Concerned about the placement of the AUX input

[acousticbiker]

I'm waiting for an '06 Seaside Pearl #8 and have been enjoying posts by those lucky enough to have their '06 already. The only detail that I find myself not liking so far is the placement of the AUX input inside the center console. I think I read somewhere that the MFD will not be able to control an MP3 player connected to the AUX. So where do you position your MP3 player (in my case, Treo 650) so that there is not a wire dangling (if, for example, you put it on a vent mount) and so that you could access the buttons to control the player (not easily done with the player put into the little area inside the console just above the AUX input that is apparently to hold your MP3 player)? I wish they had just put the AUX input by the stereo, which is the logical place. Anyone else with thoughts/suggestions or real experience with an '06?

[sunnysandiegan]

I am certainly not an expert since we do not own an '06 Prius yet...

However, when we test drove an '06 on Saturday, my DH brought along his iPod to test this feature. He put his iPod in the front cupholder and the cord was mostly inside the center console...only visible from the console to the iPod. It blended in well enough for me, but I would have thought they would have designed this feature a bit better. It's certainly not stopping me from buying an '06, though!!!

[bob dylan]

I have an '06 Prius package 8.
The Aux Input IS in a weird spot, however...

I've been driving all week with my iPod in the tray, which comes in the center armrest console.
It fits in there fine, and is hidden from view, and simply shuffles all day.

I do with I could stash it somehow in one of the front cup holders, and be able to close the cupholder (with iPod in it, when not in use).

I'm someone here will figure out a good place and rewiring workaround, but for now, the center armrest area works, and it's not too bad.

Originally posted by sunnysandiegan@Dec 6 2005, 01:33 AM
I am certainly not an expert since we do not own an '06 Prius yet...

However, when we test drove an '06 on Saturday, my DH brought along his iPod to test this feature. He put his iPod in the front cupholder and the cord was mostly inside the center console...only visible from the console to the iPod. It blended in well enough for me, but I would have thought they would have designed this feature a bit better. It's certainly not stopping me from buying an '06, though!!!

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[gjertsen]

Just picked up my 06 package 3 on 1/14... I thought the AUX input placement was funny at first, too. But actually, it's very logical.

As mentioned earlier, the front cupholder is probably the best spot for the iPod. However, if you plan on leaving the iPod in the car sometimes (or ever) then it's probably a good idea to stow it away where the AUX input lives, so that it doesn't bait people to break into your car.

In any case, it is possible to close that compartment with a mini-to-mini audio cable passing through and not have it pinch the cable. I just verified that to be the case.

[Kiloran]

Actually, if they could only have one AUX input, I prefer it in the center console for exactly the reason listed, no dangling wires.
I hook up my IPOD, select a playlist, leave the IPOD in the center console or in a cupholder, and close the center console.

It would probably have been better overall if the radio had an additional AUX input on the front of the radio as well but, if we can't have both, I like it the way it is.

My 2p.

[gas hater]

I bought the cable from radio shack for 12.00, and plug it from the iPod into the aux outlet. I just rest the iPod on top of the center console. The cable I have is pretty thick and fits fine out of the side of the console without being pinched. My last car only had AM/FM for the last six months so this is a godsend.

[tjbrooks]

If you have an iPod, I recommend you look at the Belkin iPod Auto Kit. It's perfect for Prius owners. I got mine for $40 from Target, but you can get it from Amazon for under $30.

More info on Belkin's site

It's basically just a car charger for the iPod, that plugs in to the dock connection at the bottom of your iPod. Except.....

it also has a line-out w/ built-in amplifier at the base (where you plug it in to the outlet). I just connect the base to the Prius AUX input with a tiny 1/8" patch connector. So I have one straight (white) wire coming out. And it connects to the bottom of the iPod so it is secured to the top of the first cupholder when the center console is closed.

I can post some pictures if anybody would like to see how I've got it set up.

Even better is that when you power off the Prius (or unplug the adapter from the outlet), it pauses your music. No more accidentally leaving the thing running during work. Keep your place and your power. This is very handy with my Harry Potter audiobooks. No more scanning through the 45 minute chapters for my last place.

Sorry to the OP, I don't think a Treo has the same thing available, but you might want to check Belkin just to be sure.

[flynz4]

I have the same adapter as tjbrooks and I think that it is currently the best adapter out there if you need to supply power to your device. Otherwise, a simple patch cable is just fine.

I think the Belkin device would be better if they could dump the internal amplifier... and simply pass on the line-level audio. I am hoping that they make that change soon.

I am considering getting an iPod Nano as a second device. It does not have very much storage capacity... but it has very long play time and would be a good secondary unit for use during my long international flights, which really push the limits of a traditional iPod's battery. That way I could listen to my regular iPod until the battery died... then switch to the more limited Nano.

If I get the Nano... I doubt that I would bother trying to charge it in the car. The battery life is so long that I would not find it necessary. Actually... once Toyota starts offering the "approved XM" radio for the Prius... I will probably not use an iPod at all in the car.

/Jim

[AlphaTeam]

I love the input exactly where it is. For one it is right next to a power source. 2. you can stash it right in the little tray in the arm rest. It is out of sight. I do sometimes put it in the cup holder. No big deal there either.

As for it not controlling the MP3 player. There are 5 bazillion MP3 players out there. There is no way to make it suitable for all players. Then you say. "The iPod is the most popular why not make it work with that?" Well. Who is to say that Apple with have the same connector 5 years from now? I expect my Prius to last much longer than my iPod. So someone is then stuck with an out of date connector that you can't use because they make a different iPod now and can't use it at all.

[AlphaTeam]

Originally posted by tjbrooks@Jan 17 2006, 02:34 PM
This is very handy with my Harry Potter audiobooks.  No more scanning through the 45 minute chapters for my last place. 

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There is one feature I just found out about. It is very handy with audiobooks. If you go to iTunes and select the MP3 for your audio book. Right-click-->Get Info-->Options tab. Select "Remember play back position" and it will put a virtual book mark where you stopped. You can even go play another track and come back and it will be saved. The only downside..is freaking stupid Apple and their programmers. You have to do it for each file individually. You can't mass select files and do them all at once.