In my wife and my attempt to save the planet, we bought a Toyota Prius last summer. So far we’ve saved a college tuitions worth on gas and can breathe a little better too. One thing I don’t like about the Prius is it’s iPod jack location. It’s inside the center console. In order to change a song we have to open the console and change the track. Where are our eyes focused on at this point? Inside the console and not on the road. I found a solution to our problem. The DICE Electronics iPod Intergration Unit.
Here is a direct quote on the product from PriusChat.com.
Here is some info from the manufacturer about the system: Factory iPod integration from DICE! Connect your iPod to your vehicle’s factory entertainment system and hear what your iPod should sound like in your car. CD-quality sound and controls from your radio, steering wheel or the iPod. Always keeps your iPod charged and ready to go. Radios supporting CD-text will also display text from your iPod allowing you to view song title and artist name right on your radio’s display. A clean factory looking installation is possible with our sleek iPod cradle and hidden installations can be done with our docking cable.
I installed the unit last weekend (after having it for over 5 months now) and so far it works great. We can control the iPod from the steering wheel controls and/or the display on the dashboard. And…it works with our iPhones too!!! When someone calls, text messages, or sends an email, the sound of the music mutes briefly to let notify us. Check out http://www.diceelectronics.com to see if they make a model for your vehicle. If you own a Prius, check out PriusChat.com for a discounted rate.
**iPhone 3G Update** 07/30/2008 @ 9AM EST
I have found, after upgrading to the iPhone 3G that the DICE Electronic currently does not charge the iPhone, but will play music still. I hope Apple is going to correct this problem soon.
**IPhone 3G Update 2** 07/30/2008 @ 2PM EST
I just got off the phone with DICE Electronics and they will be releasing a new cable for exisiting customers in about a month. The new cable will charge the new 3G as well as iPods, Classic iPhone, and the iPod Touch.
