[Vincent Ferrari]

http://cultofmac.com/study-ipod-cou...-industry/10382

"Adding iPod connectivity as standard equipment on their vehicles could save American automobile manufacturers from extinction, according to recent research by Jacobs Media. [...] The study asked prospective vehicle purchasers to rate the most desired features and options relating to entertainment, music, and information. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents said iPod and other MP3 player connectivity was “very important” to them, ranking above satellite radio, GPS, DVD player, and HD Radio."

Interesting, isn't it?  I just bought a new truck, and I wasn't really looking for a lot of things when I was in the market, but two must have features for me were satellite radio (no way in hell you'll catch me on the FM band, and rarely on the AM band) and a 1/8" jack for my iPhone.  My Chevy Traverse had both and I'm not going to lie; that was a major selling point for me.  In fact, almost all GM cars have both as standard equipment now.

Once you have the convenience of a connector for your iPod / iPhone, everything else (particularly those damn "I only work in the sticks FM Transmitters") seems like an exercise in frustration.

[Vincent Ferrari]

http://cultofmac.com/study-ipod-cou...-industry/10382

"Adding iPod connectivity as standard equipment on their vehicles could save American automobile manufacturers from extinction, according to recent research by Jacobs Media. [...] The study asked prospective vehicle purchasers to rate the most desired features and options relating to entertainment, music, and information. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents said iPod and other MP3 player connectivity was “very important” to them, ranking above satellite radio, GPS, DVD player, and HD Radio."

Interesting, isn't it?  I just bought a new truck, and I wasn't really looking for a lot of things when I was in the market, but two must have features for me were satellite radio (no way in hell you'll catch me on the FM band, and rarely on the AM band) and a 1/8" jack for my iPhone.  My Chevy Traverse had both and I'm not going to lie; that was a major selling point for me.  In fact, almost all GM cars have both as standard equipment now.

Once you have the convenience of a connector for your iPod / iPhone, everything else (particularly those damn "I only work in the sticks FM Transmitters") seems like an exercise in frustration.

[ptyork]

Some redneck slammed into my car last month and I'm still driving a rental. The rental is a GM (Acadia--surprisingly nice) and thankfully has said 1/8 inch jack. It works well enough. However, I can't tell you how spoiled I've been for the past few years having dedicated iPod interfaces. Having it come on and go off with the radio/car/bluetooth is such a wonderful thing. And controlling the functions through the steering wheel and seeing the artist/track/etc on the "big screen" is pretty nice too. The latter isn't all that important to me, as I listen mostly to Audible tracks, but it is still nice. Anyway, do yourself a favor and spend the $80 on a dedicated iPod interface. I don't think you'll regret it.

Incidentally, both of my last cars didn't come with ANY aux ports, so these took the place of the second satellite radio inputs. So, if you're willing to put in a few extra bucks (and very few if you are at all technically inclined and can install it yourself), this shouldn't need to be a car buying consideration.

[emuelle1]

Somehow to this point I've managed to buy cars with a tape deck. Since 2003, when I discovered that loading MP3s onto a Windows Mobile device would spare me from inane DJ chatter, repetitive songs, and annoying commercials, I haven't looked back. I've used the cassette adapter. When I got my first iPod, I started listening to podcasts exclusively.

The last two times I've bought a car, the salesman made a big deal out of features in some models like a 6 CD changer. I always responded with "I don't care. I just want to listen to my iPod." I always want to add "The 90's were almost a decade ago now. I'm not impressed by CD changers anymore."

I keep a set of speakers and an aux cable for rental cars when I travel. I never know if the rental will have an aux jack or not, so I carry the speakers with me. Of course, since switching to the iPhone, now I have to worry about interference with the speakers from the phone's radios.

[Tim Williamson]

I'm with emuelle1, gimme a tape player over a 6 CD changer any day. Luckily my car has both!

[Jason Dunn]

Ashley and I are looking for a new car, and a properly-placed 3.5mm aux input jack and a cigarette lighter is important to us. What's really surprising is how few vehicles have them in the "right" place - which I consider to be inside the console. I've seen them both in the most bizarre places...it's like the car companies are living in 1994 - they just don't get it.

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by ptyork

Some redneck slammed into my car last month and I'm still driving a rental. The rental is a GM (Acadia--surprisingly nice)

Completely off topic, but....the Acadia is on my to-test-drive list - can you tell me more about what you think of it? (you can PM me if you like)

[Sven Johannsen]

Originally Posted by Jason Dunn

Ashley and I are looking for a new car.

Aren't you sort of obliged to get one with Sync? Have a colleague that just bought a new truck with it and is really enjoying it, even without being a WM user.

Shame the Zune doesn't sport BT, and Sync comes only on Ford products.

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by Sven

Aren't you sort of obliged to get one with Sync?

Nah. My personal product preferences - and I really do like Sync - fall off over the $5000 mark.