Your Vehicle’s Audio System with the iPod
It feels like the iPod story is all about how lucky you are. If you haven’t already, you should know that Apple’s immensely successful iPod product line is complemented by a plethora of complementary devices and accessories. Honestly, I can’t think of a more impressive coup that Apple pulled off against the behemoth PC industry; even Microsoft’s new Zune is struggling to match the sales that the iPod effortlessly generates. The success may defy explanation, but it may have everything to do with the wildly popular add-ons and accessories designed for every iPod model.
Auto sound systems are only one of many fantastic iPod accessories available today, so you might be asking what the big deal is with that. I mean, this seriously! One such modification is an iPod converter, which allows drivers to connect their portable music players to their car’s sound system. When you think about how you won’t have to put your life on the line by fumbling with your iPod in search of that one unusual song on your list, it nearly seems too wonderful to be true.
You still need the iPod itself to access the menus and make adjustments, but other manufacturers of vehicle stereos have adapters and devices that can read and play music from the iPod. You may be confident that the iPod is a cultural phenomenon and not a mere coincidence when carmakers and stereo manufacturers like Alpine and Pioneer design stereos with it in mind.
Not only can you find iDogs and iPets in this category, but you can also find iPod covers, speakers, docking stations, alarm clocks, and, my favorite, the iBaby (a Kolcraft stroller with an iPod, speakers, and adapter built in so that baby can hear his or her favorite songs while being strolled about town), or the iCrib (another clever iPod device designed to keep baby pacified—hopefully these gadgets are drool-proof).
Obviously, there are instances where the accessories make the whole thing, and I’ve just seen another manufacturer of MP3-type gadgets that can hold its own against the iPod in terms of the customization options it gives its customers.
You probably already own an iPod or are at least open to the notion of getting one if you’re looking for a car stereo system. I would advise you to think about getting an in-car audio system that is fully compatible with your iPod system or any other MP3 player if you plan on doing any of those things soon.
However, I think you’ll discover better choices made just for the iPod, since no other brand has (so far) attracted nearly the same number of customers or their spending power as the iPod. You might as well get on the iPod bandwagon for your car stereo too, because it seems like they’re here to stay regardless of your feelings about them.