case, you throw it in... Mac's pretty much stay the way you buy them, most of the time the only people who do buy them are

a) people with too much money in their pockets
b) people who claim PC's freeze and Mac's are god cause they dont... Uh I can crash a Mac but my PC's never ever die cause I know what I'm doing
c) people who claim they are easy to use, hey right here this one... my belief is that if you dont have any idea what a command line is... you shouldnt be able to use a GUI, step away from computers now!
d) graphics designers- I will admit here, I love my mac for the video capability that 5 years ago matches what pc's do today.... very advanced in this category...

however, back to my original point, since macs are the way you buy them, and you cant do much to customize them to your own tastes... this is true conformity, please set aside your ignorance and think outside the Apple box. Choosing apple is choosing the sideline of conformity, sure you thought enough to get away from PC's but hey... you jumped into a tighter box...

[Post Edited by Moderator: Keep it polite]

[osos10]

Well, first thanks for the complement - now I know that I am "generally ignorant" (does this means that I am a complete ignorant for most of the time ?). I am familiar with almost any operating system you can think of, Unix and DOS to OS-X and WinXP. Using most regularly (not DOS anymore, thanks G...). I choose MAC not because it is "AS IS", but because most of the operating systems copy the MACs appearance and behavior, eventually (Linux, Wins ets.). You'll agree that Windows XP looks more like an 84's Mac then it resembles its true ancestors, the DOS and the terrible win3.11. Using your words, with a correction, "if you want a specific feature you throw it (the PC) away".

Back to VW vs. Apple. I can't think of a company who contributed to our world (computer and else) more than Apple: the "PERSONAL COMPUTER" concept, GRAPHIC INTERFACE, the built-in MOUSE, the PLUG&PLAY, NEWTON, etc. Can you think of our world without these, HAHAHAHA. On the other hand, I can't think of a company who contributed nothing (autos included) like VW. The technology VW brought includes: AIR COOLED low end engines at the REAR of the car (the stupidity of putting an air cooled engine at the rear, G...).A 6 volts engine - meaning low voltage spark plugs, hence a reduced combustion quality and thus a higher level of air pollution. In fact, completely opposing Apple, whose technology is worldwide adopted, the VW technology was worldwide rejected. Can you think of our modern world with air cooled engines, DOS, cars with noisy engines at the rear, Windows 95, 6 volts batteries and 3.25 floppies (HAHAHAHA).You'll agree that (technologically) VW nowadays cars looks more like a Ford T then their true ancestor, the terrible bug. Making a car looks like a bug doesn't make you innovative. To conclude, I can't understand why truly-innovative Apple chose to link with a BEHEMOTH like VW ?

[scat999999]

What 2 yr warranty? My 2003 Golf came with a 4yr/40k bumper to bumper and 5yr/50k powertrain warranty.




Originally posted by SoapmakerX
Did everyone miss that there is a cool stand for the iPod, where can i get this for MY car, i don't want a peice of crap 2 year warranty VW!

Tim