Ok. So I know there are a bunch of options for Ipod integration (OEM and otherwise). But I've been doing searching for a Mini-specific mount coming up empty.

Ideally, I'd love to be able to plug it in for both power and audio, but more importantly, I just want something at semi-eye level so that I can navigate less dangerously. Right now it's just kind of sitting in my cup holder and I'm about tired of that setup.

Thanks for any leads you guys might have!

-Brian

 

Kuda (eye level) or Pro-clip (passenger-side of the dash, lower down). Try google pro clip is www.proclipusa.com

 

I recently purchased the Griffin TuneFlex and have been very happy with it. About $10 on eBay (regularly around $25-$30). It places the iPod at a good level and the sound through the Aux port is good.

Look up Griffin TuneFlex for your specific type of iPod. I had the 1st generation Nano which has a different casing than the 2nd generation and it matters for the Griffin TuneFlex.

It comes with a tape player adaptor, but you won't use it. You will need to buy a 3.5mm (1/8") audio cable from the TuneFlex to the Aux port. Total invetment was about $20 and well worth it.

 

Hey thanks for the quick replies guys!

Jayhawk: I have a 12v splitter 1 to 3, the 3 end I keep in the little cargo thing on the left side of the passenger seat. Safe to say the TuneFlex cord isn't long enough to extend up from the cargo to where the Proclip mount is? I suspect that would be a little awkward even if it were that long anyway...

-Brian

 

Nah, the TuneFlex is meant to work alone by design. When plugged in the standard outlet it places the iPod at a nice height adjacent to the center console, either left or right side. Plugging it in anywhere else wouldn't really work aesthetically or in a practical manner.

 

One caution with the Griffin TuneFlex, it can break the cigarette lighter socket. I just had to have the socket repaired because pulling the TuneFlex out broke the illuminated ring and the socket went dead. The MINI socket is a little undersized and the TuneFlex has a rubber serrated ring that is meant to keep it from wiggling out. The combination can be too much for the socket if you aren't careful. It might be OK if you hold the socket down when pulling the TuneFlex out.

My dealer fixed it under warranty as "a courtesy" but wont repair it a second time.

IMO, the cigarette lighter socket in the MINI is rather flimsily made. I've dealt with such sockets a lot because my telescopes use them. Even Radio Shack sockets are more robust than the MINI.

 

I recently purchased the "3 in 1 Car Kit for Ipod" from amazon (shipped from satechi).
(+) Powers the ipod,
(+) holds it in place
(+) FM transmitter works well if you want, else use aux cable
(+) remote control
(+)$30.00 + shipping
(-) locates the ipod just in front of shifter which is tight and blocks the MINI's bank of toggles and it is really hard to use the ipods controller.

I use the FM transmit option over the aux port because so as to use the steering wheel controls to alternate between ipod and radio presets. On the other hand, the remote control helps somewhat alleviate the awkward position of the ipod.