I've been looking for a simple iPod holder. We have three Nanos in the family and I'll be getting an iPhone when they come out. I like this one so far:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...057894-6743330

It seems with the suction cup that it would be able to hold a variety of things such as the iPhone, Nano or other size iPods. I like the cup holder idea so I can just put it in as I need it and toss it in the console when I don't. The Aux jack would be real close as well if I put it in the front most cup holder. I guess the downside is that I loose an extra cup holder.

There's also this one:
http://www.bracketron.com/xmain/uch100bl.php

This one looks a little busy to me though and I'm not sure if the nano would fit secure.

Any other simple ideas out there? I'd rather not go with something permanent that requires any drilling, etc..

Thanks for any input.

 

For The Rdx? Why Don't u put it near the 12v input or in the cup holder..?!?

 

After having larger iPods over the years, I just got a Nano. The Nano is much smaller than most of the docks/mounts can handle, and it's so light a mount seems like it might be overkill. You could probably just velcro the Nano to something if needed. My Nano is so light it's not even noticeable on the end of the dock cable I use -- it's hardly any more bulky than the dock connector.

I haven't found a good way to mount it in the RDX yet, and just leave it on the end of the cable in the passenger seat or in the cupholder, where I can get at it to use the controls.

 

Ehhh, yes for the RDX but basically any vehicle could apply here. I would rather it be more snug than just sitting loosely in the bare cup holder. I assume you mean the small opening/compartment to the left of the 12v as the other option. Neither of these will offer me an easy view of the display as with a holder as well. For $12ish, my first option seems to meet my needs perfectly. I was just wondering if there were any other options out there I may have missed.

 

Yeah, it is small but I don't want it just laying around, especially on the passenger seat which might be in use. I'm also thinking down the road some with an iPhone and with my current PDA phone or possibly a passenger who may bring along a bigger iPod. For just the Nano though, velcro might be a good, easy option.

 

I used this system in my last car, it's on the pricey side after you buy the mount and holder, but I never had a problem with it holding my old ipod or the my new nano. Just offering options to you.

Rich

http://www.proclipusa.com/default.asp

 

I just picked up one of these from NewEgg for $~30. I like the charger/lineout integration and I didn't want something that takes up one of my cup holders.

 

GREAT TIP!

I just ordered one. Perfect - holds it up so you can see the display & charges the battery. Brilliant.

 

My other option was this device -- same basic concept, but it cost $20 more, so I went with the Griffin.

That being said, I have yet to try it out... so I'll post back when I receive it.

 

An Amazon reviewer listed a "con" as:

Both iPod line-out and Griffin TuneFlex line-out release annoying electrical static unfix-able without low-pass filters. This alone is a reason to not spend the money on this product)

 

Any of the chargers run the risk of introducing ground loop noise when trying to unite the iPod ground with the vehicle ground. You pretty much can count on needing a ground loop isolater in most cases.

 

Would it be a correct assumption that both the Neo and MusicLink perform this step and therefore abate this problem?

 

they don't perform that step exactly, but they get their power from the CD changer port, which is a clean power source so no ground loop interference.

 

As you can tell.... I'm almost there to the Neo you've been educating us on
Thanks.

My problem is I only use my iPod in the car for Audiobooks, never music, so the Neo almost seems like overkill, but I'm about to change my mind as the ever lasting story of charge/connect is becoming a hassle.

I perhaps should take Hunter's advice and just go buy a Nano which is smaller and has larger battery life and should have plenty of capacity for one book at a time.

 

The interesting thing I learned many years ago is that it's not an issue with the quality of the power source; any portable device, whether iPod or Walkman or portable CD player, can cause a ground loop problem in a car. The device has it's own independent ground, which somehow needs to become common with the radio ground in order to avoid noise. If there is any sort of difference in the grounds, static can result. I suspect that the Neo and other adapters make the iPod ground common with the radio ground through the CD changer port.

When you can't reconcile the grounds directly like that, such as if the iPod is powered by the 12V lighter socket (whose ground has a different potential than the radio ground), then the next easiest thing is to use a ground loop isolator -- an isolation transformer which allows AC currents (music) to pass, but filters out DC currents (static). It's entirely possible that the Neo has one of these built in.

Some of you may be familiar with the rule of thumb of using common ground points when setting up car stereos with separate head units and amps -- you'd want all the components grounded at the same point on the chassis. Same sort of deal. I always considered the whole vehicle to be one big ground, but there are actually small differences in potential all over the car body.

 

This was interesting.

Right now I'm using a dock cable with line out into aux..... I don't get any noise that I notice.

 

Are you powering the iPod? The ground noise issues would only potentially show up when you try to power the iPod, but not in all cases.

 

Me too, excellent sound, thanks to you Craig. Doesn't this whole thread sound a bit like um..de sha voo? ( excuse me french).

For what it's worth, yes I have a nano, but how the heck are you choosing your music with your darn forefinger? I need to pick the darn thing up to read it (I don't use glasses) and if you don't have the "lock" feature on, then you sure are a forefinger maniac with that Ipod dial! I'm happy throwing it into that little nook next to the 12V. perfect. I drive the car like you don't want to buy it from me, but the IPOd is secure enough in there, that I can not worry. Darn thing runs my Ipod nike+ sneakers, and at my age, I'm waiting for Nike to make the sneakers that run themselves.

I must add, the later, is a general statement to the thread of IPOD HOLDERS

 

I just received and installed the Griffin TuneFlex AUX (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflexaux) ~$50.00 + ~$13.00 for rush delivery! .... suits my less than 1 week old RDX just fine!!

 

beachbum this is a great little device. I love ilounge.com. That site has a ton of good stuff for the iPods and I've been going there for a while.

As I look to purchasing a new car this might be a good fix while I decide whether or not I really want to install an iPod adapter that integrates with the rest of the stereo system and steering wheel controls.

 

So far so good with the TuneFlex. Depending on positioning, it blocks access to some controls but not enough to lose sleep over. I like the fact that the iPod can be used and looked at as it was it intended, not shrouded in some case. Gadget cases hide the beauty of well-designed devices. Interchangeable connectors with the TuneFlex are also a plus. Though I wouldn't recommend watching video on a Touch while driving! :-)