Whirlpool

This is a weird question I know, but I'm not sure whether I should go for a new phone that supports music to be played in the car, or just go for an iPod. These are the factors, I already have a Nokia 6230 with a 512MB MMC Card. Nokia do not have an FM Music transmitter, so I can't use that to play music in the car.

I was originally looking at buying the SE W810i (when it comes out) and buying the FM Music transmitter (MMR-60). The phone suits all my needs and so on. The phone isn't the problem though.

Some other options have come up now, if I buy an iPod, I could buy an FM transmitter for it as well. Then there is also the other choice of going a different brand and doing the same thing.

Then something else came into my mind. I was looking at buying a portable hard drive, if I buy an iPod or any other Mp3 player with a lot of storage I wouldn't obviously need one of these.

So the question is, do I buy the W810i, iPod 30GB/60GB, the iPod Nano 4GB (and portable HDD) or something else (assume all are both with a music transmitter of some sort, FM or otherwise)?

Nice -v-'s

Don't forget that FM transmitters for the iPods etc. have a fairly low bitrate/quality etc.
I think radio is equivalent to 96kbit MP3's - is this right? - I certainly don't think it's CD-quality sound.

Another option would be to use the line-out or headphone port of the MP3 player and extend the line (aux) in of your CD receiver so that you can just plug it in. Then maybe get a car charger etc. It's cheaper than getting an FM transmitter in any case.

music lounge???

Sorry I put it in the wrong forum, can a moderator please move to the Music Lounge (or other appropriate forum), thanks.

s3n writes...
Another option would be to use the line-out or headphone port of the MP3 player and extend the line (aux) in of your CD receiver so that you can just plug it in. Then maybe get a car charger etc. It's cheaper than getting an FM transmitter in any case.

Could you explain that in more detail, excuse my ignorance. Might be because it is 2am or because I am just stupid, I don't know, but some more detail to that post would be much appreciated thanks.

krazex writes...
music lounge???

Is this your job, I've noticed you do it in many posts. I mean thanks, because it will get more exposure in the Music Lounge then here, but I find it funny, you might as well be given power to move things from gadget lounge to music lounge ;)

کohan writes...

Could you explain that in more detail, excuse my ignorance. Might be because it is 2am or because I am just stupid, I don't know, but some more detail to that post would be much appreciated thanks.

This is what I have done with my Alpine player. If your unit has a CD changer control or AUX input on it then you can get a cable that plugs from it into your iPod's 3.5mm headphone jack. The sound quality is a lot better than using an FM transmitter and it also saves a lot of battery.

What head unit do you have?

کohan writes...

Is this your job, I've noticed you do it in many posts. I mean thanks, because it will get more exposure in the Music Lounge then here, but I find it funny, you might as well be given power to move things from gadget lounge to music lounge ;)

Its funny because its true :P

cc2104338 writes...
This is what I have done with my Alpine player. If your unit has a CD changer control or AUX input on it then you can get a cable that plugs from it into your iPod's 3.5mm headphone jack. The sound quality is a lot better than using an FM transmitter and it also saves a lot of battery.

What head unit do you have?

It's more for when I go into any car, so I can't depend on there being an aux input (or a cassette desk either). The car that I use, has a stock head unit, well not stock but dealer fitted, with no aux input, so it won't help.

I'm guessing though if I want true quality, I shouldn't go an FM transmitter. I'll admit that I get annoyed at the slightest problems with music, so it seems like this will just make things worse. Thanks, I think I'll save the pain and forget the FM transmitter. The good thing is that the W810i has a 3.5mm jack, so if I do use aux or cassette, all options are still available.

The prices of the iPods:

2GB Nano: $269.50
4GB Nano: $323.40
30GB Video: $403.70
60GB Video: $537.90

I've heard from several sources that iPod prices are regulated, so are these the best prices I can get or is there better going around (these are student prices).

کohan writes...

I've heard from several sources that iPod prices are regulated, so are these the best prices I can get or is there better going around (these are student prices).

You shouldn't find anywhere that will get a price lower than edu.

It's more for when I go into any car, so I can't depend on there being an aux input (or a cassette desk either). The car that I use, has a stock head unit, well not stock but dealer fitted, with no aux input, so it won't help.

My only other suggestion would be this adaptor
www.amazon.com/gp/produc...=glance&n=172282

but fewer and fewer cars have tape decks in them these days.

cc2104338 writes...
My only other suggestion would be this adaptor
www.amazon.com/gp/produc...=glance&n=172282

but fewer and fewer cars have tape decks in them these days.

Yeah that's true, the prospect of no cassette decks in the car is bad, unless I buy both...

How is the quality of the cassette deck adaptor. My friend had a Sony one and it seemed pretty bad, but it probably was his car stereo, I'm not sure.

کohan writes...

How is the quality of the cassette deck adaptor.

Never used one but I would guess that it fitted between an FM transmitter and the aux input.

I've heard some good things about the newer generation of FM transmitters. Better sound quality etc. I've only had experience with the iTrip for my Mini- it was terrible when it came to sound quality- good one minute, hopeless the next.

I looked through several threads and at online reviews and many people complained about the FM transmitter, but it seems the most simplest, because it would work in the car or at home. It seems I might need to buy several accessories.

i would go for the phone, but i couldnt resist voting candy =D i currently use a psp for my mp3 needs as i am use to carrying a bag alound of have pants with big pockets xD tehres fm transmitters for it all over the place but i am also looking at a phone...i too have the 6230 and was deciding between that and the k750i which is relatively cheaper than the w800i and w810i whereas the only diff is the firmware which you can flash into the k750i ( the k750i also has lens cover xD ) and EDGE on the w810 ( which i don't know what it really is ). Holding out for now cause i'm still on my 24 contract...10 months to go T.T

For me one of the main reasons to wait for the W810i is the use of the directional pad. Having big fingers makes using the mini joystick hard. I'm now swaying towards going for a stylish phone and an iPod.

The 6230 back then was a phone I got for its features and clean looking package, but it wasn't anything that stood out. If I have a dedicated Mp3 player (e.g. iPod), I don't need an Mp3 phone as such and something like the D600 would be perfect (I understand it has an Mp3 player, but it is a stylish phone as well).

get W900i its better i think the last time i check the specs against the W810i as it has more functuality....as well as it look good with a widescreen for the portable video as well....

I've actually already ordered my iPod Video. I might keep my 6230 for now, and get a decent phone later on. I did consider the W900i, but too expensive and now I don't need a phone that's main feature is its Mp3 playback.