iTrip Solves The MP3/Aux Input Problem
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: NZ
2003 E500 Avantgarde Brilliant Silver
iTrip Solves The MP3/Aux Input Problem
Since buying my E500 three months ago I have tried to find the best solution to the problem of having no auxiliary input on the APS 50 audio system to enable the connection of an Apple iPod for music playback. Those tried (unsuccessfully) were:
1. Sony cassette audio adapter - requires a cable connection that prevents you from closing the cassette player door.
2. "M-Any" (similar to "Digisette") mp3 player in the shape of an audio cassette - works OK but you can't see what is happening as there is no song display panel or indication of battery condition and the supplied software is clumsy.
3. Various aftermarket FM adapters - all have cables dangling all over the place for audio input, DC power etc. and I couldn't find one that gave acceptable audio quality.
The Griffin iTrip is the best solution by far - no cables, no batteries, no power switch, good audio quality and all iPod functions remain available. After setting up the iTrip software on your Ipod you just tune the car FM to a quiet spot on the dial and start playing from the up to 5,000 songs stored, i.e. on the 20GB model. (iPods are available with 10 to 30GB of storage).
As well as being the best performer, the iTrip is also the lowest cost ($US35) iPod add-on that works well enough to be a viable solution. The iPod is by far the best stand-alone portable mp3 player and the iTrip makes it easy to use in your car (or with any other handy FM radio/tuner).
Details are available at: www.griffintechnology.com
Disclaimer: I'm just a satisfied customer.
1. Sony cassette audio adapter - requires a cable connection that prevents you from closing the cassette player door.
2. "M-Any" (similar to "Digisette") mp3 player in the shape of an audio cassette - works OK but you can't see what is happening as there is no song display panel or indication of battery condition and the supplied software is clumsy.
3. Various aftermarket FM adapters - all have cables dangling all over the place for audio input, DC power etc. and I couldn't find one that gave acceptable audio quality.
The Griffin iTrip is the best solution by far - no cables, no batteries, no power switch, good audio quality and all iPod functions remain available. After setting up the iTrip software on your Ipod you just tune the car FM to a quiet spot on the dial and start playing from the up to 5,000 songs stored, i.e. on the 20GB model. (iPods are available with 10 to 30GB of storage).
As well as being the best performer, the iTrip is also the lowest cost ($US35) iPod add-on that works well enough to be a viable solution. The iPod is by far the best stand-alone portable mp3 player and the iTrip makes it easy to use in your car (or with any other handy FM radio/tuner).
Details are available at: www.griffintechnology.com
Disclaimer: I'm just a satisfied customer.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Great! I am looking forward to it (I have the 20 GB iPod and always wondered why Benz live in the stone age when it comes to anything modern and computerised.. why I left Europe I suppose).
Where do you store the iPod while driving?
Mike
Where do you store the iPod while driving?
Mike
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
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From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
Forget it. A three week wait and then $35 (fine) and then they add.. wait for it... US$22 plus all taxes and import duties" for shipping!!!
WHAT? 22 bucks to ship something FedEx to Canada? Sounds like a typical American company that thinks Canada is like Kyrgystan or something. I am 40 minutes from Buffalo NY and there is no way that FedEx would charge $22 to get a small package to me (and if they did, find cheaper shipping).
And their phone number just has a short tape saying they are closed and then closes the line. No voicemail or anything.
So.. close, but no cigar. And they lost the revenue - I already filled in my credit card number when they tell me the $22 thing... hope I do not lose the money!
MW
WHAT? 22 bucks to ship something FedEx to Canada? Sounds like a typical American company that thinks Canada is like Kyrgystan or something. I am 40 minutes from Buffalo NY and there is no way that FedEx would charge $22 to get a small package to me (and if they did, find cheaper shipping).
And their phone number just has a short tape saying they are closed and then closes the line. No voicemail or anything.
So.. close, but no cigar. And they lost the revenue - I already filled in my credit card number when they tell me the $22 thing... hope I do not lose the money!
MW
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 194
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From: Southern California
2003 E320
ebay
Originally posted by mwillems
Forget it. A three week wait and then $35 (fine) and then they add.. wait for it... US$22 plus all taxes and import duties" for shipping!!!
MW
Forget it. A three week wait and then $35 (fine) and then they add.. wait for it... US$22 plus all taxes and import duties" for shipping!!!
MW
Rock.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 25
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From: NZ
2003 E500 Avantgarde Brilliant Silver
It seems there is a very strong demand for the product.
I had to wait 6 weeks and pay $US30 for shipping to New Zealand. I still think this is peanuts for such an elegant solution. The audio cassette format mp3 player was over $NZ700 from the MB dealer - it came in a box with an MB part number.
You can put the iPod anywhere inside the car - I leave it on the passenger seat when driving alone or otherwise put it in the centre console pocket, glovebox or parcel net in the passenger footwell.
I had to wait 6 weeks and pay $US30 for shipping to New Zealand. I still think this is peanuts for such an elegant solution. The audio cassette format mp3 player was over $NZ700 from the MB dealer - it came in a box with an MB part number.
You can put the iPod anywhere inside the car - I leave it on the passenger seat when driving alone or otherwise put it in the centre console pocket, glovebox or parcel net in the passenger footwell.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, Ont., Canada
2009 ML320 CDi Bluetec
The price of the item is fine. But shipping 45 minutes outside NY for $22 is excessive. They have probably just lumped all "foreign" addresses together - not unusual for US companies to do this.
Even if they just shipped it Fedex at MY cost that would be OK!
Michael
Even if they just shipped it Fedex at MY cost that would be OK!
Michael
