johnston

So, if you know me, you know that I am all about convenience through gadgetry. I really don’t want to have to think or move any more than necessary. I bought the iPhone back in July and have really enjoyed it, but out of habit, I kept carrying along my 60GB iPod with me in the car just in case I really wanted to listen to that rare Cure track I had a hankering for. Well, no more…I need to simplify my car-media experience.

I recently read a great article by Jeremy Horwitz at iLounge iPhone car integration. He recommended a cradle device by Proclip to hold the iPhone. I went to their web site and found the cradle he spoke of, but they also had another version that will hold your existing iPod cable. Well, since I already have a USASpec iPod interface hooked into my car, this would be perfect! The article also mentions a handsfree Bluetooth speaker plus microphone kit by Bluetrek. The Bluetrek Surfacesound Compact is a flat panel speaker that clips to your visor and has a flip down microphone. So basically, if I have the iPod docked listening to my favorite music or podcast and a call comes in, the iPhone pauses my tunes, rings and I just flip down the microphone from the visor. It connects to the iPhone and I am talking. When I hang up, my music unpauses and I am back in action. I don’t think you realize how much joy this brings to me. I know…freaky.

So to recap…here is my iPhone car integration solution…

1. 1.iPod interface kit ($140) -
   Manufacturer: USASpec
   Retailer: Crutchfield

2. 2.iPhone Cradle and Car Kit ($80) – ProClip

3. 3.Bluetooth Speaker/Microphone ($65) -
   Manufacturer: Bluetrek
   Retailer: Expansys

Ok, so I realize it isn’t a cheap solution ($285), but it makes your commute flow much easier.

UPDATE (2/22/07): After trying the Bluetrek speaker, I have come to the conclusion that it sounds just as crappy in the car as any other Bluetooth speaker. The audio output it decent, but the person I am talking to said it sounds like I am talking down a long static-laden hallway….unacceptable…it is going back.