I think the PhatBox will give you a cleaner, more OEM look since you can mount it in the trunk similar to how the Monsoon amp is mounted. With an iPod, you have to mount it to the dash and it looks out of place with wires running to it. I honestly don't think the display on the iPod is useful since you can't look at it while you're driving and the PhatBox solves that problem by having audible queues announces artitst info, track title, ablum title, etc... But then again, if you want something portable, you have to get the iPod. Good luck!

 

OK, here is my dilema, and I'm looking for some suggestions please. I'm tossed between getting an iPod or a phatbox. The phatbox integrates very nicely into our cars, but the iPod you can take anywhere and use in all your cars. I'm so confused.

Does anyone have experience with each or any or both?

Thanks folks.

my wife has an ipod and I will be getting one in the near future. they are cheaper, more versatile, and I believe hold at least as many songs (may depend on which model). There are some write ups (gig103 comes to mind) on how to integrate the IPod with the stock head unit, imo this is the way to go.

 

Ipods are cool, and you can use them outside the car. With a little creativity you should be able to make an Ipod mount that looks OEM in the arm rest console.

 

Thanks for the mention, gtigolfpassat
I went with the ipod because I like the smaller form factor, and the versatility. For instance, I drive to work with it, then pull it off its base and walk into work and use it all day. Also, if you do it right the install looks very clean, as you can see below. When I unmount my ipod all you see is the backing, and about 3 inches worth of cable (which I am considering wrapping so it is black).

 

How do you connect it to our radio? Tape player????

 

I didn't say this, but you don't want a Phatbox.

 

Bobafet, check out http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=64599
Phatbox's @ $425 plus shipping. :thumbup:
The problem with the Ipod from what I hear is that the built in batteries are that they have a usage life of somewhere between 18 month and and a little over 2 years and then after that your unit won't hold a charge (toast). The only thing after that is you have to attach a battery pack onto the bottom of the unit. Now I could be wrong about this, Apple claims that their new units don't have that issue anymore, but then they never admitted they had a problem in the earlier units when asked about it. I think the Ipods are sweet but I think you might want to consider another portable device if not the Phatbox and you want something you can use elswhere. Just my 2 cents.

 

The Ihp 120/ 140 is the best of all worlds! Black, portable, blue screen (kinda close to the VW), and its only like $300!

Oh, did I mention its far superior to the iPod in every way? (but yes, its a little bigger, but not by much).

 

I have a 20GB iPod hooked up to my OEM headunit thru the CD changer port and it sounds great. I am using a blitzsafe adapter going thru the HU and then a Sik Imp connected to the port on the bottom of the iPod. It's using the line out so I nver have to touch the volume adjustment on the iPod. It always sounds clear and it gets charged thru the Imp too!

Here's a pic of the Sik Imp.

I am running a shielded cable under the center console to the area under the armrest. The iPod fits perfect under there and I can pull it out a little when I want to see the display. I have it in a case from Booq.

Here's the case from booqbags.com

I rally like the iPod because it's small and I can take it wherever I go.

:thumbup:

 

Bobafet, check out http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=64599
Phatbox's @ $425 plus shipping. :thumbup:
The problem with the Ipod from what I hear is that the built in batteries are that they have a usage life of somewhere between 18 month and and a little over 2 years and then after that your unit won't hold a charge (toast). The only thing after that is you have to attach a battery pack onto the bottom of the unit. Now I could be wrong about this, Apple claims that their new units don't have that issue anymore, but then they never admitted they had a problem in the earlier units when asked about it. I think the Ipods are sweet but I think you might want to consider another portable device if not the Phatbox and you want something you can use elswhere. Just my 2 cents.

all lithium ion batteries can only cycle so many times

the issue is that you cant get into the ipod to preplace it ( you can but you run a pretty decent risk of screwing your ipod up)

there are kits to replace the battry for about 50 bucks

if you return the ipod to apple not under warnty you run 99 bucks and you dont get your ipod back you get a refubished one

there are some places that will give you back YOUR ipod but they are around 99 bucks too

not everyones ipod battery last 18 months some people have had them for going on 3 years it just depends on how you use it

the more you discharge charge it the more battery memory your going to get

and for the record they changed the t ype of battery nickle something i belive it still suffers from decreasing life just not as short as the lithioum ion batteries

 

the more you discharge charge it the more battery memory your going to get

and for the record they changed the t ype of battery nickle something i belive it still suffers from decreasing life just not as short as the lithioum ion batteries

Lithium ion don't have the "memory effect". Only Ni-Cads do. But it is highly recommended to NOT fully discharge a lithium ion battery (as opposed to it be recommended to do so for a Ni-Cad).

"Nickle-something" is probably Nickle Metal Hydride (NiMH). Those came out after Ni-Cad but before Lith Ion. NiMH do not suffer from memory effects, either.

-Craig

 

If you buy an ipod, get it from Best Buy w/ the 4yr extended warantee. it is $40 and it covers the battery for all 4 years.

Other notes: I also use the sik imp on my install. THat is what the one cable is if you look at my picture; i have it going in under the head unit and connecting to a Blitzsafe adapter. (Full Install Guide here)

 

I got the Dell DJ 15. Hold around 3500 songs and the battery has been lasting 16 hours. Cost 200 bill. I am going try and mount it in the ashtray that way you rake it out close the lid and its gone. Also have and aftermarket stereo with inputs so it will be a bit easier to do.

 

Pod, keep us posted on how that install works out. If all goes well you should post some pics. Good luck. :thumbup:

 

I have the base model Pioneer deck with an AUX module for it, and the cable runing from the AUX box to my ipod. I have the cable coming out of the bottom right dead spot on the dash, and my iPod sits perfectly in the cup holder (which is about all they are good for).

I'll try and get some pics up for you...it's pretty simple...especially when the new ipod's have REALLY TOUCHY buttons, you just brush your finger over them!

 

tried to figure this out over the weekend
1. how to keep it in there?
velcro or try to mold a fiberglass cradle
2. a ready have all of the wiring figured out.
3. cant open the cup holder with it in the ash tray.

conclusion: mold a cradle out of FG and F the cupholder cant fit anything in it anyways.

I am going to try this when I go on easter brake.

 

If you want portability then go with an Ipod. However if you are looking for the more stealth approach I would go with a Phatbox. You can get a good deal on one if you have patience and look around ( ie, GroupBuys, etc ). I have the MusicKeg ( exactly the same as the Phatbox but just has the Kenwood logo on it ) and I am very pleased not to mention the fac that I got it on sale. The positive thing about going OEM or " stealth look is that it draws less attention to what you have in your ride. Just a thought. Goood luck with your decision.

 

The best solution for the ipod is the clip from Proclip

 

OK, here is my dilema, and I'm looking for some suggestions please. I'm tossed between getting an iPod or a phatbox. The phatbox integrates very nicely into our cars, but the iPod you can take anywhere and use in all your cars. I'm so confused.

Does anyone have experience with each or any or both?

Thanks folks.

Hi, I just installed my PhatBox... but because I don't have USB 2.0 so still haven't really got to listening MP3s yet 'cept for the pre-loaded boring songs,

To me, the PhatBox is great 'cause it works well with the Gamma Head Unit and if you ever need more songs, just get the 60GB Cartridge.

Incidentally, I do have the iPod too and my iTrip. So, at times, when I do need to listen to my iPod which would rarely be the case now 'cause I should have the same set of songs on my PhatBox as well. However, its a different story if my friend has an iPod and wanna share his songs through my car stereo, the iTrip actually transmit the signals via FM Frequency and all in the car can now enjoy all the selection of songs on his iPod!

The only problem now is I no longer have a CD Changer so I actually thought of bringing one of my spare portable CD Player to my car and hook it up via the cassette adaptor. So, if anyone has a CD to share, I could still get some music via the cassette input!