Exactly what do I need to buy
I have been doing alot of research on this website, apple store and others but don't quite get it.
Can someone advise me on exactly all the pieces I need when buying my first iPod? I am confused about the connection to my laptop and my car stereo. Does the iPod come with everything I need?
laptop: Dell Inspiron 8500 (no firewire only usb)
os: windows xp pro 2002
car stereo has aux jack
Thanks to anyone who can help. I am anxious and READY to purchase an iPod but I want to get everything I need at the same time.
[557 byte] By [
mtngirl] at [2007-11-9 20:21:33]
# 1 Re: Exactly what do I need to buy
You will either need to buy a firewire PCMCIA card or the Apple USB+Firewire cable. Either will work just fine. Be aware that the PC card will most likely NOT charge your iPod.
Since your car stereo has an AUX jack, you should be able to get a standard miniplug cable and go from the headphone jack of the iPod (or the Line out of the dock) to the input on your car. You can get such a cable at any decent electronics store. Even Wal-Mart should have one.
# 2 Re: Exactly what do I need to buy
Great! Thanks for the reply.
Just let me clarify as I am really unfamilar with all the gadgets:
The new iPods come with a FireWire cable and a PC FireWire adapter. Is that the same thing you are talking about (PCMCIA card or apple usb+firewire cable) or is it still something additional I need to get the iPod and laptop to talk.
# 3 Re: Exactly what do I need to buy
Originally posted by mtngirl
Just let me clarify as I am really unfamilar with all the gadgets:
The new iPods come with a FireWire cable and a PC FireWire adapter. Is that the same thing you are talking about (PCMCIA card or apple usb+firewire cable) or is it still something additional I need to get the iPod and laptop to talk.
Are you sure you don't have a FireWire port? According to this page:
http://www.sell.com/2MW21
The Dell Inspiron 8500 has a "IEEE 1394 integrated port". IEEE 1394 is another name for a FireWire port.
If in fact you don't have this port, then you'll either need to purchase Apple's USB cable ($19.00) or purchase a PMCIAA FireWire card to install on your laptop. A quick Google search turns up prices of approx. $25 for one of those cards.
AndyH at 2007-11-15 17:03:52 >
# 4 Re: Exactly what do I need to buy
OHH! Is that what "IEEE 1394 integrated port" is?! Yes, my laptop has that. Very cool - Thank you!
I guess I'm ready to take the iPod plunge.
My thanks to all helpers on this board.
# 5 Re: Exactly what do I need to buy
One other thing: When you hook the iPod up to your car stereo's AUX input, be sure to turn the iPod volume all the way up or almost all the way up. That's because headphone jacks are variable power jacks and you want to send the car stereo as much power as possible. You can then adjust the volume through your car stereo, as you ordinarily would.
elob
elob at 2007-11-15 17:05:56 >
# 6 Re: Exactly what do I need to buy
elob isn't right. if you connect your ipod to car stereo using the headphone jack, keep the volume at about 60-70%, otherwise you will get a distorted sound. for more details have a look at the "gear/in-car solutions" section
