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Searched a lot and looking for consensus on best solution for using an iPod in my Prius II

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by MikeDS, Nov 22, 2010.

  1. MikeDS

    MikeDS Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hey guys,

    Still trying to work this out...whats functionally the best way to get my ipod integrated into my II? I know there are some kits that'll hook up to the stereo, but how is the control? I've used these in the past in other cars and browsing the ipod through the stereo was SUPER slow and annoying. Is there a set up that is quick and fairly easy to use with the stock radio?

    If not, whats the best way to just use the ipod through the existing AUX port? Maybe just a dock connector? Which one works well with the Prius ergonomically? Right now I charge and use the AUX with a regular mini-plug. It works fine, but its cumbersome and can't really change artists or anything while driving since it has cables on both ends of the ipod and just floats around my armrest storage. Is there a 30 pin adapter that I can plug use for power and audio and possible mount the ipod in a cup holder or something like that?

    I'm also considering a new head unit, but am not prepared to spend $1000. Is there an affordable unit (under $300) that has quick and easy to use ipod control?

    Thanks guys!! I know this has been asked a lot, but from I can tell there aren't many clear answers...

    Mike
     
    #1 MikeDS, Nov 22, 2010
  2. supra90

    supra90 New Member

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    Yes there is a charging cable and audio, this plugs into the ipod docking conector
    rca-pod

    The other option is a full ipod interface made by dice electronics, I-TOYOTA-R/5V
    and a video how this works, it loks like the ipod interface on the video was last year version
     
    #2 supra90, Nov 25, 2010
  3. MikeDS

    MikeDS Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks...I have a II, so I don't have the touch screen. How well does the Dice work with the stock stereo? Is browsing artist and playlists reasonably quick? My old car took about a second per artist to scroll through, which isn't very useful...

    I might just do the Kingston LiquidAUX route...not as clean as a new head unit, but a lot cheaper and I would just use the ipod to control things...not ideal, but I'm not sure whats better...
     
    #3 MikeDS, Nov 26, 2010
  4. macdot

    macdot Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2010
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    The Griffin Autopilot (non-FM) is also an alternative to the LiquidAux. No remote, but has nav buttons on the cigarette adapter.

    One thing I'm concerned about with either... does it give the "not supported" message when plugging in an iPhone? My old Griffin Autopilot does, but I would be surprised if these newer devices still did.
     
    #4 macdot, Nov 27, 2010
  5. MikeDS

    MikeDS Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hmm...the LiquidAUX looks better than the Autopilot. Audio comes from the 30pin instead of the headphone out and the wireless remote and shuffle button add some flexibility. I'd love to just hook it up to the factoy head unit, but I doubt thats a very good user experience...
     
    #5 MikeDS, Nov 27, 2010
  6. blake918

    blake918 Blizzard Brigade #23

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Metairie, LA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have the Vais Tech SL2iUP in my Prius II, and it works wonderfully. The Vais Tech does not let you search by artist; it only works off of playlists (which you could reorganize your music so that each playlist is an artist). It tricks the headunit in to thinking that the ipod is a cd changer, and each "disc" is a playlist. What I find curious is that the Prius II's headunit has cd changer controls built in.

    It works flawlessly with 5G Nano and my iPhone 4. The music is loud and clear, and it charges your ipod/phone too. I find switching between tracks to be very fast (pretty much instantaneous), and switching between playlists to be pretty quick (maybe 2-3 seconds) too. Steering wheel controls still work, and you can shuffle and repeat (one song or an entire playlist) from the stock headunit. You have the option to show the track name, track time, or playlist name on the headunit. I'm very pleased with my purchase. Installation was so easy too; 20 minutes tops (but I am familiar with this kind of thing).
     
    #6 blake918, Nov 27, 2010
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