wow.. Just tried and found out that I can actually connect my external USB hard drive to MINI USB port to listen to MP3 file. This is amazing. I've been using iPod since Saturday, but now I don't need iPod. Just store my all MP3 collection into my external 20GB or larger capacity (in small portable size) USB hard drive, and connect it to MINI USB port to enjoy all of my music collection. I never though it was possible, but really worked.
I just found another reason to love my baby.
Great!!!!

 

Were you really LOOKING for more reasons to love it...????

 

Check the Audio & Nav forum for more info on using a hard drive, There have been quite a few posts on this topic that you might find interesting.

Glad to hear you are loving your MINI!

 

gababo, what is the model/make of the hard drive you are using? Does it only need power from the USB or also use supplemental power from the cigarette lighter?

 

Seagate USB 8GB powered by USB itself, not cigarette later. Also any SD card USB adapter works. I assume fresh memory based drive would work. I haven't try harddrive based USB harddrive.
Take a look my attached pics. Both worked wonderfully.

 

I just tried my 100GB USB Hard Drive, but it doesn't seem to work. It kept reading and reading. I guess it need some power. I wish I had power adapter that connects to cigarette jack. Who know? It may work with power adapter.

 

displaying as USB, but my MINI kept reading without showing all default folders....

 

As we are all loving the USB/ipod Bluetooth feature, I just wanted to share my experience. Last night I discovered that I could charge my Motorola (USB based charger) phone through the USB port. I was worried that the phone would loose charge quickly with the bluetooth feature (which it does) and I have to spend on a cigarette lighter charger... but now I don't have to

 

Just wondering... Do you have to put the files in a specific folder? I played with one of my old USB sticks and it said that it was empty....

 

I use the $30 8gb USB from buy.com works great. As for specific folder, nope, just drag the songs you want into any folder from itunes and you now have a "virtual playlist" if you want to do by album then you need to either manually create each one and copy it into a folder or their is software on the net you can download that will re-org the drive by artist and album from the AC3 files.

 

I will take delivery of my PW Cooper 08 with Media connect (USB/bluetooth) tomorrow.

I have an SE W810i, I used to charge my phone at work with a USB cable.
This phone has 4gb Memory stick.
Will see if this work.
If the phone connects to the stereo, and playing mp3.
I wonder if my bluetooth will work if someone is calling in....

Anyone tried?

 

When I connect my 8GB USB drive, MINI recognize all created default folders and their subfolders (awsome, just like computer). Once you choose specific folder, MINI Navi screen displays all songs stored in that specific folder. So I assume as long as you store MINI compatible music file, it will recognize file and play in your MINI stereo. Isn't it cool? I'm just happy that I don't need to connect my iPod and move it to somewhere when leaving my MINI to prevent theft. I just simply connect small USB drive or SD card adapter and leave them on all the time. None can see that small thing from outside.
Happy Motoring!!!!

 

When my phone was charging with USB, the blutooth was still on. No one called me during that time... so cannot comment. But as long as blutooth connection is on this should work. I will try tonight

 

is the usb port only part of the bluetooth option or does it come standard?

 

In Canada, for 08 R56, there's a option called Media Connect.
It has bluetooth, and USB plug next to the AUX.

It's a neat function.

I will be going to take delivery tonight!!!

Hope it doesn't rain.....

 

nice, congratz!

So the usb port isn't standard then?

 

I thought the USB port was standard, but that's not the impression I get reading here.

 

USB port is not standard, but if you choose convenience package, both USB/AUX & Bluetooth will be in the package. If you don't choose convenience package, which I strongly recommend, you can add this for $500.

 

Convenience package was a no brainer for me. The bluetooth system is great and totally integrates with my BB Curve.

 

I just ordered my MCS today and am seriously considering adding the Nav unit and Blue tooth.

Could you guys tell me a little more about the blue tooth , i.e. functionality, why its so great, etc...

Also, where is the usb and ipod connectors? For the $500 version that is.

 

If your phone cooperates, it connects to the radio. You phone book gets uploaded to the radio, you can access the phone functions from the radio controls. When a call comes in, the radio rings, you push the phone button (on the radio or the steering wheel) and it answers the phone. The audio comes out of the radio (it pauses or mutes what you were listening to) and there's a mic in the roof. You can also dial out from the radio, from your phone's phone book or by number.

It works very well, you can use your phone hands free, and you don't have to plug it in or anything. It just connects when you get in the car. I like it a lot.

With the USB bit you get a "Y-cable" which plugs into the USB and Aux-in ports on the radio at one end and into the iPod's dock connector at the other. It controls the iPod and gives you track and list information on the radio display. The Y-Cable is to short, it only reaches to the net in the passenger footwell, but you can use extension cables to put the iPod somewhere better, like the glovebox.

I find the new iPod adapters somewhat annoying as they start the song over form the beginning when the car starts up. If you make short trips you listen to the same song over and over until you go mad (or hit the skip button).

 

Thanks.

So, I take it it mutes the mic then if I'm not speaking. If so, does that work well, any problems or is it pretty seamless?

With the nav unit, does the ipod show on it in menu form similar to that of the ipod itself? so, can you drill down music>artist/songs/genre>song ?

I have an iPhone. how much of its functionality links up w/ the nav unit? Is it just address book and music?

Also, I think I read it correctly but want to make certain, The ipod /iphone does charge when connected to the usb right?

 

Sweet! I will have to dig out all of my USB sticks and load em up with driving tunes

 

I bought my iPod before I picked up my MINI since I thought I had to be certain that my mp3 player should work with my MINI. After found out that I can use my old 8GB fresh hard drive and even 8GB Sandisk SD memory card with USB adapter to listen to my music collection, I returned my iPod nano (8gb) to the store. Honestly, I like my MINI with memory card and usb hard drive better than with iPod since with iPod somehow I can't explore all the track easily. It displays default folder such as 90's, most played, etc. Maybe I was so lazy to learn more, but I don't have to worry about anymore.
Especailly 8GB Sandisk Extreme III SD car with USB adapter works really well. MINI recognize it very very fast, faster than 2GB Sandisk Ultra II with USB adapter. So I created several folders and add all my music collection, now I just leave my SD card in my MINI.
Also, I want to mention that I love Navigation screen. When I test drive MINI before ordering, entertainment screen was so small. I could barely see it. But with Navigation screen, it's big and convenient although I still wish speedometer were in front of my steering wheel.
I don't have bluetooth equiped phone yet, but since I have bluetooth funtion in my MINI, I definately look into a nice compatible bluetooth phone and explore bluetooth function.

Happy motoring, everyone.

 

I don't know about your other questions, but
The USB will charge an iPod or iPhone.