Multiple I-Pod Questions

Eights-n-Aces · 01-08-2010, 07:52 AM

I'm expecting delivery of an E93 with the navigation system and I-Pod / USB adaptor. I have multiple mp3 players but have never been an I-Pod user. This is mainly due to the inability to upload my "shared" music and the required use of special software to load music. I prefer to just drag and drop like any other portable memoy devices. Regardless, I would like to buy a large capacity mp3 player dedicated for use in my car, so here are my questions:

1. Have I-Pods changed to allow a simple drag and drop using file explorer/windows?

2. The BMW website lists multiple mp3 players that are compatible with the I-POD / USB function, however, the model year selector only goes to 2007. Are there any changes between MY07 and M10 compatible devices?

3. If you have researched various makes/models, or have experience with various make/models please provide your educated opinion as to which is best. Also, whether your recommendation supports drag and drop or requires special software to load content.

4. When looking for compatible devices, is it simply a matter of finding one with a compatible connection? If so, what sort of connection should I look for in the players specifications?

Ron1n · 01-08-2010, 07:57 AM

1. Nope. Still need to use iTunes, afaik
2. Probably not enough to be concerned about
3. Got nothin here..I use my iPhone :P
4. Also unsure on this bit.

DJKhan85 · 01-08-2010, 08:00 AM

3. You can simply use a USB storage key. Some have even gotten small 4200rpm laptop drives to work. I used a 32gb Flash drive for a while but ultimately, the slow interface speed made me move to an iPod.

Eights-n-Aces · 01-08-2010, 09:55 AM

5. If I go with an I-Pod can I load my "shared" music on it?

Eights-n-Aces · 01-08-2010, 02:02 PM

Ultimately I'm looking for a large capacity music storage device that will integrate with the I-Pod / USB connection without worrying about proprietary music loading/organizing software. There's no need for wi-fi, movie or picture players since this is just going to be used in the car.

Ron1n · 01-08-2010, 02:42 PM

Flash drive, then, is probably your best bet.

Drag and Drop functionality, you can create playlists if you so choose, doesn't need to be charged, etc.

Eights-n-Aces · 01-08-2010, 04:59 PM

If you use a flash drive, do the music files transfer to the HD or just track information? I would prefer they reside on the flash drive.

Ron1n · 01-08-2010, 05:34 PM

You don't *have* to import them, but I'm not 100% on that. I don't have iDrive, so on mine, even if they wanted to transfer, they couldn't, but I'm pretty sure they only transfer if you make them transfer.

jopa489 · 01-08-2010, 06:29 PM

I use my old iPod Classic. It stays in my glove compartment 100% of the time, and stores plenty of music to keep me entertained. You would still need to use iTunes (or another application, just not Explorer) to load music to it though. Nothing transfers to the car's HDD unless you initiate it.

2kaccordocoupe · 01-08-2010, 11:09 PM

I use a 32GB patriot explorist usb flash drive which has a pretty fast read rate. The indexing takes seconds to complete. By the time the cars RPM's stabilize to drive off the entire USB drive is indexed and ready to go.

Plus with a USB drive you can use un-compressed digital audio. The IPOD uses the analog output and you are limited to the bit rate etc. You will hear the difference in audio quality.

You can also create playlist on the USB. IMHO the USB is a better way to go.

01-08-2010, 07:52 AM	#1
Eights-n-Aces []D []-[] []_[] []< []\[] []_[] '][' 27 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible/Le Mans Blue/ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Weston, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 335 Convertible [0.00]	Multiple I-Pod Questions I'm expecting delivery of an E93 with the navigation system and I-Pod / USB adaptor. I have multiple mp3 players but have never been an I-Pod user. This is mainly due to the inability to upload my "shared" music and the required use of special software to load music. I prefer to just drag and drop like any other portable memoy devices. Regardless, I would like to buy a large capacity mp3 player dedicated for use in my car, so here are my questions: 1. Have I-Pods changed to allow a simple drag and drop using file explorer/windows? 2. The BMW website lists multiple mp3 players that are compatible with the I-POD / USB function, however, the model year selector only goes to 2007. Are there any changes between MY07 and M10 compatible devices? 3. If you have researched various makes/models, or have experience with various make/models please provide your educated opinion as to which is best. Also, whether your recommendation supports drag and drop or requires special software to load content. 4. When looking for compatible devices, is it simply a matter of finding one with a compatible connection? If so, what sort of connection should I look for in the players specifications? __________________ 2010 E93 335i M LeMans Blue 2001 E 46 330ci Coupe/silver/black/Sunroof 1999 BMW R1200C Cruiser-Ivory & Blue
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01-08-2010, 07:57 AM	#2
Ron1n Speed Demon 205 Rep 3,690 Posts Drives: 2021 M5C Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Irvine iTrader: (6) Garage List 2021 M5 Competition [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2011 335is [0.00] 2009 E93 M3 [10.00] 2010 335d [9.50]	1. Nope. Still need to use iTunes, afaik 2. Probably not enough to be concerned about 3. Got nothin here..I use my iPhone :P 4. Also unsure on this bit. __________________ Current: '21 M5C, '15 X6 50i Previous: '18 M550i, '16 550i, '11 335is, '09 E93 M3 DCT, '10 E90 335d, '07 E90 328i
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01-08-2010, 08:00 AM	#3
DJKhan85 Major 24 Rep 1,190 Posts Drives: 2011 4dr 6mt Golf GTI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston Massachusetts iTrader: (1)	3. You can simply use a USB storage key. Some have even gotten small 4200rpm laptop drives to work. I used a 32gb Flash drive for a while but ultimately, the slow interface speed made me move to an iPod. __________________ 2011 VW GTI 4dr-6mt-Sunroof-Nav-Xenons OLD: 08 335i AW/CR/Poplar 6mt-ZSP-ZPP-ZCW-iPod-iDrive-PDC-Style 230s w/FK 452-Dinan LSD
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01-08-2010, 09:55 AM	#4
Eights-n-Aces []D []-[] []_[] []< []\[] []_[] '][' 27 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible/Le Mans Blue/ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Weston, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 335 Convertible [0.00]	5. If I go with an I-Pod can I load my "shared" music on it? __________________ 2010 E93 335i M LeMans Blue 2001 E 46 330ci Coupe/silver/black/Sunroof 1999 BMW R1200C Cruiser-Ivory & Blue
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01-08-2010, 02:02 PM	#5
Eights-n-Aces []D []-[] []_[] []< []\[] []_[] '][' 27 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible/Le Mans Blue/ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Weston, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 335 Convertible [0.00]	Ultimately I'm looking for a large capacity music storage device that will integrate with the I-Pod / USB connection without worrying about proprietary music loading/organizing software. There's no need for wi-fi, movie or picture players since this is just going to be used in the car. __________________ 2010 E93 335i M LeMans Blue 2001 E 46 330ci Coupe/silver/black/Sunroof 1999 BMW R1200C Cruiser-Ivory & Blue
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01-08-2010, 02:42 PM	#6
Ron1n Speed Demon 205 Rep 3,690 Posts Drives: 2021 M5C Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Irvine iTrader: (6) Garage List 2021 M5 Competition [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2011 335is [0.00] 2009 E93 M3 [10.00] 2010 335d [9.50]	Flash drive, then, is probably your best bet. Drag and Drop functionality, you can create playlists if you so choose, doesn't need to be charged, etc. __________________ Current: '21 M5C, '15 X6 50i Previous: '18 M550i, '16 550i, '11 335is, '09 E93 M3 DCT, '10 E90 335d, '07 E90 328i
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01-08-2010, 04:59 PM	#7
Eights-n-Aces []D []-[] []_[] []< []\[] []_[] '][' 27 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible/Le Mans Blue/ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Weston, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 335 Convertible [0.00]	If you use a flash drive, do the music files transfer to the HD or just track information? I would prefer they reside on the flash drive. __________________ 2010 E93 335i M LeMans Blue 2001 E 46 330ci Coupe/silver/black/Sunroof 1999 BMW R1200C Cruiser-Ivory & Blue
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01-08-2010, 05:34 PM	#8
Ron1n Speed Demon 205 Rep 3,690 Posts Drives: 2021 M5C Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Irvine iTrader: (6) Garage List 2021 M5 Competition [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2011 335is [0.00] 2009 E93 M3 [10.00] 2010 335d [9.50]	You don't have to import them, but I'm not 100% on that. I don't have iDrive, so on mine, even if they wanted to transfer, they couldn't, but I'm pretty sure they only transfer if you make them transfer. __________________ Current: '21 M5C, '15 X6 50i Previous: '18 M550i, '16 550i, '11 335is, '09 E93 M3 DCT, '10 E90 335d, '07 E90 328i
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01-08-2010, 06:29 PM	#9
jopa489 Major General 122 Rep 6,594 Posts Drives: Anything with Wheels Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	I use my old iPod Classic. It stays in my glove compartment 100% of the time, and stores plenty of music to keep me entertained. You would still need to use iTunes (or another application, just not Explorer) to load music to it though. Nothing transfers to the car's HDD unless you initiate it. __________________ X7 LCI // Incoming C7 ZR1 ZTK // Sebring + TRX // Hydro + Raptor Gen1 Roush // Tuxedo
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01-08-2010, 11:09 PM	#10
2kaccordocoupe Brigadier General 1272 Rep 4,703 Posts Drives: Former ///M Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The 6ix iTrader: (2)	I use a 32GB patriot explorist usb flash drive which has a pretty fast read rate. The indexing takes seconds to complete. By the time the cars RPM's stabilize to drive off the entire USB drive is indexed and ready to go. Plus with a USB drive you can use un-compressed digital audio. The IPOD uses the analog output and you are limited to the bit rate etc. You will hear the difference in audio quality. You can also create playlist on the USB. IMHO the USB is a better way to go.
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