[mc68386]

Does iPod support FLAC yet? (FYI: google flac)

I could never bring myself to rip my music into a proprietary apple lossless format . Although, if ITuNe?s would allow me to run a conversion as a batch job, I might be convinced to do it.

At 2:1 FLAC lossless compression, I could fit about 240 albums on a 60GB iPod, which would be plenty. And since the iPod would run off car power, it would still be usable when the iPod battery stops holding a charge after a few dozen charges.

[Pinkoboe]

Based on those pictures, it appears that this system is similar to the Monster Icruze in that it emulates a CD changerr. If you look at the Idrive display, it shows "MP3 CD03." I beleive that system has lots of limitations such as only 6 playlists (one for each emulated CD) and a few other things that make it in my mind, something less than ideal.

Price will be the big determining factor for me.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by unit

Based on those pictures, it appears that this system is similar to the Monster Icruze in that it emulates a CD changerr. If you look at the Idrive display, it shows "MP3 CD03." I beleive that system has lots of limitations such as only 6 playlists (one for each emulated CD) and a few other things that make it in my mind, something less than ideal.

Price will be the big determining factor for me.

1.) icruze doesn't work on MOST vehicles
2.) why would you presume there to be a limitation of 6 playlists

See my post detailing my testdrive.

[one3]

Originally Posted by 325er

A friend of mine got a 325 two months ago, and says this sytem has been available in Canada for a while. Town and Country BMW told him $900 installed (so he did not get it). They described it exactly as you guys do i.e. Ipod in glovebox, steering wheel controls etc.....what gives???

Actually that is not quite true ... the one available in Canada right now is different. It includes an external display and remote ... nowhere as integrated of a solution as the one announced today. Seeing as the new interface will not require an external display, etc... I'm sure the price will be considerably less.

BTW - I was quoted $695 +1.5hr installation for the current solution with the exterlan display - so $900 is about right.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by 325er

A friend of mine got a 325 two months ago, and says this sytem has been available in Canada for a while. Town and Country BMW told him $900 installed (so he did not get it). They described it exactly as you guys do i.e. Ipod in glovebox, steering wheel controls etc.....what gives???

That would not be possible; your friend is wrong. The MOST iPod system was announced today and won't be available until July. The u.s. is the first market to get this.

Your friend is referencing an older system which is not integrated and not compatible with U.S. spec MOST E90s.

[jocamryn]

No cradle? Just a Jack?

[number9]

WOW! Finally

[Argelius]

It's still too bad the whole iDrive interface can't be reprogrammed to say "iPod" rather than CD...

(And while they are at it, they could add "entertainment info" to the smaller information screen on the right side of the iDrive screen -- so stupid that the navigation map can't use the big left side while the radio, sat, etc info is displayed on the right. But I digress...)

[gr8sho]

Originally Posted by jocamryn

No cradle? Just a Jack?

My son's car has this setup in his car via Pioneer's solution. Dock connector comes into the glovebox, but no cradle. I don't see the cradle as a must have. There are ways to secure the iPod without a cradle. The key is to be able use the iPod through the stereo controls! :rocks:

PS. Does "combat vet" refer to Iraq?

[JamieA]

I have to say that this has made my day. I had given up hope.


WHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO HHHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by unit

Based on those pictures, it appears that this system is similar to the Monster Icruze in that it emulates a CD changerr. If you look at the Idrive display, it shows "MP3 CD03." I beleive that system has lots of limitations such as only 6 playlists (one for each emulated CD) and a few other things that make it in my mind, something less than ideal.

Price will be the big determining factor for me.

If you look at the pictures, you will clearly see playlists on the screen. CD1 thru 6 appear to be a proxy for the different "views" you can get of your collection on an iPod, namely by Artist/Album/Playlist etc

[jbnimble]

Are they offering this via the center console?
That would make life easier than putting the iPod in the glovebox.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by jbnimble

Are they offering this via the center console?
That would make life easier than putting the iPod in the glovebox.

No and it wouldn't make life easier - it would double your installation costs.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by JamieA

If you look at the pictures, you will clearly see playlists on the screen. CD1 thru 6 appear to be a proxy for the different "views" you can get of your collection on an iPod, namely by Artist/Album/Playlist etc

That is correct. As I was using it, to change the view, I would press a different button (don't recall which one is which but I think CD1 was Albums).

[Macfreak7]

Wow wow wee waa!
My life is now complete.

[vladinecko]

i'm not sure if this has already been posted but bmwusa.com just updated their site with a Vodcast of how the whole integration works. there is a guy giving a walk-through in a 6er of how it will work.

http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/...ograms/Vodcast

[stressdoc]

Am I stupid to think that linking with a MacMini in the glovebox may be the way to go with this? It would provide a ton more storage capacity for hi-fidelity, make downloads easy w/ wi-fi, could be integrated with Bluetooth for access to the web and cellphone, and facilitate a bunch more cool stuff. A touchscreen starts to make it a pricey option, but when you consider not having to get Navi, then it seems pretty reasonable.

[vladinecko]

well, i don't think people would be fond of the idea plugging an entire computer, however small it may be, into their glove compartment.

i think the idea behind iPod integration is that you listen to your iPod wherever, jogging, walking to work, riding the bus, and then you come to your car and are able to seamlessly continue listening to your music.

[JSpira]

It starts in the 7er and then Elijah moves into the 6er. I was there for the shoot. If only Elijah smiled more - he looks so bloody serious.

Originally Posted by vladinecko

i'm not sure if this has already been posted but bmwusa.com just updated their site with a Vodcast of how the whole integration works. there is a guy giving a walk-through in a 6er of how it will work.

http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/...ograms/Vodcast

[gr8sho]

Originally Posted by JamieA

If you look at the pictures, you will clearly see playlists on the screen. CD1 thru 6 appear to be a proxy for the different "views" you can get of your collection on an iPod, namely by Artist/Album/Playlist etc

Jamie, Watch the video on the ipodyourbmw website. it is well done and explains the proxy stuff.

Carl

[gr8sho]

Originally Posted by JSpira

It starts in the 7er and then Elijah moves into the 6er. I was there for the shoot. If only Elijah smiled more - he looks so bloody serious.

I was going to ask if you knew the guy...

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Rocket850

Are you going to carry 200 plus audio CD's in your car??? It’s called compromise. BMW doesn't have high end audio anyway so I'm not sure what the issue is. Throw in road noise and other distractions and I can handle MP3 quality with the flexibility of having thousands of songs at my finger tips.

It's not an issue, thus no need to be defensive. I'm merely expressing my opinion on the matter.

If the MP3 quality is ok for you, that's fine, it's your choice.
But, my point is it is NOT hi fidelity/high quality.
I've explained extraneous noise/sound vs. sound source quality, they are not the same.

Also, I spoke of spending money to make my BMW sound system better. I agree the basic BMW 3 series audio is not so great.
I have not tried the Logic7 yet, but I am getting that on my 330i.

Yes, it is a compromise, one I don't need to make. I am pointing out that a lot of people do, and that a lot of people don't or won't know what "good" audio is because of the marketing towards "more is better" rather than "better quality is better."