School Me On iPods

monquixote

The new car I've just bought has an aftermarket iPod dock fitted. 

Despite being a Mac user I've never owned an iPod of any kind.

It's the old pre lightning type connector so I need something not of the current generation.

Listening to Mp3s would be useful, but I've mostly abandoned physical media and moved to Spotify so I think that limits me to an iPod Touch (I have an HTC One so I don't want an iPhone). It will probably just live in the car so I don't really care what else it can do.

I also want it to be as cheap as possible 

So I'm thinking I probably want a 4th gen iPod Touch (probably an 16GB). Does that sound sensible?

New the best deal I can find is this: http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio/ipods/ipod-touch/apple-ipod-touch-16-gb-4th-generation-white-18046125-pdt.html

Which is £129

Any other suggestions?

Is there any reason I shouldn't buy a 3rd gen or is there anywhere else I could get one from, or does anyone want to sell me one?

wibble

Depends how much capacity you want - you can still pick up an ipod classic (this is a hd based system and not flash) with 160GB capacity.

Do you have all the leads for the car? The MDI/MMI came with a lead for apple 30pin and a lead for USB.

If you have the USB lead as well, you can plug in a flash drive or your HTC.

Alternatively, just use bluetooth.

I've still got a few VW MDI cables here, they were compatible across the VAG range from what I remember when I was jumping between VW and AUDI cars. I can sell you the USB part - obviously you can try it first to make sure it works!

monquixote

It's an aftermarket kit attached to the dash acting as a line in as far as I understand. 

A Classic is no good for me as I need Spotify or I'm limited to music from 5 years plus ago when I used to buy cds. 

TTony

I was going to suggest trawling eBay for an old iPod, the same gen that I originally used in the dock (and the same one which is still going strong in my workshop, albeit on its 3rd replacement battery now).  

Batt life doesn't matter in the car as the dock charges it.

But that won't give you Spotify.

holnrew

Maybe a 3GS? I know you said no iPhone, but you neednt use it as a phone.

monquixote

I suspect I'd be better off with a 4th gen Touch as it's iPhone 4 spec (Retina screen, A4 processor etc) 

octatonic

There is a lightening to 30 pin adapter available.

You should be able to use any of them.

holnrew

I assumed the Touches had shitter specs for some reason.

monquixote

They do in general but they usually lag one generation (so the current touch is not far off a 5) as well as having a bit less RAM and usually shit cameras. 

wibble

monquixote said:

It's an aftermarket kit attached to the dash acting as a line in as far as I understand. 

A Classic is no good for me as I need Spotify or I'm limited to music from 5 years plus ago when I used to buy cds. 

Is there no MDI/MMI port in the glove box/centre armrest?

monquixote

It's an 03 so it might be too old for such things.

TTony

wibble said:

Is there no MDI/MMI port in the glove box/centre armrest?

No, as Nick said, it's an (old) aftermarket kit, not a factory fit.

One of these;

http://www.dension.com/product/ipod-car-adapter/ipod-iphone-auxin/icelink-lite

fretmeister

If an iPod is in the car, how does it connect to the web for Spotify use?

Does the car kit have 3G?

chrispy108

On the iOS app you can save playlists to the device to listen to offline. You just need to connect it to the net once a month to verify you're still a premium member.

fretmeister

ah!

Cool. I had been under the impression that it was an 'always-on' thing.

Mmmm.... A year premium sub would be an ace xmas prezzie for me.

WIFE....!

chrispy108

Well worth doing, I love mine.

Listen to all sorts of random stuff, loads of standup comedy at the moment.

guitargeek62

4th-gen touch will be fine for you then.

From what I hear, iTunes radio launches here in the spring too. It's ad-free for Match users too.

monquixote

Right more learning 

I have tried it with a 2nd Gen Touch and an iPhone 4S. 

The audio was working with both, but they wouldn't charge and complained about not being compatible. A bit of reading up suggests that pre iPhone iPods charged from 12v not 5v and so iPhones and the like will not charge from an old school dock.

It does appear that you can buy a 12v to 5v adapter. As I've got to buy an adapter anyway I might as well buy a 12v to Lightning, but it doesn't appear very easy to find such a thing. I also considered getting an iPod dock to generic Mp3 player cable, but it doesn't look like anyone makes one. 

TTony

Tbh ... If you're going to keep the car long-term, swap out the head unit for something more functional, with iPod and Bluetooth phone connectivity built in.  <£200.  You can get a separate "frame" so that any double-din sized head unit will fit.

Rip out the Parrot kit and the old iPod dock.

The speakers in the A6 are more than adequate, so you don't need to swap those about.

I had considered doing just that ... But never decided to keep the car!