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"Best" Ipod intergration kit

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by david81, Feb 13, 2008.

  1. david81

    david81 New Member

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    I know this may be a subjective question, but I'll ask it anyway. I'll soon be the proud owner of an 08 Touring Pkg 3 and I'm just itching to add on to it.

    I'd like to be able to pick up an "old" Ipod that no one wants anymore (anything over a year old, right?) and hook that into the factory radio to have all my music at my fingertips. There seems to be quite a few kits out there to accomplish this, but all seem to have their own "issues".

    What I would like is something that is simple to use, offers control of the Ipod from the steering wheel and MFD and doesn't crash the whole system of course.

    Is there a general consensus as to the most stable and user friendly option? Hopefully something that won't cost me an arm and a leg. Hopefully I can just load up the Ipod and hide it away in the glove box, only taking it out when I want to add/change the loaded music.

    Thanks in advance,

    David


    P.S. - Of course, an even better solution would be the ability to just hook up a usb hard drive and have the system read the mp3 files directly. I've seen some of the newer aftermarket systems that offer a USB port, but I assume that I'm just dreaming about having that in the Prius.
     
    #1 david81, Feb 13, 2008
  2. fweeper

    fweeper New Member

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    I installed the Dice Silverline this past weekend and have been very happy with it. All of the systems have their pros and cons. I am using a really old 3rd generation iPod (the first gen with a dock connector I believe). I think the Dice unit is one of the cheapest and most tested systems (lots of people here use it.

    Scosche told me they didn't recommend using it in the 2008 Prius' yet. And I found the Vais too expensive.

    One thing I would recommend to save you a couple bucks: If you are only going to use the iPod in the car with one of these systems, you can buy one for much less with a dead battery. Since the systems power the iPod, you don't need one with a good battery, and thus can get a huge discount on eBay.

    If you have any questions about the Dice unit, lots of people here can fill you in.

    -- Fweeper
     
    #2 fweeper, Feb 13, 2008
  3. david81

    david81 New Member

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    Fweeper,

    Thanks for the reply. All the negative comments about the previous DICE have me a bit wary. Waiting to here more on the new silverline. Hopefully the bugs have been worked out.

    I've also got my eye on the HD radio package from DICE. Seems like a great concept if it really works as advertised. Anyone have any experience with this one?

    I'm keeping my eye on ebay and the local craigslist for a decent 3rd or 4th gen Ipod with at least 20gb. Like you said, battery issues shouldn't be a concern. Heck, even a broken LCD wouldn't be much of an issue as long as music can be loaded and the interface can access it. After all, I just want it to act as a fancy hard drive.
     
    #3 david81, Feb 13, 2008
  4. cursed

    cursed New Member

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    Not wanting to hijack this thread but I've read so much about ipod integration today that I'm beginning to get a headache. So much so that I'm beginning to hate the search function.

    David, if you'd like me to start another thread let me know and I'll do that. Thanks.

    Basically my question involves my parents 2004 Prius and the iPod Shuffle I got my father for his birthday. I'm looking for any accessory with a reasonable pricetag (I feel $75 is really pushing it for a technological car such as the Prius -the fact that the earlier models didn't even come with an AUX jack or the ability to easily add one).

    I know I'm hindered by the fact that he's got a Shuffle and a 2nd Gen one at that. Are there any products that I can add an AUX input with? He doesn't want a modulator but I've had a wired modulator before and have been fairly satisfied with the sound so I think I can sell him on that if it's available.

    Thanks in advance for any help and for putting up with yet another iPod question.

    rob.
     
    #4 cursed, Feb 13, 2008
  5. Ethereal

    Ethereal New Member

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    Stay wary. DICE will take your money and ignore your pleas for support as you tear out your hair (and your dashboard) trying to get their half-assed science project to work.
     
    #5 Ethereal, Feb 13, 2008
  6. integratesol

    integratesol New Member

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    sorry guys
     
    #6 integratesol, Feb 13, 2008
  7. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Yikes, $225! And you really shouldn't be commercially advertising here. Your competitors are in the $140-$160 price range and offer the same functionality.

    Now, you wanna send one of our members one to test out and post a review of and then maybe work with the site owner ([email protected]) to work out a group buy at a competitive price and maybe you've got something.

    Have you tested it on a system with CAN-View also installed?
     
    #7 efusco, Feb 14, 2008
  8. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    Does it have a cassette player? If so then you can use a cassette adapter.

    I just upgraded to the DICE Silverline and they did not request I send my old unit in. Although I want to make sure the new system works, I'm not the only one with an extra DICE. Perhaps someone can sell you one. Unfortunately the upgrade doesn't come with the connectors.
     
    #8 aaf709, Feb 14, 2008
  9. david81

    david81 New Member

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    It's just a Vais Tech SL2i. Slightly cheaper than buying direct. But it appears to lack the SAT interface that everyone seems to prefer. Honestly, if I can't browse by Artist/Genre/Album it doesn't seem worth it to me.
     
    #9 david81, Feb 14, 2008
  10. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Noticed that on a second look.
    If you're interested in the older DICE or Scosche take a look at my recent post in the private sales section.
     
    #10 efusco, Feb 14, 2008
  11. david81

    david81 New Member

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    efusco,

    Thanks for the offer. I did notice your posting. The older DICE I will probably pass on. The scosche seems intriguing, I just wish there were more user reviews to get a better feel for the ease of use and stability. So far I've only seen one beside yours.
     
    #11 david81, Feb 14, 2008
  12. cursed

    cursed New Member

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    No, his radio has no cassette option. He does have a CD changer between the front seats. Not sure of the make though.
     
    #12 cursed, Feb 15, 2008
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