Car drivers crash their iPods

Users trying to hook up their iPod music players to their car stereos most often fail to install the device.

In a quick poll on the Autobytel website (meaning it's unscientific and should be used for its anecdotal value only), only 33 per cent of the respondents said that had been able to install the iPod in their vehicles. Another 36 per cent said that they had been "somewhat successful" and 31 per cent failed to install the device.

An increasing number of cars however offers optional equipment that allows drivers to easily hook up their iPods and control them through their radio interface. Such kits range from a cable integrated into the car to complete docking stations that will hold the unit in place.

But if you aren't prepared to buy a new car just so you can easily plug in your iPod, you're required to use a cassette adapter, FM modulator or auxiliary inputs.

The adapter comes with a cassette shaped device that you put into your cassette player. It will create a signal that the cassette player recognizes as music. It creates a jungle of wires coming from you radio and doesn't charge your iPod's battery, while sound quality is mediocre at most.

FM modulators transmit a short range signal on the FM radio band. Quality tends to get bad in areas with many radio stations. Also, no battery charging.

The auxiliary inputs, as well as CD changer adapters, tend to give the best result, but also require the most advanced engineering skills.

Optional iPod support in a Scion (a Toyota owned brand best known for their knock-off of the pope-mobile)

tags: apple, ipod, car stereo, scion