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Author Topic: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?  (Read 824 times)

simer

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Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« on: June 04, 2010, 04:52:33 PM »
Up until now I have been using a 16gb usb stick with all my music chucked on it - ie no playlists etc - so I get pretty random music.

I'm beginning to miss having playlists and want to use my iPhone 3GS so that I can easily play albums, artists, my own playlists or genius playlists. I would also quite like my CoPilot sat nav instructions to play through the system (if only Blue&Me had A2DP bluetooth like the Parrot system in our other car but that is another story).

The question is should I get the Blue&Me adaptor or not?

A lot of you seem to have been having problems but it is hard to get a sense of whether it is 5% or 50% of you with problems?

Overall how do you rate it, will it enable me to do what I want it to do and is it reliable? (the USB stick is at least reliable)
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John501

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2010, 05:19:18 PM »
Rule of thumb Simon is if you want to play MP4 (ie downloaded form I-tunes) then you need the dongle.
If you want your phone to charge via the USB then you need the dongle.
I dont have I-phone myself but Jon Clapp uses his on a daily basis and has had no problems :thumb:
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simer

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2010, 05:45:05 PM »
Thanks John - I've got all of my 4 & 5* rated songs already in MP3 format (to suit the USB stick) and tend to buy MP3 music from Amazon - again for this reason.

I'm interested to hear that Jon hasn't had any problems - do you know if he uses any sat nav app and does it work through the system?

Also I would be interested to know how much it is likely to cost to get my Blue&me upgraded to 5.4 or whatever it is (I use a Mac and would probably find it easier for a garage to do it for me)
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John501

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2010, 08:01:32 PM »
5.4 upgrade can be free, I'll send you a stick with the file on it. It easy to install :thumb:
I'll get Jon to get in touch and talk you through what He uses his for.
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chriscav

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2010, 08:22:34 PM »
I bought one from richard hardie and have no problems at all!
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Sawbomartin

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2010, 09:32:42 PM »
yes (if you've got the cash, get one)
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Paula

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2010, 10:35:04 PM »
I've had no problems with mine, it works very well with my iPhone 3GS.

Paula
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clairescot

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2010, 07:34:45 AM »
Has anyone got the part number for this new dongle?  Would like to get one for my car  :)

Claire
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Chris555

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #8 on: June 09, 2010, 08:29:43 AM »
They are available to buy from our shop
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NinjaUK

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #9 on: June 09, 2010, 08:50:57 AM »
Noooo don't do it, don't buy an iPhone.  Get a proper phone that actually works!  :whistle:
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simer

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #10 on: June 11, 2010, 05:00:56 PM »
Got the adaptor and so far so good - bought it retail as I got discount and didn't have to worry about being in to sign for packages (sorry Chris).

I am pleased to report that, certainly with the CoPilot Live iPhone app, the instructions come out over the car speakers. The ipod music fades, the instructions are broadcast and then the music fades back in - neat!

I'm not sure if it will work the same way with the radio on - I'll let you know if it does.

The only irritating thing so far is that the iPhone display stays blank so you don't get to see the album artwork. I'll maybe try to see if I can overcome it  some way but it doesn't seem to be in any of the settings or prefs that I can find.

Do you find the same or is there an easy & probably very obvious fix?
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Sawbomartin

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2010, 11:13:22 AM »
Yes, I had the same thing, tried to find a solution but failed.

I also found it crucial for smooth running to have the ipod connected BEFORE you turn the ignition and then disconnecting after turning the ignition off.

Another top tip is to not expect miracles from the system and to use it below the maximum. For example, voice commands can go wrong, just use the controls on the steering wheel. In other words, get to know its limitations.

I find it excellent and have very few issues with it.
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simer

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Re: Should I buy an iPod/iPnone adaptor?
« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2010, 04:18:16 PM »
I have found that if you press the iPhone's home button whilst it is playing a track you get about 15 seconds of the song info displayed on the phone - a lot easier than delving into the Blue and Me menu system!

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