Hi all,

I've got an iPad mini on the way, and I'm considering options installing it in my car. I know there's always a lot of people on both sides of the fence when it comes to doing anything with iPads in vehicles, but let's set that aside and talk about the possibility of doing such a thing.

My knowledge of car audio is basic, so my question would be: what would be required to output the iPad's audio through the car speakers? I'd assume there's an intermediate box between the speakers themselves and the device.

Second obviously would be the mounting solution. While third parties will likely produce something in the near future, is it anything a little MDF and bondo wouldn't produce?

I'm certainly not looking to win any competitions for audio quality, merely searching for an alternative to the traditional radio. May as well kill two birds, if able to!

Here's an example of the mod being done on a Corolla.

 

same set up at full size ipad, look at their threadz, and i will can fab you a fancy custom mount if you buy me a mini..... (actually pretty fare deal)

 

Here's that details how they're hooking it up to their car. Not bad.

 

I would highly recommend using Android for a car install, more specifically the Nexus 7. I'm going to purchasing a Nexus 7 to replace my nook color install. Which can be seen here.

The reason I say Android over iOS is because of the endless amount of potential. Go look over at the MP3car or XDA forums for a while and you will see what I mean. Here's a couple of examples.

Tasker is an awesome app that runs certain functions when conditions are meant. For example, when the tablet is charging, tasker will know the ignition is running. This will allow the tablet to turn on bluetooth, wifi, and screen brightness to full. If the charger is not detected it will put the tablet to sleep.

Nexus 7 can use it's USB port in OTG mode to be able to plug in a USB webcam for a reverse camera.

A USB hub can also be plugged into the Nexus 7 to install multiple compatible USB devices. You can run a USB microphone to more logical place to use voice commands and such. I'm currently looking for a solution to run my steering wheel controls into the tablet. You can also install an external hard drive via USB to have mass storage on the go.

OBD2 over bluetooth is great too. There's an app called Torque that works great. It gives you a read out of all available sensors and also gives you tools that will clock your 0-60 times and many more. It also has the ability to read and reset engine codes.

I can understand if you like iOS for daily use but an open OS like Android is MUCH better for this application.

 

^ +1 And thanks for the informative post.

 

Any updat eon this project?

 

I ended up buying a Pioneer X4500BT, as the iPad project would have exceeded the price of a traditional headunit.