How to iPod your Automobile

I’ve been spending more and more time listening to podcasts the last few weeks — however, I still prefer listening to them in the car the most (since I’m not doing other things like reading, writing, etc. while I’m driving). I’ve tried all the quick&easy adapters:
– Monster Cable iCarPlay iPod Wireless FM Transmitter
– Griffin iTrip MiniFM transmitter

THEY ARE TERRIBLE! Sound quality terrible, even when clear reception, and 90%+ of the time, you can’t get and keep clear channels. I couldn’t more strongly steer you clear of them.

Then, I considered ‘iPodding my BMW’… however, when I read the fine print, I found that you don’t get to see what songs & artists are playing on your radio display. Thus, with the iPod in your glove box, and with lots of random podcasts, you’re pretty much driving blind (pardon the hideous pun).

I eventually went to the local Magnolia Hi-Fi, and they’ve hooked me up (pun #2… I should be punched… hard). Basically, they’re hardwiring my iPod into my stereo using the CD changer input — then, I’ll mount the iPod using a ProClip mount and control my iPod using the actual iPod — when not in use, I’ll just stash it in the compartment above my ash tray. (If you’re interested in learning more about this, let me know, and I’ll post some photos.) Oh yeah, all-in cost was ~$350.