So I bought this nifty 16GB usb stick a while back for holding my music. It is great because it is super tiny and you cannot see it at all when inserted. The problem is that if I get anywhere close to filling that thing up with music, it takes the radio forever to scan it and populate the directory within the computer. So I can only put maybe 8GB worth of music on it for it to be tolerable for my liking. IMO a waste.

I have never tried using an iPod yet though, so I had some questions. I have a 08' Clubman S with the HiFi no nav. I have an old iPhone 3g 64GB, an iPod Nano 16GB, and an iPod Classic 160GB sitting around looking for something to do. Here are my questions:

1) When using the iPod (any iPod) rather than a USB stick, does the computer still take forever to populate the data or is it reading the data off the iPod and therefore is just as or nearly just as fast as the iPod is when accessing directories, playlists, searching for artists, etc?

2) Do you think there would be any difference in using a flash based iPod (Nano, iPhone 3G) vs the classic in regards to access time? Any unit I end up using will be full of music.

3) My car has the phone prep in the armrest, so one benefit would be to be able to use the iPhone 3G adapter that sits in the armrest to control my iPod? Does this charge the unit as well?

4) If I go the route of the 160GB Classic, I assume I would need the "Y" cable and won't be able to use the armrest. Is there anyway of getting it up into the glovebox/hidden compartment with extensions?

That's all I have at the moment. Any feedback would be appreciated. I searched for a lot of these questions, but couldn't find the answers specific to the questions I asked.

Thanks,

-Z

 

I sometimes use an old 16GB USB key and the first time using it was slow to populate. Subsequent uses is fast - probably because I don't update the music on there. I rarely use it mind you as my iPhone has a lot of AAC lossless music on there.

1. Nope. Not for me with my iPhone4.
2. Not likely.
4. Either an iPod extension cable (if they exist) or use two extension cables: one stereo 3.5mm female-female and a USB cable female/male might work.

 

I would use the IPOD because instead of the Headunit having to cache a table of contents it just reads the Ipod's DB file

The Ipod Most Interface will allow you to tuck the ipod away in the "secret compartment" and will give you the best sound if using ALAC files, just remember to get the Ipod tray and that it has to be coded to the VO for it to be recognized by the Headunit

This is the cheapest place for the interface and tray
Ipod MOST Interface
http://www.parts.com/parts/index.cfm...earch&siteid=2

Ipod Glovebox Tray
http://www.parts.com/parts/index.cfm...earch&siteid=2

 

I don't need this if i have the HiFi with USB Audio and Handsfree prep already in my car do I? Or are you suggesting this because the quality is beter than using the cable adapter alone?


-Z

 

No sir you don't Need it.... i recommended it because you said you wanted to stow the Ipod away... the better quality of sound is a plus though.

 

Is there any benefit of using this over getting the adapter plate for the iPhone 3g for my armrest and using my old phone in there as my iPod? I know the armrest option is cheaper since I have the handsfree prep already installed, but I thought I remember reading about how you couldn't control your music when it is in the armrest.

 

I am not sure my brother as i have never tested the armrest adapter... i have tested the MOST interface and the usb/aux interface... my nod goes to the MOST kit because of the sound is clearer (More dynamic) and you can hide the Ipod away from thieves. I say go for whatever that better suits what you are trying to accomplish.

 

a ?. Is the adapter plate that you speak of just an 3.5mm input or is it the USB/3.5mm together?