i always cycle my itunes-purchased music through a cd-rw (use it over and over again). buy the itunes, burn to cd-rw, rip back to itunes (default set to mp3 format). works great although it takes a few minutes each time i buy new itunes.

wish there was a direct-connect (usb, for instance) to the head unit for mp3 or ipod. i've got the 60gb ipod full of music - over 10K songs.

looking into the whole idea of a mac mini (how appropriate) for music, nav, etc...

 

seriously wtf. i never knew this. if i woulda known this i would have been a happy camper since day one.. i am out to try this right this second

 

Also not on my '06 - April 12 build

 

How much $$$ are people actually paying these days for a used 05 mp3 capable oem head unit?

 

tested yesterday after i read this thread, my late year 05 definitly plays mp3 cds.. grrrrrrr... kinda makes the ipod adapter worthless now

 

before I ordered my MINI, this was one of my largest debates. Wasn't sure if I should order the iPOD adapter. I did some research and found out the details on how the iPOD adapter worked in the MINI's and BMW's. When I did find this out I decided against the factory iPOD adapter.

I will go with an aftermarket Alpine hu that has full control of the iPOD.

I am glad to hear that the factory hu will play mp3's. My MA said that the unit would not play mp3's.

I wonder how come they are not aware of this...

 

I was just wondering about that this morning!

 

The only thing I've noticed about mine is that the volume playing mp3's is not as loud at the same setting as with regular CD's, but I'm glad it will play them.

 

Call it bad priorities, but one of the elements that guided me to selling my 03 MC and getting an 06 MCS (ordered, fingers x'd)- is that the head unit plays MP3 CDs. However, I will still get the AUX INPUT installed. Why? A lot of folks don't realize the aux input isn't just for iPods, but anything that has (or can be converted to) a 1/8" stereo jack!

Actual uses for my AUX INPUT:
iPod
other digital media player
portable CD player a.k.a. "discman"
laptop <-- fun!
portable DVD player
battery powered guitar amplifier <- fun fun fun!
microcassette recorder/player

 

Exactly... I have a ton of movies and Navigation on my laptop. Great to use over the HK system.

I also have a USB drive player which connects to the cigarette lighter and offers an Line Out port that works great with the Aux Input. I use by 1 and 2 gig usb keys for just shuffling my music in my other cars... but now i can do away with the cassette adapter in the MINI