Options for using
your iPod in the car
SPONSORED BY
IT’S A DILEMMA FOR IPOD LOVERS: how to listen to their beloved music
collection in the car. It’s not safe (and is illegal in some states) to use headphones while driving. Fortunately, several solutions are on the market. Here
are the best options.
Connect via the Aux-In connector. Most new cars now come with an Auxiliary-In (Aux-In) connector. An easy connection by cable will allow you to play
your iPod in no time. These cables are known as mini-stereo or 3. 5 mm to 3. 5
mm cables. Other accessories include mounts and auto-chargers.
Connect through a cassette deck. If your car has a cassette deck, take advantage of it. A cassette adapter allows you to connect directly to your stereo
and typically provides good sound. Look for accessories to mount and power
your iPod.
Connect through an FM radio. Virtually everyone has an FM radio in their
car. Using an FM transmitter turns your iPod into a small radio station, so
you can listen through your car’s stereo. When you are picking a frequency
to transmit on, find one that has no other stations to compete with. Premium
FM transmitters will scan and find the best frequency for you. Other features
to look for include mounting, charging and memory presets.
Hard-wire the unit. If you are willing to make the commitment, you can
get a hard-wire connection for your iPod custom-installed in your car. Many
different options are available. Some allow you to control your iPod through
the car stereo and display song and artist information. However, this option is
often costlier than cables, adapters or transmitters. A
THIS&THAT
This article sponsored by Belkin, which
offers a diverse product mix that provides
people with seamless electronics integration in their homes, cars and on the go.
Belkin is the recognized leader in accessories for MP3 devices, connectivity solutions,
computers and more. Costco features a
wide variety of Belkin products that charge,
sync, protect and/or play iPods.
ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’
A long drive becomes longer with silence. That’s why everyone has his or her favorite tunes to provide
the soundtrack. The Almanac asked noted rock historian (and Costco member) Paul Grushkin
( www.rockindownthehighway.com), the author of Rockin’ Down the Highway (Voyageur Press, 2006),
to compile the quintessential playlist. Here are his top picks.
Born to Run—Bruce Springsteen Freeway of Love—Aretha Franklin
Rocket 88—Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats Built for Speed—Stray Cats
I Can’t Drive 55—Sammy Hagar Arrested for Driving While Blind—ZZ Top
Mustang Sally—Wilson Pickett Dead Man’s Curve—Jan and Dean
Radar Love—Golden Earring Little Deuce Coupe—Beach Boys
Little Red Corvette—Prince Roadhouse Blues—The Doors
Drive My Car—The Beatles On the Road Again—Canned Heat
On t he Road Again—Willie Nelson 18 Rockin’ Down the Highway—Doobie Brothers
Highway to Hell—AC/DC 19 Race with the Devil—Gene Vincent
Detroit Rock City—Kiss 20 Maybelline—Chuck Berry
