ive been researching how a fit might work with an ipod. Although im using an "outdated" 3G ipod that is not supported by the music link accessory, it seems to me that for $300+, it is hardly worth it.
Assuming it is the same as the civics,
there is no text support, so you cant actually see on the stereo what song is playing, and the browsing feature (i think its called TTS) seems terribly awkward, requires new software on your computer, running manual sync in itunes, and a fairly long setup:
Unhappy
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/sto...usersguide.pdf

ive been looking at some of the available aftermarket ways of using an ipod:

monster icruze - available seperate LCD display, also awkward browsing

harmon kardon -- seperate LCD, browses as "easily" as an ipod itself, but doesnt actually hook into the car stereo (uses FM transmitter and doesnt charge)

Alpine/pioneer/kenwood all have available head unit with ipod compatibility. the most expensive route, and it requires a whole new stereo, in an already new car.

so basically im kind of frustrated by this and ive been checking out the Scion Xb, which apparently has text supported ipod integration built into its stereo as a $240 option. The scion stereos are supposed to be pretty good.

anyone have experience with any of these devices?

my job requires me to be able to clearly listen to music in my car (my 99 Altima rattles WAY too much). I'm not trying to show up my neighbors with the most kickin bass or anything, so im thinking definition more than loudness.

 

My nephew has Musiclink on a 2006 Civic LX - yes it is work to load BUT once in place and you're familiar with the button function it is nice - you run the iPod without looking at it - all prompts are audio based. Your eyes stay on the road!

 

If you're getting a Fit Sport just hook the audio out into the headunit Aux In. Get a holder and mount your ipod in a convenient location. Hook up the 12V to charge your ipod.

Wouldnt that work?

 

I too was wondering about the IPod. I did see that it should show up text on the radio though....that's what I seem to remember....

Anyhooo..... I think it would be more trouble than it's worth to get the ipod link. You have to have the software and stuff on your computer for most to work....

I'd just do what i do now. My wife's civic ex special edtion's 6disc has a aux on the front so i just got a cup holder thing and attached the mini jack to the aux. I just usually setup a playlist before I drive so I dont have too look down. Either that or change playlists at lights. Dont want to die while choosing songs on an ipod.

For 200 bux plus install it's just not worth it unless you bought yourself a $600 ipod

 

it seems that with a navigation system on the civic, track number and track time are displayer, but no actual text.
Im not interested in using the AUX jack long term. I find it difficult to change between artists/albums while driving on the ipod.


I'd like a car setup that you can do this with ease and very minimal eye contact. The TTS system i dont like b/c it seems it would take forever to get where you want. Since I almost spend more time in the car than at home, if were to compare the style of Bach to Vivaldi, i think that would take more timing browsing than listening.

 

I hate to pry, but what kind of job would "require" you to listen to music while driving? Wouldn't that be better handled in a studio? I can just hear some lawyer schmuck licking his chops over the lawsuit when that accident happens.

"I just didn't hear the ambulance officer, because I was ****yzing the nuances of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" for the quarterly stockholder report. Oooo, my neck really hurts..."

 

ha, its not quite like that. Like anyone, im just listening. I write music for TV shows and commercials. In a given day I might bounce between writing a classical guitar piece, jazz big band, or heavy metal. so, the time spent in my car is important as i use it to expose myself to as much music as possible. I leave the serious study with pape, pencil, and a keyboard for when im not in the car....

OT:
A British company did a study a couple years ago on aggressive driving, and here is what they found.

the most dangerous music to listen to while driving:

1. Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries.
2. The Dies Irae from Verdi's Requiem.
3. Firestarter by the Prodigy.
4. Red Alert by Basement Jaxx.
5. Insomnia by Faithless.

...and the most soothing:

1. Come Away With Me by Nora Jones.
2. Mad World by Gary Jules.
3. Another Day by Lemar.
4. Too Lost in You by The Sugababes.
5. Breathe Easy by Blue.

 

For people with ipods but without the music link and using the AUX jack, use the dock's line out instead of the ipod's headphone out. The lineout has far better bass response while the headphone jack falls off steeply as you go into the low frequencies

I have yet to test it myself, but my friend claims the dock + ipod should fit easily

 

if it looks like i'm going to get an aftermarket stereo anyway, does it make sense to get the sport over the base? I can take or leave the wheels, body kit, and foglights. id miss cruise and would get aftermarket keyless entry/security.

by getting the base model, you only get 4 speakers instead of 6 which i guess is a loss. im not looking to spend a bunch of money (about $500 before install). no amps or subs, just a good head unit and speakers. is this possible? so far ive seen no info on crutchfield about a Fit.

 

You can definitely add your own stereo if you get a Fit Base. If you dont care for cruise control, then by all means get the Base. Everything else besides cruise you can add later if you have a change of heart.

 

Well, rather unfortunately, I just tested this at work and the part about the dock's line out having better response seems to be true. I forgot all about that jack and had just been plugging my speakers into the headphone jack with the iPod volume at a respectable level.

Just switched it to the the line out on the dock and the sudden burst of full, rich musical tones was indeed much louder and clearer.

 

You don't need the ipod input. I currently w/ my civic use the aux input. you control the ipod volume and song via the ipod. This works for EVERY mp3 player. it's basically like listening to the ipod or mp3 player off headfones, cept instead of the headfone its ur car's stereo. It's not inconvenient.

The only thing that'll suck is that you'll be driving the fit knowing you could have had better. just get a new ipod!!!

 

I've tried plugging in three different tape players and all I get from the speakers is a hum. Checked the manual and it doesn't give me any troubleshooting info. Anyone have an idea what's wrong?

 

I'm getting a Fit Sport, which has the MP3 player standard.

I've already started compiling how I want to do this --

I'm going to create individual "playlists" on CD's that I'll burn. A typical MP3 disc will contain 150-180 songs on it. I can fill up a 12-disc wallet with quite a few songs for every day running around, back and forth to work, running to the store, etc.

I'll take my iPod with me when I go on "trips" which I typically do on the weekend (my parents are in poor health and about 300 miles away hence the need for a fuel-sipping vehicle.) I plan to simply plug into the Aux jack for these trips. I usually have one, or more of my daughters with me, and they are always running through the 4000 or so songs that I have on mine, and playing whatever they want. I figure with a 6-foot 1/8" to 1/8" cable they can do whatever they want from any seat. I have an iJet remote for mine, so I can still "over rule" anything that I find objectionable!!

 

Sounds like they didn't know about Ludicris -
"Move Bitch - Get out da way...."

 

I think that the Honda Music Link will be different than that of the NEW civic since they have different stereos and screens for displaying info. There is not navigation system in the Fit Sport.

The price is also different so hopefully they fix the crappy software they have and make it worthwhile.

 

Can't be too different - it uses the same Musiclink software ...
Also I've seen the Fit instruction book - looks just like Civic's....the controls are still just ran through the 5 pre-set buttons AND NO DISPLAY

 

It sucks that Honda cannot make a good car ipod software.

 

Great links....

 

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