Hi, new here, first post. Just picked up an 06 TL with nav last night. Been reading here for the last few weeks while I've been shopping, and have found some great info.

After reading a ton of posts on ipod integration devices, I'm still not sure I see a general consensus on which one is best. Is it the iSimple, or is there something better out there?

I'm not looking for any extra inputs, just whichever unit has the best controls of the iPod. It's important to me to be able to browse by artist and song, as I'm not all that organized with playlists. I also don't care about playing video from the iPod through the nav...again, just the best controls. Also, ease of install isn't a big concern. (I was a car audio installer a loooong time ago)

Any advice / experience would be much appreciated.

 

iSimple for me.. they have the ability to update the firmware in the iSimple to fix any little bugs.. New firmware is out soon.. Plus the iSimple guys are actual members on here to answer questions! Cant get better than that!

 

Welcome!

DICE and USASpec are options as well. They're all comparable.

 

+1 for isimple, its cheap and works perfectly

 

Ive had this same question though it would nice to have video from the iPod/iPhone. No extra inputs though.

 

I just went through this and called/read everywhere to gather info. I went iSimple for the price and functions and I am 200% satifsfied.

 

What year TL do you have?

 

You have to buy another device called Doms Navtogo to get the extra video input.. it costs 200.00.. google it. you will find where to buy it.

 

Thanks bzyrice, from what I'm reading on iSimple's page the iSimple doesn't work with TL-S as we have the Navigation. Their tech notes specify that it isn't compatible. I'll take a look into Doms Navtogo.

 

I know of DICE and USASpec and iSimple and have read reviews on each one here as I myself was once interested.

From what I could find, the consensus is that the iSimple works best and people are most happy with it. I saw some people post problems they've had with DICE and USASpec, but you can do your own search to see what you find/want to see for yourself.

 

Thanks for the input. After reading a couple hundred more posts, it appears that the general consensus is that the iSimple is the best bet.

For reference, I just called PAC audio to ask about the difference (if any) between three different part numbers I've found that all appear to be the same thing:

PXAMG + PGHHD1 (Peripheral Part #) - This is the iSimple module and harness separately

uPAC-HON1 (PAC Audio Part #) - Same as above, only with harness and module in one package

ISIM71 (Listed on Best Buy site) - Same as uPAC-HON1, only in retail packaging. Also includes harness for Toyota / Lexus / Scion in package. Note that on the Best Buy site it states that this doesn't work on Acura vehicles with navigation. PAC confirmed for me that this is not correct.

 

Welcome to AZ! I use the ISIM71 and have it in my 04 TL. (NON NAVI tho) and it works a charm. I read a lot on this as well before got mine.

there was debates on here in whether or not the Isimple would work with the navi system. you can do a trial error i guess, get the part and hook it up, if it worked if not just put it in the package and return it to bestbuy.

 

+1 Those guys are very helpful.

 

rainmn, did they happen to elaborate on how it works or where it hooks in? I'm guessing in the trunk by the Nav unit.

Any idea on the interface? Does it allow full control of the iPod from the Nav screen or steering wheel controls?

 

I just answered my own question. The first review on Best Buy's site states how it works with the NAV screen.

Has anyone tried this with an iPhone? Do calls coming in come through the HFL like normal and stop the music that is playing?

 

If you do go with the isimple (which I highly reccomend) I suggest you buy it online. I bought mine from best buy only to find out that the unit didn't have the latest software and for some reason wasn't allowing me or the tech update the software. The one I bought from discountcarstereo.com came with everything, latest software, had my buddy hook it up, been perfect ever since. Here's the link:

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1116