I just got a new iPod for Christmas, and I had a couple of questions that I was hoping you all might be able to help me with...

I already bought some new headphones, the Sony MDR-EX81SL's. I decided to go this way instead of the Shure E2C's b/c it was recommended against using the E2C's while biking or running b/c they filter out EVERYTHING apparently ANyways, here they are:

http://www.smartimports.net/proddetail.php?prod=MDR-EX81SLw

Anyways, on to the questions, if I want to use the iPod in my car, I am stuck with a FM transmitter. My stereo doesn’t have a cassette adapter, or a CD control unit (stock Delco in a Pontiac). If you have a CD control unit, there are products out there that can trick the head unit into thinking the iPod is a CD changer. I don’t have that option though.

SO I am pretty much stuck with a FM transmitter, and thinking of getting this for my car...

http://monstercable.com/computer/productPa...er.asp?pin=2660

Didn’t get that great of a review on ipodlounge…

http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=3660_0_6_0_M

But the reviews from users are good. Plus the version above is a newer version that lets you pick the frequency…


Also, trying to decide what type of case to get? Either a gel like one like the iSkin Evo:

http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=5483_0_6_0_M

or a metal all around case like this one from Matias?

http://matias.ca/ipodarmor/index2.php

Anyways, thoughts?

get the Iskin.. the best invention ever.. ive dropped my ipod onto cement and it works fine.. acutally bounced a few inches... great product

also check out the xskin

www.lajo.biz

the FM transmitter should work fine, as for cases, it depends on where/how you're going to use your ipod. the silicone cases provide great scratch protection and allows access to controls, however they don't provide much shock protection. the ipodarmor does have a lot of shock protection but you can't access the controls without opening the case, which could get annoying. so, it's up to you.

I guess you're looking for something ruggid? I ended up getting ordering this one tonight but I doubt you want to go this route...

http://www1.vajacases.com/images/mp3/apple.../ipod4g_20.html

got the ivod remixed...all in black to go with my u2 ipod

as for the transmitter, it seems like most get itrip. i doubt one will be that much better than the other so i doubt the extra money for the monster one would be worth it.

The main benefit I saw withthe Monster over the iTrip is:

1. Being able to set the broadcaster without software (iTrip you have to program it on a comptuer)
2. 3 Quick recall buttons, so if you are traveling and loose reception, you can instantly jump to another station...?

Does anybody have this product?

Thanks for the Vajo link. I REALLY like the looks of those. Very well made. I think I made have to pick one up!

Get the Contour Showcase.

the itrip is set by playing tones through the ipod, not by a computer. whoever gave you this information is wrong.

Me and my sister both have iSkin Evo2 cases for 4G iPod and iPod mini and they give awesome protection

yeh the itrip is the best.....it uses idividual sound bytes on the ipod to programme the frequency...all you do is put the cd in and it installs the playlist into iTunes

The iPod Armor holds up well, and since I seem to drop mine from my waist a few times, then it served me well.

The only bad part about it, is that you can't have direct access to the controls w/out opening the case up, so you'll need to have a remote of some sort.

If I get an iPod, these are my Must-Have's

iTrip
Dock
iSkin

You can't use the dock with an iSkin unless you want to remove it every time or perform some surgery on it. So I just use the regular wire. It’s not worth the money to buy one unless your getting the 40 GB then it comes with one so it’s not a huge loss for me. But the iSkin is well worth it I got the white one and you can still see the iPod through it. The back still looks brand new even after dropping it a few times.