My moving present to me [Archive]

Snowflake

06-11-2006, 05:14 PM

For the road trip, all my music, the mousepod, window to the magic and the first 6 volumes of Elizabeth Peters Amelia Peabody Novels to keep me entertained while I plough those 2815 miles.....:D

What else should I put on the thing? Movies for the hotel every night?

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/ipod.jpg

Gemini Cricket

06-11-2006, 05:49 PM

Awesome! :)

katiesue

06-11-2006, 09:20 PM

I LOVE Ameilia Peabody. They're my all time favorite series, enjoy.

Prudence

06-11-2006, 11:25 PM

Yay! Also an Amelia Peabody fan! Enjoy!

(ooh - ever check out Laurie King's Mary Russell series?)

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 04:31 AM

Yay! Also an Amelia Peabody fan! Enjoy!

(ooh - ever check out Laurie King's Mary Russell series?)

Yes, Katiesue, love Amelia Peabody!

Pru, never heard of the Mary Russell series, what's she all about?

Gemini Cricket

06-12-2006, 05:25 AM

A present to yourself. I love the idea! :) :D

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 06:02 AM

A present to yourself. I love the idea! :) :D

Well, who else would spend $500 on me, but me? ;)

Besides, having done the drive one way east without a decent car stereo in a rental minivan, that sucked, but who knew in Nebraska and Iowa there were great classical stations? My own cassette deck ate a tape over a year ago (besides, I've not had a real tape deck in the house for years) and never replaced it or got it upgraded to a CD player.

So, along with the iPod, I got a wireless adaptor that plugs into the iPod and will play whatever is on the iPod through the car stereo on the FM dial. I'm going to test that out when I run a few errands today.

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 08:09 AM

Woohoo! I too hope to join the iPod age shortly

Prudence

06-12-2006, 08:10 AM

Pru, never heard of the Mary Russell series, what's she all about?

If I describe it, it will sound stupid. And it's not - it's really some of the most engaging mass market stuff I've read, mystery or otherwise. It's similar to the Amelia Peabody mysteries in that it has a strong-willed, intelligent female at the center, matched with a strong-willed, intelligent mate. (Apparently I slurp that stuff up like gravy.) It's a little more serious in tone, but honestly that's the only series where I practically salivate when a new book is released - and organize my homework so that I can sit down and read it straight through. Well, maybe that and Harry Potter. But this one is better. The first in the series is The Beekeeper's apprentice.

Ponine

06-12-2006, 08:17 AM

So, along with the iPod, I got a wireless adaptor that plugs into the iPod and will play whatever is on the iPod through the car stereo on the FM dial. I'm going to test that out when I run a few errands today.
Im my opinion, this is far more work, than it sounded. Let me know if you run into issues.

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 08:29 AM

Im my opinion, this is far more work, than it sounded. Let me know if you run into issues.Nirvanaman has one. We went on a road trip with him, it worked great. As long as it's a good quality trasmitter (Garmin makes a good one from what I hear), it works fine and is relatively easy to use. I used to do it for my CD player with an analog FM trasmitter. That analog part made it a bit of a pain, but even so, it was totally worth it. Now that they've got digital ones, it's even easier.

Gemini Cricket

06-12-2006, 08:32 AM

We have one, too. We love ours. It worked well cross country. In big city areas, it can be harder to find a channel that it will work on.

Ponine

06-12-2006, 08:41 AM

Nirvanaman has one. We went on a road trip with him, it worked great. As long as it's a good quality trasmitter (Garmin makes a good one from what I hear), it works fine and is relatively easy to use. I used to do it for my CD player with an analog FM trasmitter. That analog part made it a bit of a pain, but even so, it was totally worth it. Now that they've got digital ones, it's even easier.
Oh, NOW that I've gotten it all set up, I LOVE it.
Its the set up that about killed me.

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 08:44 AM

Oh, NOW that I've gotten it all set up, I LOVE it.
Its the set up that about killed me.Was your wireless, or wired (i.e., did you have to physically attach something between your antenna and your stereo?) The wired ones definitely will produce better results, but do require a bit of work to install (I'm trying to decide if I'm feeling competent enough to go the wired route).

Gemini Cricket

06-12-2006, 08:47 AM

I wish there was an outlet where I could plug my iPod into in my car...

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 08:53 AM

CP's got one, a line-in. So she just has to plug it into the headphone jack. And if I really wanted to get crazy, I've seen specs on how I can solder rca jacks onto my stereo...but I don't feel like voiding my warranty at this time.

Gemini Cricket

06-12-2006, 08:57 AM

CP's got one, a line-in. So she just has to plug it into the headphone jack.
I'll have to look into that. That's very neat. Leave it to the Cadaverous Delights to be so hip n' cool. :)

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 08:59 AM

I'll have to look into that. That's very neat. Leave it to the Cadaverous Delights to be so hip n' cool. :)Many years ago she bought an aftermarket stereo to replace the AM-only radio in her 79 Buick Centruy wagon. When she bought her current Maxima, she pulled that one out and installed it in the Maxima (herself...she rules). The line-in is rare even today, let alone 8 or so years ago, so she's luky to have it.

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 09:30 AM

Many years ago she bought an aftermarket stereo to replace the AM-only radio in her 79 Buick Centruy wagon. When she bought her current Maxima, she pulled that one out and installed it in the Maxima (herself...she rules). The line-in is rare even today, let alone 8 or so years ago, so she's luky to have it.

Wow! MAjor :cheers: :cheers: to CP! I can change a tire....

Anyway, I'm about to go out to the car to test it out. What I got was a Griffin iTrip ($49 at Best Buy), they also make one that plugs into the cig lighter and has a dock for the iPod. I thought that would be good, but the cig lighter in my Buick is funky and it was hard enough just getting the cell charger plugged into it (bad design, don't they realize non-smoker have much better uses for the ashtray and cig lighter?)

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 09:31 AM

I wish there was an outlet where I could plug my iPod into in my car...

Well, I believe Beemers come with it already built in.....;)

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 09:32 AM

Oh, NOW that I've gotten it all set up, I LOVE it.
Its the set up that about killed me.

I will let you know in a bit hgow it works. Also, Po, the sound card finally got mailed this morning, boxed, priority mail and insured, so keep an eye peeled!

Cadaverous Pallor

06-12-2006, 09:44 AM

Wow! MAjor :cheers: :cheers: to CP! I can change a tire....I've never changed a tire, so :cheers: to you too!

Installing something that is designed to plug in is really simple. I got a Chilton's manual from the library and went at it. The "exploded" view of how the dash is put together makes it simple to take apart. I also installed new speakers in the doors and behind the rear seats - again, just plugging stuff into the right places, not a custom job. Anybody can do it with the proper reference material ;)

It took me a while to get the speakers done, so I drove around with a disassembled rear seat for a while. Of course the dash needed an afternoon to go from start to finish so I could actually drive it.

It was so worth it - the stock deck had begun eating tapes, and my aftermarket radio had the line in. Even though it was an old deck by then (and still is but works well) it was a no-brainer. It was a cheap radio too - I'm still shocked that a line-in isn't standard these days.

Enjoy, Snowflake! Welcome to the club!

Gemini Cricket

06-12-2006, 09:46 AM

And when CP installed the flux capacitor, that was really amazing! :D

See, I can't even make all my stuff fit in the glove compartment, much less take apart the dashboard...

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 09:49 AM

Hmmm, so I've got $120 of Discover cash-back bonus coming to me. I can either take it as cash, or I can take it as gift cards for certain retailers at a higher rate. Some retailers even double it (none that have anything I want to buy, though). But I can turn it into $150 at an electronics retailer...where I can get a new in-dash receiver with an auxilary input and mounting kit for my ca for $120. Hmmmmmmmm.

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 09:51 AM

I've never changed a tire, so :cheers: to you too!

Installing something that is designed to plug in is really simple. I got a Chilton's manual from the library and went at it. The "exploded" view of how the dash is put together makes it simple to take apart. I also installed new speakers in the doors and behind the rear seats - again, just plugging stuff into the right places, not a custom job. Anybody can do it with the proper reference material ;)
Enjoy, Snowflake! Welcome to the club!

Well, even with the proper reference material, not sure I could do it. After all, I just recently got my first tool kit! A nice deal though, loads of tools in a compact space.

Tires are a snap so long as you have the wheel lock key and the lug nuts are not so tight you can't get them loose.

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 09:53 AM

Okay, the wireless thing DOES work. Of course, I was fiddling and sitting in my driveway so the sound was not optimal 100%. But, it does work. There was a significant amount of hiss, which might be cured depending on the station the radio is turned to. For $49 I won't complain too loudly and I will test it out further when I head to run errands in Tysons later this week.

Even if I merely listen to thee audiobooks, it should be fine

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 09:55 AM

If I describe it, it will sound stupid. And it's not - it's really some of the most engaging mass market stuff I've read, mystery or otherwise. It's similar to the Amelia Peabody mysteries in that it has a strong-willed, intelligent female at the center, matched with a strong-willed, intelligent mate. (Apparently I slurp that stuff up like gravy.) It's a little more serious in tone, but honestly that's the only series where I practically salivate when a new book is released - and organize my homework so that I can sit down and read it straight through. Well, maybe that and Harry Potter. But this one is better. The first in the series is The Beekeeper's apprentice.

Okay, I will check these out! I'm a sucker for them too. Although I do love a good deal of humor in mine. I used to love the Charlotte MacLeod Sarah Kelling/Max Bitterson mysteries when I was into mysteries, those were pretty funny as well.

katiesue

06-12-2006, 10:06 AM

Okay, I will check these out! I'm a sucker for them too. Although I do love a good deal of humor in mine. I used to love the Charlotte MacLeod Sarah Kelling/Max Bitterson mysteries when I was into mysteries, those were pretty funny as well.

Yay two new series to check out. These are my favorite kinds of books as well.

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 12:10 PM

Well, it looks like the iTrip will go back to Best Buy and I will be hitting Circuit City. A new car CD player and iPod ready deck will const me about $150 + installatiuton and the adaptor plug for the iPod, so all told about $200. Better sound and I get a CD player to boot......I'm so bad, but it will be me I have to entertain and keep awake on the road so Tango gets to her new home safe & sound. That's the most important part, making sure she's happy and secure:D (I will use any excuse....)

Moonliner

06-12-2006, 12:31 PM

Damn, and here I was thinking I was hip cuz I can change radio stations using the buttons on the stearing wheel.

I had no idea there was an option for adding your Ipod to your car stereo let alone tons of options. This one looked interesting for the do-it-yourself type person. (http://www.carplayer.com/)

I might even have to pickup one of these fancy ipod things one of these days. I bet my AbbA collection would rock on it!

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 12:54 PM

DreadPirateRoberts

06-12-2006, 12:57 PM

but it saves a bundle in cash and work since I'll be doing the install). And the website, crutchfield, kicks ass in that shipping's free, as are all the components I need to do a clean installation. Yay!

Crutchfield is great. I've used them on at least 3 occasions. Are you going to do the work, or use your professional installer (CP)?

Ghoulish Delight

06-12-2006, 01:09 PM

Crutchfield is great. I've used them on at least 3 occasions. Are you going to do the work, or use your professional installer (CP)?
I'll be doing this one. Gotta start pulling my weight around here.

Snowflake

06-12-2006, 01:22 PM

Heh, looks like Donna went through the same though process I did. Word of warning though as I look around for the same such accessories...make sure the ipod adapter you get allows full menu control. There are brands that only allow you to play either a playlist or in shuffle mode through the radio controls. So you can't pick by artist or album, etc, and you can't go back a track or anything. Just fyi.

Personally, I think I'm going to get this one (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JyzYnm8USTi/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=158GT200). I'll lose my steering wheel controls, but gain a remote. It's got a front AUX input (so I wouldn't be able to control the ipod through the receiver, or charge it...but it saves a bundle in cash and work since I'll be doing the install). And the website, crutchfield, kicks ass in that shipping's free, as are all the components I need to do a clean installation. Yay!

Well, I'm limited by the age and model of my car...but I found several that fit the bill. I'm also limited by time constraints and lack of ability (and reference material , CP) so I will take the easy and lazy route and pay Circuit City to install it, while I walk to the next plaza over and return the Best Buy iTrip and also spend the $30 gift card I received from BB when I purchased the iPod... :-) so it won't be a wasted trip!

Ponine

06-12-2006, 01:24 PM

Oh crud... I didnt even think of that Snowflake.
you'll be driving across country and have to find a new FM station every few hours...
oh what a pain.

Yeah, I vote for taking it back too.

Snowflake

06-13-2006, 10:41 AM

Well, I spent a little more money than I planned, probably foolishly, but I now have a very nice car stereo with an iPod adaptor and a remote control for hassle free adjusting of the iPod.

So all I need now are two relacement tires on the car and it is ready for the trek.

Now if only I would finally finish packing......:rolleyes:

Cadaverous Pallor

06-13-2006, 11:26 AM

I'll be doing this one. Gotta start pulling my weight around here.Maybe I'll get jealous enough to buy that subwoofer I've been dreaming of :evil:

BarTopDancer

06-13-2006, 01:01 PM

I had no idea there was an option for adding your Ipod to your car stereo let alone tons of options. This one looked interesting for the do-it-yourself type person. (http://www.carplayer.com/)

ShinyCar comes with MP3 and Satellite buttons. I talked to Mazda yesterday and they'll hardwire your iPod to the MP3 button for $425. Ouch. I bet they use that hook-up, since what they do will allow you to control the iPod with the steering wheel controls.

They also offer the wired FM modulation for less, but I have enough trouble with my iTrip that I don't want to bother with FM modulation.

Now, I wonder if I could install that connector myself...