Mobile entertainment is what the Apple iPad is all about. Thanks to an innovative docking station, Mercedes-Benz Accessories is now demonstrating how the tablet computer could be integrated into the rear of many Mercedes-Benz models.

http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-9...=1298384408874

Pretty cool - I wonder how much ?

Nick

 

They actually did a survey on Generationbenz.com on how much should MB charge for the Ipad holders... Most respondents said $149.99 but I think it will be a little more than that

They are now selling universal Ipad holders on Ebay for $30-40 but it doesn't have a built in docking system

 

What is needed is an iPad integration kit, with a holder that covers the 5" screen, for those of us who didn't, or just CAN'T get the Command system (not available on any Merc in my country). Then one could have GPS navigation, internet, controlled between the knob and the steering wheel buttons. Just dreaming, I guess, look at the mess the iPod and the UMI interfaces are!

 

Like this one?

 

Bill,

What do you not like about the UMI ( other than the digital / analog issue ) ? I have it and am rather pleased with it ( but, I agree, the sound is no where near CD quality - which may also be due to the format of the songs on my iPhone )

Nick

 

@NickCats- Why do a D/A conversion in the iPod, then in the Audio 20 convert it back A/D to digital, then back to D/A analog again for the amplifier? The CD goes into the audio system parametric equalizer directly as digital, so only one output conversion to analog before the amplifier is necessary.
Although you can get VERY close to original CD reproduction (at least with the iPod integration kit and a GERMAN not CHINESE iPod amplifier inline), by encoding NOT as MP3, but as Apple Lossless from original CD. Have over 5000 lossless on an iPod Classic, half of them classical symphonies, etc. Practically no quality lost here, just some compression of the bass if you really listen hard on upgraded Infinity speakers and subwoofer.
Havent had the chance to actually see (more importantly, hear) a UMI in action, alas Mercedes only sells vehicles with the small 5 inch screen, no COMMAND system here, as far as I know the UMI is incompatible with the Audio 20 in the 2010 C300.
The iPod interface should have also been connected to the control knob and the tunes visible in the 5 inch screen. Even VW has a touch screen with complete digital input for the iPod on inexpensive cars here. Ford's SYNC is fabulous. Get with it, Mercedes!!!