Trying to get the hang of the iPod interface. One thing I can't seem to figure out though is if there is a way to scoll through my VERY long list of songs/artists -- alphabetically. Starting at "A" and scrolling down to find an "R" or "W" each time doesn't seem very efficient.

 

On a semi-related note, I'm really frustrated that despite the 255 item limit in the folders/lists, I can only get a fraction of that.

Anyone getting something similar, know what's up? For example, I have a 54 item playlist, and I can only get to #34 on there in the iPod interface. Very weird. Of all my playlists I can only see like, 60 of them. (Why so many? Because my 80 GB ipod has 1000+ artists, so I have to make what I want to hear accessible with some clever organizational techniques.)

Any help would be appreciate. Thanks.

 

So what you're trying to say is that if I'm planning on stuffing a 160GB iPod full, then the iPod interface is basically going to be a complete waste?

 

Sounds like you'll just have to play by playlists, so just organize them very carefully. I've got a 160 myself. Now I just need a MINI to go with it.

 

Since it's a dealer-only addon I think I'm going to wait and hope that my dealer bones something up with my order/delivery so I can con them into throwing in the iPod interface to appease me. I keep hoping that Mini updates the software to eliminate the 255 item limit in light of the new larger sizes. (Hah! Fat chance!)

 

Can you at least play random tracks from the entire iPod (without them having to be on a playlist)? And have it filter based on ratings?

 

No idea about the random factor. I am not able to check at the time. It depends if the randomizer is based on the iPod doing it, or the iPod interface.

The iPod interface seems more likely as if it were a CD or MP3CD, the changer interface would be what randomizes. The iPod interface basically makes the stereo see the iPod as a changer instead.

Which is why I don't think the 255 limit is going anywhere. I'm guessing it's a limit based on the memory of the interface's hardware. 256 seems to be a significant number if computer memory addressing, but I don't recall why offhand.

Still doesn't explain why I can't see past track 34 or whatever it is in some playlists, nor why I can't see all the playlists despite having less than 100.

 

256 = 16 x 16, which is a round number in binary and hexidecimal. With an 8-bit unsigned number, you can represent the range of 0 to 255 (decimal). I have an 80 G iPod, and I'm not amused by the 8-bit index.

I like having the information integrated in the Nav display, but .... These limitations are pretty pathetic. And the UI is painfully slow.

 

Well, I was considering this outrageously expensive option, but not so much now. I'm puzzeled - do all the folks who rave about it only have a few GB of music on their iPods?

 

I expect that the vast majority of people don't ever run into this issue. They probably either have a bunch of single mp3s they put on shuffle/playlists or a limited number of artists. People with a iPod Mini, Nano or the new Touches should be fine.

Unfortunately I'm an album man, myself and the whole point of the huge **** iPod is going to be so I can take my entire CD collection (and then some) in the car w/ me w/o having to resort to filling up the boot with a bunch of giant CD binders. Luckily my work commute is short so I shouldn't have to touch the iPod controls except when starting the car. Just queue up an album and go. (I never really got into the whole 'put your whole mp3 collection on shuffle' thing mostly because doing that made my old computer crap itself.) And on any longer trips I should have a copilot who can handle iPod duties.

I think I'll just take the money I'd spend on the iPod interface and invest it in a nice ProClip or Kuda mount instead. Honestly I really wouldn't mind the CD changer. Too bad it's so bloody freakin' expensive.

 

I found that after swallowing hard and getting the nav system, it wasn't a big leap to get the iPod interface. Yeah, it can be painfully slow, and requires some playlist planning, but I'm glad I have it.

Luckily when I ordered my R56 the MA was unaware that the interface had changed, so it only cost $250 installed.