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iTrader: (15)

Ok so i picked up an Alpine IDA-X001 for my Jeep. Whats the difference between using an Ipod and getting an external hd? I'm debating on buying a 32gb Itouch for $470 or an external hd (160gb for $90-100). How does selecting your music on the hd work as oppposed to the Ipod? I know how the ipod work i guess i'm just interested in the hd and how it interacts with the head unit. Is it easier, more difficult and time consuming than using an ipod?

Obviously the extenal is MUCH cheaper by far. Am i going to be sacrificing convenience if i don't use the ipod?

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

The answer to your question will depend greatly on the software in the headunit. How the software reads mass storage devices, files/sorts them, allows you to search for them, etc. You already know that most likely the iPod interface is great and convenient. Unless someone here can attest to the mass storage device interface of that exact headunit, what you could do is buy a cheap jump drive, load a few songs on it the way you would onto the hard drive (in folders, out of folder) and see how you can navigate around. I think you can get a couple gig jump drive for like $12-$15 these days, can't you?

My feelings are if you can deal with the filing/sorting system of mass storage devices on the headunit, that would be the way to go. You are not locked down to the limits of the iPod, you get a ton more storage for your dollar, more easily upload/download music and other files, and more readily replaceable should something go wrong. You can also use it for more than just music. use it to back up your home pc, etc.

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iTrader: (15)

That was a very complete answer. Very much the type i was looking for. I appreciate your guidance and I will try the flash drive out to see how the headunit navigates the files. Thanks again.

StreetOC192

iTrader: (7)

Glad I could help out. Please report back here with your findings as I am sure there are or will be others with a similar interest in this topic.

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iTrader: (15)

Planning on testing it out this weekend. I will update on the findiings.

KManZ

iTrader: (8)

If you go iPod, don't waste your money on the touch. $470? **** rape. My 30GB Video iPod plays music just as good as the new Touch, and I paid only $160 for it from Apple. It is a refurb, but it has a full 1 year warranty.

For me, I listen to lots of live sets, which can be 2-3 hours long without breaks. Using iTunes, I can select "Remember playback position" for these sets, so if I change sets and come back later, it is still at the same point I left it. With a regular hard drive, the sets would start over again from the beginning. Now, if you deal with individual tracks, this wouldn't really matter too much to you.

Hazade

iTrader: (8)

I don't know a whole lot about that head unit, but my guess is that the handling of a hard drive would be manageable through it. Really the only reason I see to getting the Ipod would be for the portability convenience. If you plan on listening to it mainly only in your vehicle, I think the hard drive would be the way to go.