More on Apple, BMW and Others?

[MacRumors]

Earlier this week, Apple officially announced (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/06/20040621143520.shtml) their partnership with BMW to provide iPod integration. Meanwhile, iPodYourBMW.com (http://www.ipodyourbmw.com/) also went live to promote the new product.

Perhaps more enticing for non-BMW drivers is hints (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/2004/06/22/bmw/) that Apple will be continuing this push with other manufacturers. According to Phil Schiller, "We are beginning a really big push into a world we all spend a lot of time in -- our cars".

[Rod Rod]

this rocks... hopefully they'll make kits for toyota, gm, ford, chrysler, etc... to make it easier for the rest of us.

[gekko513]

I didn't realize that the iPod was this big :eek:

[DOKTOR]

It appears that Apple has removed the reference to the BMW adapter working with MINI's (the car). I was sure it originally mentioned it. :mad:

[rikers_mailbox]

i'm thinking car stereo with built in harddisk and WiFi. Most garages are within wireless range anyways, why not sync your library to a car stereo device? It kind of vibes with all of the wireless iPod rumors. . .

Edit: Good timing on this article (http://www.freep.com/money/tech/mwend24_20040624.htm) about one such device. From today's news.

[BornAgainMac]

I want to use my existing car with my iPod so that I can use my cash to buy more Apple stuff!

[Analog Kid]

It appears that Apple has removed the reference to the BMW adapter working with MINI's (the car). I was sure it originally mentioned it. :mad:
You're right-- Was there, now gone.

[rikers_mailbox]

I want to use my existing car with my iPod so that I can use my cash to buy more Apple stuff!

The problem is interfacing an iPod with the existing stereo in your car. How do you input tunes to the car's stereo without losing quality? FM transmitters and tape deck adapters suck.

I have a auxillary audio-jack on the front of mine, but that's only OK. It creates a mess of wires, and i'm afraid of using the iPod while driving. The screen is too small.

[hansen]

I've got the iPod - now I only need the car... :D

[Knox]

i'm thinking car stereo with built in harddisk and WiFi. Most garages are within wireless range anyways, why not sync your library to a car stereo device? It kind of vibes with all of the wireless iPod rumors. . .

Or, a different line of thinking... how about a car stereo with an iPod-sized 'cassette drive' and an iPod dock connector inside. You just slot the iPod in and then control it using steering wheel controls like the BMW, using the status display on the dashboard as the iPod display.

[rikers_mailbox]

Or, a different line of thinking... how about a car stereo with an iPod-sized 'cassette drive' and an iPod dock connector inside. You just slot the iPod in and then control it using steering wheel controls like the BMW, using the status display on the dashboard as the iPod display.

Apple likes to change form factors too much to settle into a standard iPod sizing necessary for a 'cassette drive' . . . but i like the idea. The BMW glove compartment "dock" was a half-a**ed attempt at something that could have been awesome.

[appleface]

It appears that Apple has removed the reference to the BMW adapter working with MINI's (the car). I was sure it originally mentioned it. :mad:

woah! i know it was there, too. the site said the MINI connection was going to be released later this year, unlike the currently available bmw connections. maybe the 2005 MINIs will offer docks instead of pod-in-the-box. maybe apple just took it off the site because they want to make a big deal about listening to your mini in your MINI.

[NOV]

As I mentioned in a previous thread:

the *real* solution would be a WiFi equipped iPod feeding the built in tuner with music and being able to control the iPod through the tuner..

[jjmaximum]

Why doesn't Apple team with someone (VW?) and just make an Apple-edition car (i.e. - Eddie Bauer/Ford) that is full of cool stuff like an Airport, iPod, bluetooth, DVD players, etc.

[appleface]

i haven't seen anybody mention this, and it's right off apple's own site!
http://www.apple.com/uk/hotnews/articles/smart/

and i quote, "[...] the in-car cradle (designed to fit existing 15 and 20GB iPods and the second-generation 10GB model) will go on sale later this summer[...]"

btw, that article was out before apple and bmw went public this week.

[petej]

I'm still waiting for Alpine to make good on their promise from January.
iPod compatible car stereo headsets.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/company_info/press_release/010804_ipad.html

and

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=71562

Hopefully not long to wait.

[hvfsl]

i haven't seen anybody mention this, and it's right off apple's own site!
http://www.apple.com/uk/hotnews/articles/smart/

and i quote, "[...] the in-car cradle (designed to fit existing 15 and 20GB iPods and the second-generation 10GB model) will go on sale later this summer[...]"

btw, that article was out before apple and bmw went public this week.

That car is made by Mercades. Don't you get it in the US?

[five04]

That car is made by Mercades. Don't you get it in the US?

no, the smart cars aren't in the US because the US population, as a whole, consists of fat lazy people who would rather drive big suv's that get 14mpg than a small smart car which gets 60. they're out in canada, though. the smart website says that smart will come to the US in 2006, but it'll only be an SUV by smart instead of their other cars. i'd love to own one of the cars, but that doesn't look like a possibility anytime soon.

[mrzippy]

This is good news, but I live in the UK and drive a Citoën car.

I really doubt the European brands like Citoën, Peugeot, Fiat etc. will be top of the list.

Maybe an Apple stereo for the car, or a collaboration with a stereo manufacturer would be better.

Neil

[nsb3000]

this rocks... hopefully they'll make kits for toyota, gm, ford, chrysler, etc... to make it easier for the rest of us.

Right, I just hope the solutions for other cars will be more elegant than the BWM version. I am not crazy about having to put my ipod in the glove compartment. I think there should be a dock in dashboard type device..

[bertagert]

consists of fat lazy people who would rather drive big suv's that get 14mpg than a small smart car which gets 60. I know this is off topic but you brought it up. The whole "SUV" gripe is lame. People claim they suck down tons of gas yet they don't seem to look at any 6 or 8 cylinder cars or trucks that get the same or less milage. And there are a lot more of these vehicles than SUVs. My Jeep Grand Cherokee gets 26 hwy/18 cty. That's not bad at all. Please stop complaing about suv's as the gas guzzling theory doesn't hold. I do have a VW Passat TDI for 45 mpg just to make people like you happy. Kidding, it makes me happy.

Ok, sorry about that. Back on topic. Having an the reciever control the ipod doesn't do the trick. You really need to have access to all the features of the ipod. Having an external cable come out of the stereo and into the ipod is the best bet for now. Personaly, I would like to have a wi-fi ipod and wi-fi deck. That would be the ultimate solution.

[nsb3000]

I've got the iPod - now I only need the car... :D

I have a car...now I only need an ipod! :eek:

[nsb3000]

This is good news, but I live in the UK and drive a Citoën car.

I really doubt the European brands like Citoën, Peugeot, Fiat etc. will be top of the list.

Maybe an Apple stereo for the car, or a collaboration with a stereo manufacturer would be better.

Neil

That's a good point. If they could build some sort of general solution, they would have a much larger market than if they continue to make deals with individual Auto manufactures for individual cars. This, unfortunately, does not seem to be the direction they are heading. :cool:

[obiwan]

I saw a company who was developing these kind of adaptors for iPods, which worked on older generations of iPods too. They had a range of different cars on the list that it would work with, and worked in a similiar way to the BMW/Apple partnership, by tapping into the CD Changer port of the built in stereo allowing you to change the tracks from the steering wheel remote.

They were at the UK Mac Expo and I was pretty impressed! - I would have bought the system there and then if I wasn't thinking of changing my car soon! Here's the weblink: http://www.ihavetohave.it

It's called the ICELink. I can't see much difference to the BMW system except it works on more cars!

[hansen]

I have a car...now I only need an ipod! :eek:

We can switch if you like :)

[nsb3000]

i haven't seen anybody mention this, and it's right off apple's own site!
http://www.apple.com/uk/hotnews/articles/smart/

and i quote, "[...] the in-car cradle (designed to fit existing 15 and 20GB iPods and the second-generation 10GB model) will go on sale later this summer[...]"

btw, that article was out before apple and bmw went public this week.

This is interesting. It seems that if you buy the car, you get a 20 gig ipod with it, and they are only 150 aviable in the UK..Talk about limited supply!
But, if you look at the end of the article, you can also buy it as an add on. It looks a whole lot nicer than the BMW version.

From Apple's website: (http://www.apple.com/uk/hotnews/articles/smart/)

Just like Apple, DaimlerChrysler’s smart brand is always a step ahead. So when these two innovators decided to collaborate, the outcome was bound to be special. Presenting the smart fortwo edition i-move, a sporty smart fortwo cabrio with a difference: a perfectly integrated 20GB iPod in a custom-designed cradle. Road music has never sounded so good.

iPod and smart: Technology In-Sync
With its 20GB hard drive, the iPod is big enough for your whole music collection and compact enough to take with you everywhere, especially on the road. And easy listening takes on a whole new meaning with the i-move’s integrated iPod cradle, which is linked to the smart audio system. Get in, put the iPod in its cradle, switch on the car stereo, turn up the volume and listen to your favourite tunes for hours on end. Best of all, when you get out of the car at the end of your journey, your iPod will have more charge than when you started — because the iPod charges automatically when it is in the cradle.

There’s Just One Rule: We Change the Rules
The smart brand attracted plenty of attention when the fortwo coupé and cabrio started rolling off the production line. smart discarded conventional ideas and surprised the automotive world with innovative solutions. The focus was on being different, but above all the challenge was to meet the mobility needs of urban people today. For the past 25 years, this constant quest for innovation has also been Apple’s trademark. With beautiful design and attention to detail, both brands set standards in their respective fields.

smart fortwo edition i-move: a smart Full of Ideas
When it comes to design, engineering and advanced technology, the i-move pulls out all the stops. The second generation smart fortwo offers more comfort, more functions and more safety than ever before. Likewise, the third generation iPod has revolutionised the way we listen to music and set new standards in usability, product design and innovation. In fact, you could say the pairing is a match made in automotive heaven.

The smart fortwo edition i-move is a strictly limited edition model: only 150 will be available in Europe. Please contact your local smart dealer to arrange a test drive.

If you already own one and not the other, the in-car cradle (designed to fit existing 15 and 20GB iPods and the second-generation 10GB model) will go on sale later this summer for all smart fortwo coupés, smart fortwo cabrios, smart roadsters and smart roadster coupés. Contact your local smart dealer for pricing and availability.

[feeze]

It appears that Apple has removed the reference to the BMW adapter working with MINI's (the car). I was sure it originally mentioned it.


woah! i know it was there, too. the site said the MINI connection was going to be released later this year, unlike the currently available bmw connections. maybe the 2005 MINIs will offer docks instead of pod-in-the-box. maybe apple just took it off the site because they want to make a big deal about listening to your mini in your MINI.

Which site are you guys talking about, because on the http://www.ipodyourbmw.com web site it says ipod mini under "how to ipod your bmw -> ipod"

It also say's it on the Apple web site.

[gothamac]

woah! i know it was there, too. the site said the MINI connection was going to be released later this year, unlike the currently available bmw connections. maybe the 2005 MINIs will offer docks instead of pod-in-the-box. maybe apple just took it off the site because they want to make a big deal about listening to your mini in your MINI.

So that's why the site went down yesterday. Mystery solve.

[appleface]

Which site are you guys talking about, because on the http://www.ipodyourbmw.com web site it says ipod mini under "how to ipod your bmw -> ipod"

It also say's it on the Apple web site.

you can use mini ipods in bmws, but apple no longer states on the site that the ipods (and mini ipods) are going to be made compatible with MINI coopers although apple's site did originally advertise the compatibility.

[jocknerd]

woah! i know it was there, too. the site said the MINI connection was going to be released later this year, unlike the currently available bmw connections. maybe the 2005 MINIs will offer docks instead of pod-in-the-box. maybe apple just took it off the site because they want to make a big deal about listening to your mini in your MINI.

Maybe that will be the "and one more thing" at WWDC!

[SiliconAddict]

Screw luxury cars. Lets see this show up in cheaper domestic and foreign. Heck get this integration into the Toyota Prius and have the HUD show song title, album, track number, and coverart!

[Veldek]

Which site are you guys talking about, because on the http://www.ipodyourbmw.com web site it says ipod mini under "how to ipod your bmw -> ipod"

It also say's it on the Apple web site.

It’s about the car. Don’t you know the Mini?

[g4cubed]

I didn't realize that the iPod was this big :eek:
I see that you live in Norway but I still think you would know about the ipod. Come on Norway isn't in the dark all the time, but I guess you are. lol :D

[j33pd0g]

An Apple-branded in dashboard cradle for your iPod would be cool... you know replace your entire auto stereo system... They could add a AM/FM tuner to it. You slide your iPod into the dash right where you would normally slip in a CD. That's it... and your good to go. I have a CD player with removable face plate... same idea... only with your iPod.

[gekko513]

I see that you live in Norway but I still think you would know about the ipod. Come on Norway isn't in the dark all the time, but I guess you are. lol :D
Well, I know about the iPod. I even own an iPod. I'm just a bit surprised that it such a big phenomenon that special contraptions are made to make it possible to integrate in a particular car. I know there's a market for iPod add-ons, but it's more costly to do R&D for such specialized products.

My surprise is that the intersection between BMW customers and iPod customers is so large that it justifies the cost and that it's advertised on Apple's front page.

Of course I think it's a good thing. Surprising but good :D

[sinisterdesign]

I've got the iPod - now I only need the car... :D

i've got the car, now i just need a 3rd gen iPod (2nd gen 20GB, currently).

i saw a short piece on Headline News this week about this deal. they said the adaptor was going to run $150 and [professional] installation would run another $150. if that's true, that sucks. anyone else seen prices on this?

.

[SiliconAddict]

i've got the car, now i just need a 3rd gen iPod (2nd gen 20GB, currently).

i saw a short piece on Headline News this week about this deal. they said the adaptor was going to run $150 and [professional] installation would run another $150. if that's true, that sucks. anyone else seen prices on this?


Dude how much do people spend on a BMW? $300 more is a drop in the bucket. It’s a luxury car anyone who can afford to drop 30 grand or more on a car can afford $300.

[macridah]

i haven't seen anybody mention this, and it's right off apple's own site!
http://www.apple.com/uk/hotnews/articles/smart/

and i quote, "[...] the in-car cradle (designed to fit existing 15 and 20GB iPods and the second-generation 10GB model) will go on sale later this summer[...]"

btw, that article was out before apple and bmw went public this week.

That's sweet. If you could get that cradle and have that integrate with you car stereo, then that would be a perfect ipod car stereo integration.

I'm also interested in the alpine aftermarket car stereo. Anyone know when that will be released?

[joemama]

I'm still waiting for Alpine to make good on their promise from January.
iPod compatible car stereo headsets.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/company_info/press_release/010804_ipad.html

and

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=71562

Hopefully not long to wait.

So when is this head unit coming out? ANyone know????

[sinisterdesign]

Dude how much do people spend on a BMW? $300 more is a drop in the bucket. It’s a luxury car anyone who can afford to drop 30 grand or more on a car can afford $300.

$300 is a mere drop in the bucket for the price of a CAR, but i'm not talking about adding new rims here. this is an ADAPTOR for an MP3 player that could likely not cost that much to begin with (mini).

i love my 330CiC, but i'm certainly not going to shell out $300 MORE for a quasi-integration w/ my iPod. i've got my iPod running into the AUX IN connection in my BMW right now. the iPod sits in the ashtray, right in front of the stick shift so i can click the 'next' button easily. it's not as clean as this solution, but if that price is true, i'm very disappointed.

[obiwan]

I'm also interested in the alpine aftermarket car stereo. Anyone know when that will be released?

Check out the link I posted before - I think what you're after has already been done.

http://www.ihavetohave.it/acatalog/ICE-Link_Alpine.html

[Pablo]

Some guy integrated his iPod with his Infiniti G35 (http://g35ipod.com/home.php). It required quite a bit more work than if you let BMW do it, but it seems to be the best solution for those without BMWs.

http://g35ipod.com/images/install/finished.jpg

I'm just hesitant to pull my dash completely apart, or else I'd consider this.

http://g35ipod.com/images/install/20.jpg

[ccuilla]

Or, a different line of thinking... how about a car stereo with an iPod-sized 'cassette drive' and an iPod dock connector inside. You just slot the iPod in and then control it using steering wheel controls like the BMW, using the status display on the dashboard as the iPod display.

Now you are thinking. This would be really a cool solution.

[Mr_Ed]

OK, I'm waiting on a Porsche-iPod solution but I suspect they might try to get car makers with higher sales volumes set up first :(

[ITR 81]

I figure in couple of yrs or so some car man. will start giving you a handsfree iPod solution with an include 15-20GB iPod...as an option on your car.

Get them on the Big Three and all the euro brands and the Japanese mans will follow.

[ITR 81]

The Smart car aka city car/k-car will see US sales by 05' according to what I read awhile back in Autoweek. So far they've met all the EPA and crash stds. Now they just need to play with the option packages.

I believe Smarts would sell well in Big Cities..and also probably Med. sized Cities as well.

[g4cubed]

Gekko513
First, just havin' a little fun with ya. Second, I m not sure what you were refering to

My surprise is that the intersection between BMW customers and iPod customers is so large that it justifies the cost and that it's advertised on Apple's front page.:D

Not sure what you mean by "intersection between BMW & ipod cust." As for justification of cost, I don't think someone that has the money to buy any of these cars will notice the increased cost of this. And that most new innovative auto ideas are usually tried on the higher end cars, then makes it's way to the general consumer.

[technocoy]

OK people, for the last time...

the iPod solution is not the head unit itself, but an accessory that will cost $100.00 it will be released in early fall. it works with any 2004 alpine head unit with AInet compatibility. It hides away anywhere you can fit it and then plugs into the back of the head unit. the dock connector then runs from that to the iPod. Also, the icelink does not compare to the alpine set-up, since the alpine set-up pseudo replicates the file menu of the ipod and you can view artist, album, song, and do simple searches and such. it also charges the iPod. it is by far the most elegeant solution so far... even better than the apple/BMW offering. I look forward to buying this and integrating a dock into my vehicross, since isuzu is leaving the US i doubt there will be an apple solution short of an apple head unit. not to mention that most people have never even heard of my car, not even the dealerships (which says alot for isuzus customer service dept.) lol!

hope this is informative.

[funkym]

Hi all..

In reply to this latest news from Apple about integration with BMW, a company called "Dension USA" has been doing this for some time now. I purchased the IceLink kit for my 2000 Audi A4 and it works perfectly. I paid around $200 for the kit. Check them out at www.dension.com.

Cheers
Hope you alll find what you are looking for.

[sinisterdesign]

The Smart car aka city car/k-car will see US sales by 05' according to what I read awhile back in Autoweek. So far they've met all the EPA and crash stds. Now they just need to play with the option packages.

I believe Smarts would sell well in Big Cities..and also probably Med. sized Cities as well.

i think they would have to use a mini-pod in those, a regular iPod would take up half the dashboard! kidding, that i-Move (http://www.thesmart.co.uk/offers/special_editions.html) is a really slick integration, much better than the BMW. but i'm guessing they had a little more leeway w/ the Smart cars' interiors than BMW (not as many existing gadgets/accessories). still, my 300Ci and i are a little jealous.

those would be fun little cars to tool around in especially the roadster (http://www.thesmart.co.uk/index.html), but people drive like IDIOTS here in atlanta, so i would be weary of driving one around here.

[Studawg7]

Earlier this week, Apple officially announced (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/06/20040621143520.shtml) their partnership with BMW to provide iPod integration. Meanwhile, iPodYourBMW.com (http://www.ipodyourbmw.com/) also went live to promote the new product.

Perhaps more enticing for non-BMW drivers is hints (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/2004/06/22/bmw/) that Apple will be continuing this push with other manufacturers. According to Phil Schiller, "We are beginning a really big push into a world we all spend a lot of time in -- our cars".

I am all about the combination of my two favorite things.. computers and cars. Now how about some gps?

[gregorypierce]

Talk is cheap. Create a Lexus adapter or feel the wrath of the Broodwich!

[IJ Reilly]

This stuff ain't rocket science. Any car stereo capable of controlling a remote CD changer (and isn't that just about all of them now?) should be a candidate for an iPod dock.

I don't get the apparent withdrawal of support for the MINI, but I suspect corporate politics of some kind are responsible. MINI is trying to maintain a separate image from the mother company. You're never going to find them on a site called ipodyourbmw.com.

[3G4N]

I saw a commercial for the BWM w/ iPod last night. I think it was on the Comedy Channel or the Travel Channel. It was pretty sweet, talking of the integrated steering wheel controls, etc.

[timmyOtool]

Everybody seems to hate the idea of putting the ipod in the glove box, but I can see advantages, like security for one. With the controls on the wheel you don't need it out in some sort of dock, cluttering up the console. Not as bad (in my oppinion) as everyone thinks.

[sinisterdesign]

Everybody seems to hate the idea of putting the ipod in the glove box, but I can see advantages, like security for one. With the controls on the wheel you don't need it out in some sort of dock, cluttering up the console. Not as bad (in my oppinion) as everyone thinks.

i agree. it's not as slick, that's for certain, but it also doesn't scream STEAL ME!!!. especially w/ a convertible.

[rueyeet]

In reply to this latest news from Apple about integration with BMW, a company called "Dension USA" has been doing this for some time now. I purchased the IceLink kit for my 2000 Audi A4 and it works perfectly. I paid around $200 for the kit. Check them out at www.dension.com.
I've been looking at that for a while....they now have a dock for the iPod mini, too. It's just that there's nothing about how you actually go about getting this DONE...do you buy it, bring it to whoever does work on your car, and say "put this in"? Or do you go to, say, your dealership first, and order through them?

The iceLink would absolutely rock....slot the iPod into the cradle when you get in the car, and you're ready to go; take the iPod out when you get out so it won't get stolen. Cool stuff! :cool:

[frankly]

no, the smart cars aren't in the US because the US population, as a whole, consists of fat lazy people who would rather drive big suv's that get 14mpg than a small smart car which gets 60. they're out in canada, though. the smart website says that smart will come to the US in 2006, but it'll only be an SUV by smart instead of their other cars. i'd love to own one of the cars, but that doesn't look like a possibility anytime soon.

No, they aren't in the US because Americans don't want to worry about being killed if someone on a bicycle crashed into them. Did you see the size of that car? It doesn't look like something I would feel safe in. My lawnmower has bigger tires than that thing.

I agree that Americans buy too many SUVs. However, when given the choice of a high mpg vehicle that is a decent size they are buying them in droves. The new Toyota Prius (http://www.toyota.com/prius/) is selling faster than Toyota can make them. It gets 55 mpg and yet it still seats 5 people with room for extra stuff in the hatchback, has real size tires, and looks very safe to drive.

There is a six month wait if you want a Prius and Toyota and Ford are releasing hybrid SUVs this fall as well. I bet there will be a wait on those vehicles also.

Later, Frank

[frankly]

Right, I just hope the solutions for other cars will be more elegant than the BWM version. I am not crazy about having to put my ipod in the glove compartment. I think there should be a dock in dashboard type device..

Perhaps they put the dock in the glove compartment so that people can't see it when they look inside of your car........

A dock on the dash would give someone a good reason to smash the window, especially since most people aren't going to take their iPod with them every time they get out of the car.

Frank

[seyo]

As a professional user, I'd like to see them make a computer that is faster than a PC at rendering in Adobe After Effects. A dual P4 trounces a dual G5, for much less $$$; I HATE working on PC's but in my industry people buy what will be both cost effective and fastest....

With all this focus on iPods, one has to wonder: Apple still makes computers right ;) ?

[frankly]

I know this is off topic but you brought it up. The whole "SUV" gripe is lame. People claim they suck down tons of gas yet they don't seem to look at any 6 or 8 cylinder cars or trucks that get the same or less milage. And there are a lot more of these vehicles than SUVs. My Jeep Grand Cherokee gets 26 hwy/18 cty. That's not bad at all. Please stop complaing about suv's as the gas guzzling theory doesn't hold. I do have a VW Passat TDI for 45 mpg just to make people like you happy. Kidding, it makes me happy.

Ok, sorry about that. Back on topic. Having an the reciever control the ipod doesn't do the trick. You really need to have access to all the features of the ipod. Having an external cable come out of the stereo and into the ipod is the best bet for now. Personaly, I would like to have a wi-fi ipod and wi-fi deck. That would be the ultimate solution.

I'm sorry but I'm calling BS. Grand Cherokees don't get 26mpg.

Extended-use-test 6-cyl 4WD Laredo averaged 15.7 mpg over 19,000 miles. Test 235-hp V8 models averaged 16.1 mpg with lots of highway driving, just 12.7 in mostly city work. Test 265-hp V8 averaged 14.5. Jeep recommends premium fuel for the 265-hp V8, regular for the other engines.

People complain about SUVs for the simple fact that most get below 20mpg. That is absolutely unacceptable. As far as your argument about 6 and 8 cylinder cars getting the same mpg, you are dead wrong on that front as well. They don't get mileage as high as I would like but I just took a 6 cylinder Buick on a long trip and it averaged 32mpg for the trip. I too an 8 cylinder Cadillac on the same trip last year and it average 29mpg. This is much higher than any SUV averages.

Frank

[timmyOtool]

As a professional user, I'd like to see them make a computer that is faster than a PC at rendering in Adobe After Effects. A dual P4 trounces a dual G5, for much less $$$; I HATE working on PC's but in my industry people buy what will be both cost effective and fastest....

With all this focus on iPods, one has to wonder: Apple still makes computers right ;) ?
Duel P4?????

[nsb3000]

i agree. it's not as slick, that's for certain, but it also doesn't scream STEAL ME!!!. especially w/ a convertible.

I think if you are driving one of these cars, your ipod screaming "steal-me" should be the least of your concerns..

[seyo]

Dual P4 Xeon machines are way faster at rendering AE6 comps than any dual Mac on god's green earth. Now if only I could get my hands on a VT cluster...

[steveh]

no, the smart cars aren't in the US because the US population, as a whole, consists of fat lazy people who would rather drive big suv's that get 14mpg than a small smart car which gets 60.


That must explain the SMART cars driving around in the SF Bay area. There are a couple that show up here where I work. They're massively outnumbered by various Toyota and Honda hybrid-engined cars, but a few are on the roads.

They used to be sold here, but were pulled off the market when the original company was sold.

By the way, do you normally come off as a bigot, or do you have to work at it?

they're out in canada, though. the smart website says that smart will come to the US in 2006, but it'll only be an SUV by smart instead of their other cars. i'd love to own one of the cars, but that doesn't look like a possibility anytime soon.

They're usable in cities, but they don't make much sense at all for the long distances driven here, particularly in the Western states. They're pretty much useless as a family car, to boot.

As for Americans not wanting to drive economical cars...that must explain why models like Toyota's Prius is selling out here at list+, and are on months-long waiting lists at every dealer that can get them.

[puckhead193]

I hope that apple does this with more companies (ie lexus) I have a great sound system (mark levension) that's awsome, but it needs my ipod! :D I think if you can afford a lexus you can afford an ipod...

[timmyOtool]

Dual P4 Xeon machines are way faster at rendering AE6 comps than any dual Mac on god's green earth. Now if only I could get my hands on a VT cluster...
sorry for the misunderstanding. The dual p4 threw me. I now realize you were talking about the xeon.

[Porchland]

As I mentioned in a previous thread:

the *real* solution would be a WiFi equipped iPod feeding the built in tuner with music and being able to control the iPod through the tuner..

The problem with this is multiplicity of databases and site-specific playlists, which makes a cradle the best way to go. If I'm driving the car, I can use my iPod; if my wife takes the car, she can put in her iPod. If I sell the car, the buyer can use his iPod.

I know there are geek work-arounds, but a cradle would be clean, simple and Apple.

[iJon]

thats good news to hear. i love having my ipod in my jeep. first thing i did when i got my jeep was install my ipod and i dont know how i would be without it. just to let you guys know you dont have to wait for apple to pull something out of their hats. take a look at PIE auxillary or blitzsafe to get your ipod in your car.

iJon

[technocoy]

bull***t.

I would like but I just took a 6 cylinder Buick on a long trip and it averaged 32mpg for the trip. I too an 8 cylinder Cadillac on the same trip last year and it average 29mpg. This is much higher than any SUV averages.

and i'm not even going to argue it, as anyone here who has ever driven a caddy knows it. again, bull***t.

and to list a few V8s that are EVERYWHERE and get just as crappy gas mileage as suvs... better yet just one: MUSTANG V8.

and what about fullsize trucks with oversize tires?

i've got this hippy friend who gave me crap about buying my V6 isuzu vehicross, and as she's griping at me about it she's sitting in a 80's model THUNDERBIRD and the rest of the time drives a late 70's VOLVO STATION WAGON. hipocrites.

oh well, no sense arguing. people do what they do.
:rolleyes:

[iJon]

I'm sorry but I'm calling BS. Grand Cherokees don't get 26mpg.



People complain about SUVs for the simple fact that most get below 20mpg. That is absolutely unacceptable. As far as your argument about 6 and 8 cylinder cars getting the same mpg, you are dead wrong on that front as well. They don't get mileage as high as I would like but I just took a 6 cylinder Buick on a long trip and it averaged 32mpg for the trip. I too an 8 cylinder Cadillac on the same trip last year and it average 29mpg. This is much higher than any SUV averages.

Frank
the turbo diesels in the grand cherokee's as well as the new turbo disel liberty can easily get that much. Plus the new gas Cherokee will help with gas mileage with the new MDS engine.

iJon

[timmyOtool]

bull***t.



and i'm not even going to argue it, as anyone here who has ever driven a caddy knows it. again, bull***t.

and to list a few V8s that are EVERYWHERE and get just as crappy gas mileage as suvs... better yet just one: MUSTANG V8.

and what about fullsize trucks with oversize tires?

i've got this hippy friend who gave me crap about buying my V6 isuzu vehicross, and as she's griping at me about it she's sitting in a 80's model THUNDERBIRD and the rest of the time drives a late 70's VOLVO STATION WAGON. hipocrites.

oh well, no sense arguing. people do what they do.
:rolleyes:

A mustang V8 even a cobra gets better mileage than say an escalade. Maybe a Mustang doesn't get the best mileage but these SUV's get like 8 miles a gallon. Your point is valid, but lets keep everything in perspective.

[windowsblowsass]

well when they make an ipod kit for an 87 s10 then ill care

[thejazzman10]

The Smart car aka city car/k-car will see US sales by 05' according to what I read awhile back in Autoweek. So far they've met all the EPA and crash stds. Now they just need to play with the option packages.

I believe Smarts would sell well in Big Cities..and also probably Med. sized Cities as well. - a little off topic, but YESSSS!!! Ever since i went to Europe in '01 , ive wanted one of these-you lucky europeans, you get everything first!
:D the US is just starting so see the light of small cars.

[technocoy]

okay to put it in perspective, how many mustangs/caddies/etc, are being driven as compared to escalades? many more (same goes for the hummer). a general mass market 4cylinder/6cylinder SUV gets just as good of gas mileage if not better than a lot of cars. my point being that the term SUV has become a catch-all for gas guzzling. there are gas guzzlers for every type of vehicle. the problem is LARGE SUV's, LARGE CARS, LARGE VANS, LARGE TRUCKS, period. mind you, if you drive one of these and actually use it to a good clip for what it intended for, i.e. hauling, off-roading, utility, i have no problem with it. but driving one of these just because it is percieved as a success emblem or "cool" is rediculous. it's wasteful and harmful to the planet, not to mentions more dangerous to other vehicles in a collision.

PEACE! :D

[sinisterdesign]

I think if you are driving one of these cars, your ipod screaming "steal-me" should be the least of your concerns..

apart from someone slashing my top to steal something lying in the seat (i.e. my iPod), i feel pretty secure that no one is going to take my 330Ci. BMW goes to great lengths to insure their vehicles are difficult to steal. have you ever seen a BMW on a "top stolen" (http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/stolen_cars_bystate/) list? i haven't. i know that's due in PART to the fact that they're not as common as an Accord or Civic, therefore less of them to steal.

now that i've jinxed myself, my car isn't going to be in the parking deck when i leave...but my iPod is still here beside me! ;)

[Trekkie]

I'd love to see audi do it, but I have XM radio & six disc in dash, so probably wouldn't work with mine

[Trekkie]

apart from someone slashing my top to steal something lying in the seat (i.e. my iPod),

Man just the thought of someone slashing the top on my A4 made me go look out the window into the parking lot to check

[Wonder Boy]

i hope the kit works with non brand new cars. if not, i wont have ipod intergration for another 6 years.

[iLife]

It appears that Apple has removed the reference to the BMW adapter working with MINI's (the car). I was sure it originally mentioned it. :mad:

From what i read the reason it's not mentioned on the ipodyourBMW.com is that it is planned to have a much later release, sometime in october whereas the actual BMW models are much sooner. I have a cooper and was quite interested when this came across the wires since the tunecast just wasn't a viable solution for me. It sort of is dis-heartning to see it's been taken off the apple website. Hopefully it's still in the works.

:confused:

[frankly]

bull***t.



and i'm not even going to argue it, as anyone here who has ever driven a caddy knows it. again, bull***t.

and to list a few V8s that are EVERYWHERE and get just as crappy gas mileage as suvs... better yet just one: MUSTANG V8.

and what about fullsize trucks with oversize tires?

i've got this hippy friend who gave me crap about buying my V6 isuzu vehicross, and as she's griping at me about it she's sitting in a 80's model THUNDERBIRD and the rest of the time drives a late 70's VOLVO STATION WAGON. hipocrites.

oh well, no sense arguing. people do what they do.
:rolleyes:

Maybe anyone that has driven an old cadillac knows it but the new models with the Northstar engine.

EPA estimated 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway (DHS)

Expedition: EPA estimated mpg: 15 city/19 highway**
Mustang GT Coupe: EPA estimated mpg: 17 city / 25 highway**
Mustang Mach 1: EPA estimated mpg: 17 city / 26 highway**

Ford won't even tell you the mpg for the Excursion. Sooooo.......
My vehicle has 43,000 miles. The computer says 10 mpg for all 43,000 miles. In town 10 to 11 mpg, on hiway 12 to 14 mpg, towing on the level 8 to 10, mountain towing 6 to 8.

I never said that trucks got good gas mileage. The bottom line is that I was responding to the quote saying that 6 and 8 cylinder cars get the same mpg as SUVs. That is crap. Even the one that you figured would be the worst (the Mustang) gets much better highway mileage.

Try responding with the facts instead of just conjecture.

Frank

[FightTheFuture]

is anyone besides myself worried that dell, samsung, or rio will combat this by bringing out a similar promotion? "integrate your dell digital jukebox to your ford focus for your tunes on the go... its just as cool and costs hundreds less!" :(

[yamabushi]

iPod docks are okay but a new device that incorporates the functionality of an iPod into a premium car stereo would be much better. Adding in wireless connectivity would make it a highly desirable item. Sales of such an item could easily approach or even surpass those of the iPod itself.

A normal height Apple car stereo could use the controls and screen of the iPod mini or a hybrid of iPod and typical stereo controls. Double height stereo models are also popular in some countries. A double height model could include a much larger color display with iTunes style visualizations. The display could even be a touchscreen. The stereos could be manufatured by whichever company Apple chose to partner with. Apple would handle the software and wireless networking. A wireless remote control could be used and car manufacturers could easily integrate their own controls via a port in the back of the stereo units.

The design and rollout of such a device could be very rapid since it builds on existing technology. If Apple started today they could offer it as an option in most new cars in 2005. The stereo manufacturing partner should be an existing major brand with the manufacturing capacity to meet explosive growth.

[Windowlicker]

although i'm not a car person (though i have a driving license and like using a car -- it's for transportation) I still think this is pretty damn cool. it brings good publicity and probably get's some more ipods sold too.

[parrothead]

Or, a different line of thinking... how about a car stereo with an iPod-sized 'cassette drive' and an iPod dock connector inside. You just slot the iPod in and then control it using steering wheel controls like the BMW, using the status display on the dashboard as the iPod display.

I really like this idea. iPods are the perfect size for this. The deck could have a flipdown face like some current CD models do. The deck would have a motorized mechanism to pull the ipod in and to eject it. All controls would then be on the face. Then when you get out of the car, if you dont want to take the ipod with you the face flips around and secures the ipod inside. I like it, hmm, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, Blaupunkt, are you guys listening??

[technocoy]

drive around town all day, in stop and go traffic. 14-18 mpg in town is not good at any rate. quoting hwy as the end-all be all doesn't make sense. my mean ass V6 vehicross gets 15-16 mpg in town depending on how i'm driving, it is an SUV hence my last post which you obviously ignored. and it is all-time 4WD.

again my point being that people are lumping SUV into a generic class, when really they need to refer to the mini-greyhound bus market i.e. excursions and the others like it.

[OldManJimbo]

I think Toyota has a Bluetooth enabled version of the Prius, and the little control screen is DVD compatible - so how about an iPod connection to the car stereo via Bluetooth?

[timmyOtool]

drive around town all day, in stop and go traffic. 14-18 mpg in town is not good at any rate. quoting hwy as the end-all be all doesn't make sense. my mean ass V6 vehicross gets 15-16 mpg in town depending on how i'm driving, it is an SUV hence my last post which you obviously ignored. and it is all-time 4WD.

again my point being that people are lumping SUV into a generic class, when really they need to refer to the mini-greyhound bus market i.e. excursions and the others like it.
I want to know just who these idiots that you know are who can't tell a chevy tracker from a suburban

[parrothead]

Ok people, this whole SUV's are bad, SUV's are good thing is getting old. That is WAY off topic for this thread. Can we keep it to iPods and car stereos? If I wanted to read a bunch of arguing about cars I would go to the political forums. :mad:

[timmyOtool]

**confirmed**installing an ipod in your SUV instantly improves gas mileage 40%. **confirmed**

[Mr_Ed]

okay to put it in perspective, how many mustangs/caddies/etc, are being driven as compared to escalades? many more (same goes for the hummer). a general mass market 4cylinder/6cylinder SUV gets just as good of gas mileage if not better than a lot of cars. my point being that the term SUV has become a catch-all for gas guzzling. there are gas guzzlers for every type of vehicle. the problem is LARGE SUV's, LARGE CARS, LARGE VANS, LARGE TRUCKS, period. mind you, if you drive one of these and actually use it to a good clip for what it intended for, i.e. hauling, off-roading, utility, i have no problem with it. but driving one of these just because it is percieved as a success emblem or "cool" is rediculous. it's wasteful and harmful to the planet, not to mentions more dangerous to other vehicles in a collision.

PEACE! :D

You are right about gas guzzlers (all types) being the problem. I still think the whole argument is silly, however. How many trips in a Civic would it take to transport 6 adults, a bunch of cargo, and haul a boat? The point is NO vehicle is suitable for EVERY situation. That's the reason there are many different types of vehicles, whether we like them or not. If it is larger and it weighs more, it will use more fuel. That's just physics. The rabid "anti-SUV" bunch needs to get over it.

[technocoy]

I want to know just who these idiots that you know are who can't tell a chevy tracker from a suburban

but you see my point though, right? I know you have heard those same people... "anyone who buys an SUV"

You are right about gas guzzlers (all types) being the problem. I still think the whole argument is silly, however. How many trips in a Civic would it take to transport 6 adults, a bunch of cargo, and haul a boat? The point is NO vehicle is suitable for EVERY situation. That's the reason there are many different types of vehicles, whether we like them or not. If it is larger and it weighs more, it will use more fuel. That's just physics. The rabid "anti-SUV" bunch needs to get over it.

We are in agreement then... that's exactly what i was saying in my post. Thank you for seeing the logic of my argument (non argument, discussion, whatever!) and again sorry to everyone for the off-topic posts we've been making! :o

**confirmed**installing an ipod in your SUV instantly improves gas mileage 40%. **confirmed**

LOL ROTFLMAO!

PEACE ALL.

[timmyOtool]

I never said that SUV's were the evil in of themselves. They have uses. I live on a farm and often need to drive a huge 4X4 truck to get were I need to be. My only point is, to say that all cars or trucks with v8's are anywhere close to the gas hogs that large SUV's are is flat out wrong. To go farther of topic (why not?) I hate people who drive these pimped out SUV's and Large truck because they have destroyed the market for the rest of us who have a real need for the large 4X4's. Go to a car lot and try to find one that cost less than $35,000, one that doesn't have leather seats, one that is just a basic ride, that you don't need to sell your house to buy and if you take it in the field you won't freak out if it gets dented. You CAN NOT find one like that anymore because of yuppie scum bags who have taken over the 4X4 market. God Bless America! Now if they would just make an ipod kit for 1976 Ford f-350.

[bertagert]

Ok, I'm the one that really got things going onthe suv thing so I'm sorry for going off topic.

1. Frankly - Yes I do get 26 mpg hwy with my grand cherokee. Even though it says 23 mpg in the owners manual. So no, you're wrong. I'm averaging 18 in the city.

2. I would like to see a study on how many miles these "suv" drivers are actually putting on their cars. I have a feeling that its not as much as people would think.

3. Frankly - why aren't you going around busting on all the sales people who drive a Ford Taurus? They get 20/27. Not far off of a "suv" grand cherokee. Yet, that sales person drives 5 times as many miles as i do a year. Shouldn't you be harping on these people to get a diesel or a privus?

Its amazing how fud gets spread. :rolleyes:

[timmyOtool]

The jeep cherokee is a midsized SUV. And I really dont care about what you drive or anyone else for that matter. If you think that LARGE SUV's or any LARGE 4X4 gets the same mileage as a mid sized car you are flat out wrong. You are just trying to fool yourself. I have MUCH experience with heavy duty 4X4's which the jeep cherokee (although a pretty sweet ride) is not. If you think that thats just FUD buy one and fill it up!

[iMeowbot]

no, the smart cars aren't in the US because the US population, as a whole, consists of fat lazy people who would rather drive big suv's that get 14mpg than a small smart car which gets 60. they're out in canada, though. the smart website says that smart will come to the US in 2006, but it'll only be an SUV by smart instead of their other cars. i'd love to own one of the cars, but that doesn't look like a possibility anytime soon.

There is a lot of demand for the smart in the US, but its design doesn't conform to US safety regulations. That doesn't mean that the car isn't crashworthy, rather that the regulations as currently written demand certain types of frame and bumper elements that don't lend themselves to the smart's construction.

A modified four-passenger model is supposed to be in development that will meet the requirements, but the original style is unlikely to appear here. A few examples modified to use alternative power sources can be had, since they fall under a different set of regulations.

[bertagert]

The jeep cherokee is a midsized SUV... If you think that thats just FUD buy one and fill it up!
Tim,

I'm not going against you on this. I'm talking to the people that group all suv's as the same. There are only a few vechiles that actually suck down the petrol. Suburbans/Tahoe, Expetion/Excursions and any V8 small suv. But, trying to group and V6 or 4 cylinder suv into the gas guzzling group is wrong and the statements made by these people bother me as they state them as fact. Most people that drive "suv's" are getting the midsized vechiles and these aren't slurping down gas like Frankly would like you to believe.

I just wish these people would get their facts straight before shouting it out to the world.

[randyg]

This is good news, but I live in the UK and drive a Citoën car.

I really doubt the European brands like Citoën, Peugeot, Fiat etc. will be top of the list.

Maybe an Apple stereo for the car, or a collaboration with a stereo manufacturer would be better.

Neil

One thing to keep in mind, these connectors are really made for the head unit, and not specifically the car. For instance, the Mini and the BMW have the same radio which is why the connector will work for both. Even though there might be a lot of auto manufacturers out there, there's only a small number of stereo manufacturers, so your Citroen and Peugot might have the same stereo as a Ford or Mercedes. Just something to think about!

[timmyOtool]

Tim,

I'm not going against you on this. I'm talking to the people that group all suv's as the same. There are only a few vechiles that actually suck down the petrol. Suburbans/Tahoe, Expetion/Excursions and any V8 small suv. But, trying to group and V6 or 4 cylinder suv into the gas guzzling group is wrong and the statements made by these people bother me as they state them as fact. Most people that drive "suv's" are getting the midsized vechiles and these aren't slurping down gas like Frankly would like you to believe.

I just wish these people would get their facts straight before shouting it out to the world.
Sorry. I was being a little defensive. My apologies. :o

[aethier]

no, the smart cars aren't in the US because the US population, as a whole, consists of fat lazy people who would rather drive big suv's that get 14mpg than a small smart car which gets 60. they're out in canada, though. the smart website says that smart will come to the US in 2006, but it'll only be an SUV by smart instead of their other cars. i'd love to own one of the cars, but that doesn't look like a possibility anytime soon.

Are you sure, i have yet to see a single Smart here in canada, and its pretty much the same with us for the SUV thing... after all, we are called "America's little brother", or to quote Homer Simpson "America Junior"

aethier

[Travis Novak]

okay to put it in perspective, how many mustangs/caddies/etc, are being driven as compared to escalades? many more (same goes for the hummer). a general mass market 4cylinder/6cylinder SUV gets just as good of gas mileage if not better than a lot of cars.


Show me an suv that gets over 30. And no, a scion xB is not an suv.

[technocoy]

I'm done here, the people i wanted to understand me, now see what i was saying, and to them i enjoyed the debate/conversation, and i hope we have all taken from one another. to the dude that just posted, i can't explain the post that you just quoted any clearer, but it's obvious that either

a: i wasn't able to get across my idea.

or

b: you chose to block out the entire point and logic of the post. What the HELL does what you just said have anything to do with that statement?

[Phat_Pat]

Have you guys seen the ad on tv?

All the times i've seen it they've blurred out the BMW and Apple logos. I mean its just the grage and the the voice. No logos of any kind.

Is it just me or is anyone else seeing this?

[Highland]

From an email from my dealer (that is... errr... car dealer) :D

"MINI iPod interface is currently under development for release
later in the year. We are also told that this cannot be used in conjunction with the
6-disc CD changer.

In addition, the above combinations are only compatible with 3rd Generation iPods with software version 2.2 and the mini iPod with software version 1.1."

I have a MINI Cooper S and iPod... I can't wait for this!

And BTW, I'd MUCH rather have the iPod in the glove box and the controls on the steering wheel. Seems like a fantastic solution to me. The idea of having the iPod on display sends chills down my spine...

How often are car windows are smashed just to steal a $100 mobile phone??

[sirron]

Then Mini Cooper also gets the iPod compatibility. :eek:

[devman]

From what i read the reason it's not mentioned on the ipodyourBMW.com is that it is planned to have a much later release, sometime in october whereas the actual BMW models are much sooner. I have a cooper and was quite interested when this came across the wires since the tunecast just wasn't a viable solution for me. It sort of is dis-heartning to see it's been taken off the apple website. Hopefully it's still in the works.

:confused:

Well when I registered at WWDC today there was a Z4 and a red Mini (car) prominently displayed in the foyer of Moscone West. I couldn't see up close or read the stands beside the cars as everything was roped off and patrolled by security and only the registration area was open.

For what it's worth... but it makes me think the Mini is still part of the offering (why choose a mini to display if otherwise?)

[iMeowbot]

is anyone besides myself worried that dell, samsung, or rio will combat this by bringing out a similar promotion? "integrate your dell digital jukebox to your ford focus for your tunes on the go... its just as cool and costs hundreds less!" :(

Ah, but this is where the competition shows itself to be not as cool! Take a look at the connectors on the Dell unit: a headphone jack with some remote control stuff at the top, a power jack on the side, but no single connector with control, line out (both analog and digital) and power like the iPod offers.

I just drop my iPod into the car dock and it starts playing, but there would be two or three cables to fumble with on the Dell, and using the headphone jack I'd have to diddle with levels too and it's not going to sound as good as a real line out.

The Rio Karma might work out well in a car, provided that something reasonably priced can be worked out make use of its Ethernet remote capability (maybe there's a simpler method built into its docking interface?). It's got the convenient line out and power there, but someone would have to build the car interface. Apple's already got BMW and Dension making the interfaces for iPod.

The Samsung YP-910GS has an iTrip-like transmitter built in (forget decent sound in most cars), or you could hack up something the same mess of wires as for the Dell unit. The coolness just isn't there.

[nascarcm24]

American's should be smart and put like different air intakes and exhaust systems on their cars to get better gas mileage. I know since my dad put a different air intake on my mom's Tahoe, it's got better gas mileage, and when you need power it's there more. It's a 2003 ya, also people with 4 wheel drive should turn it off when not in use, it saves gas. On the otherhand, my V6 '96 Camaro, get's horrible gas mileage, it gets the same gas mileage as my mom's Tahoe, sad huh? it has a different exhaust and intake on it too. so ya, time for bed. lata

[rdrr]

I am really supprised that bmw and apple would allow this "solution" to go out the door like this... :confused:

Putting the ipod in the glove compartment just flopping around is crap, and the fact all you get on the head unit is track 01, 02, etc, just seems to be a hack solution.

Maybe they should have done a simple google to find out what end users have done to integrate their ipod into their cars.

Gen 3 Ipod (http://homepage.mac.com/reelmagik1/PhotoAlbum3.html)

Another Gen 3 iPod (http://carmac.acmelab.org/viewtopic.php?t=61)

Mini Ipod (http://homepage.mac.com/reelmagik1/PhotoAlbum4.html)