The car I'm going to be driving only has a basic casette player/radio for music and I want to be able to listen to my iPod mini on it. I guess the iTrip mini is the way to go, but how is it on audio quality? And how exactly does it work (wireless?)? I've read some unfavorable reviews on it.
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iPod Mini and Car Audio
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If your car has a cassette tape player you should get a tape adapter. Of your options, this will be the easiest solution and deliver the absolute best sound quality. You can use a special 'ipod' tape adapter but any tape adapter for a portable cd player will work.
The itrip isn't extremely intuitive, plus the sound quality will only be as good as radio, at the best of times. It uses a short range FM transmitter that, IMHO, leaves a bit to be desired.
Edit: Although any old tape adapter will work, griffin makes this tape adapter that allows you to control your ipod with your tape deck controls, which would be nice to be able to do if you're operating a vehicle.
The itrip isn't extremely intuitive, plus the sound quality will only be as good as radio, at the best of times. It uses a short range FM transmitter that, IMHO, leaves a bit to be desired.
Edit: Although any old tape adapter will work, griffin makes this tape adapter that allows you to control your ipod with your tape deck controls, which would be nice to be able to do if you're operating a vehicle.
I don't have a tape deck in my car (stupid nav screen 
) Anyway i got an itrip and it works great. Once you find the present station that works best in your area, their is no problem. The sound quality is great, but i got a great sound system in the car. (Mark Levinson)
) Anyway i got an itrip and it works great. Once you find the present station that works best in your area, their is no problem. The sound quality is great, but i got a great sound system in the car. (Mark Levinson)
I get pretty decent reception using an iTrip on my iPod. When listening to classical music or anything soft, I have to hold the iPod upright and put my hand over the iTrip to minimize the static. I guess my body acts as an extended antenna. It's a bit of a pain at times, but I'm getting used to driving one-handed. I don't need to do that, however, when listening to rock or pop music. I guess it's loud enough that I don't hear the static.
I'd definitely go for the cassette adapter. It'll work with anything you would ever want to connect with a normal headphone jack. If ever you get something else than an iPod to get your tunes from, you'll be able to connect it. Plus, they sell it almost everywhere.
Stampyhead said:
Go for the cassette adapter.I have the itrip (2g ipod) and a friend for a 4g ipod.Both behave the same way in New york city(there are to many stations). They suck if you are close to Newark Liberty airport!! or sometimes a long suspended bridge(this was just with the 2g). I tried like 5 different stations and the sound was on and off and staticky.Don't get me wrong other than that .it works well if you don't often pass by an airport.
BTW instead of the itrip try get the Airplay at least you dont have to stop what you are listening to and go back to the menu click the itrip playlist select a station go back to the playlist menu and click back whatever you are listening to(it's a bit annoying in audiobooks).And is not that safe when you are driving alone in the car and you have to take your eyes of the road for a couple of seconds.
In the airplay the staion buttons are on the top of it so you don't have to go digging through the menu. i think that's better at the end even though has two more stations (87.7 &87.9)
BTW instead of the itrip try get the Airplay at least you dont have to stop what you are listening to and go back to the menu click the itrip playlist select a station go back to the playlist menu and click back whatever you are listening to(it's a bit annoying in audiobooks).And is not that safe when you are driving alone in the car and you have to take your eyes of the road for a couple of seconds.
In the airplay the staion buttons are on the top of it so you don't have to go digging through the menu. i think that's better at the end even though has two more stations (87.7 &87.9)