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Media (Apple) Businesses Media Apple

Redesigned iConsole for Ford Explorer 66

Posted by pudge from the i-knew-i-shoulda-bought-an-explorer-instead-of-a-suburban dept.
Jesse Melchior writes "After all the attention I received from the iPod mini install, I decided to come up with an entirely new design, focusing on usability, functionality, and incorporating the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod into the mix. You now have the opportunity to purchase your own iConsole (that's what I'm calling it, temporarily) for the Ford Explorer Sport. To avoid any legal battles, the iConsole will not be shipping with the Apple logo. Custom install requests will be addressed as soon as possible."
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Redesigned iConsole for Ford Explorer More

Redesigned iConsole for Ford Explorer

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  • Other models? (Score:3, Interesting)

    by josefcub ( 212738 ) on Thursday May 06, 2004 @08:37PM (#9079179) Journal
    Do you think there might be a market in making iConsoles for other model vehicles, or at least similar products that look as good? As much as I'd love to have a Ford Explorer again, I'm stuck with an Oldsmobile.
    • he does customs.. it'd prob be $$$ though.

    • Re:Other models? (Score:2, Insightful)

      by Babbster ( 107076 )
      I won't post anon and will thus take any troll/offtopic karma hit like a man, but...

      How about making these consoles for motorized vehicles that DON'T contribute as significantly to our dependence on foreign oil which helps to draw us into murky political and military quagmires over and over again.

      I'm not an environmentalist (in fact, I've been known to say "fuck the environment," mainly in reaction to people who care more about birds than people), but in light of the US political and economic situation

      • but... (Score:3, Interesting)

        by thulsey ( 723471 )
        the guy's just building the thing for his car and saw an opportunity to give other people something they've expressed and interest in (as well as make a quick buck at it for his time...) Can't fault him for not having a huge selection of models and colors to suit 'everyman's' needs, can you? (Offtopic - wonder if you could wire an iPod straight to the battery on an ELECTRIC car? My 5gb model is kinda drained...)
        • Real cars have betteries too. IIRC, firewire power runs at 12v, so just tap into a 12V line (cigar lighter) and hook that up to a modified firewire cable.
          • You, sir, are absolutely correct. Something like this [apple.com] should do the trick, methinks.

            Major "duh" points for me...

            Not that this didn't occur to me earlier. um... ok, it didn't (0_0 ). I was just trying to follow the whole "environmental" thread above...

            That being said - an electric car with this console built in (any ideas for a clever iName?) would TRULY be a digital hub.

            The iHubcap?



      • Hey! Just beacuse somone has an SUV doesen't mean they don't care .

        It's all aboout the caring .

      • Perhaps this fellow lives in an area such as I do where a truck like an Explorer is needed if you want to go to work after a 3-foot snowfall.

        There are situations were folks buy an SUV or truck 'cause they have a real need for one. Not many, perhaps, but it does happen.

        I don't know if this is the case here any more than I know if you're posting with a computer powered by coal-generated electricity that is adding to global warming and acid rain by pumping tons of CO2 and particulates into the atmosphere.
      • This guy probably does need an SUV. He's got some theater job; looks like video production or costume design or something (both?). Stuff that requires moving shit. That being said, I live in LA and the number of SUVs is staggeringly unnecessary. All that being said, he's selling em for explorer sports only because htat's what his mold is for. Perfectly understandable.

        • Re:Or maybe..... (Score:3, Offtopic)

          by Babbster ( 107076 )
          I call bullshit. The [useful] cargo capacity of an SUV doesn't come close to a standard van or truck - you know, work vehicles. In fact, SUVs are exempt from the "gas guzzler tax" [electrifyingtimes.com] because of their "work vehicle" status despite the fact that virtually all of them are marketed and sold as passenger vehicles.

          The excuse holds even less water when dealing with an urban environment and trying to justify an SUV or truck based on "occasionally" needing to haul things. Put some of the money saved with everyday

          • For anyone who has ever wondered what that gas guzzler tax would cust a Hummer H2. $7,700. This is of course under the Tier I regulations. Under Tier II which will take effect for the Hummer's weight class in 2008 it will be required to put out the same level of pollution as a Civic and it will get that gas guzzler tax.
          • I'd appreciate it if you didn't misdirect your hatred of SUVs (which I share) towards me. I simply wanted to say that maybe this guy had a legitimate use for an SUV. I've known some theater personel to drive them and use them regularly to haul equipment that didn't require as much space as a truck.
          • Though I whole-heartedly agree with your sentiment, there are some of us for whom SUVs are a necessary evil. I commute in a Honda Accord but I still need to own an SUV for towing my boat. A truck wouldn't work since I often take friends along. Also, your rental argument doesn't hold for people who need to tow since there are no rental companies that will allow you to tow with their vehicles (trust me, I've searched). I'm not defending people who drive SUVs as urban assault vehicles, just making sure you und
          • The "useful cargo capacity" involves the ability to switch from one mode to another. I can carry 7 people or a queen sized bed and box spring, and protect both from the elements (something you can't do in a truck). It has four wheel drive, unlike most vans, and I like to park at the top of my driveway when it snows.

            The good thing is, I don't have to "try to justify an SUV" to any idiots like you at all...I can just buy it because I want to, but thanks for trying.
      • How about making these consoles for motorized vehicles that DON'T contribute [hackneyed rant removed]

        How about you get the fuck over to his house and chisel out some molds for some of these vehicles of which you speak?

        This guy made a cool part for his car and wants to make some cash by using the mold he already has and no doubt put a lot of time into.

        If you're willing to put similar time into making console molds for your 'Lectra-hybrid-super-go-go-sled, I'm sure the fella' wouldn't mind.

      • [rant-mode=on]

        What pisses my SUV driving ass off are people who claim that I am killing the environment in my SUV, while they are treading gently across mother earth in their tiny little Honda Civic or other such econo-box. Yet I pollute far less than they do every year. Why? Because I choose to LIVE CLOSE TO WHERE I WORK!

        You can almost guarantee any idiot who bitches about the nasty, evil SUV drivers on the road is living in a house way the fuck out in the 'burbs and commuting 50 miles each way every day
    • sorry, dude. nothing can make your oldsmobile cool. :-)
    • Even better, something with a nice wide touchscreen built into the panel that could also act as a navigation system.

      I am getting a used 2003 Ford Crown Victoria (the P71 Police version) and what I am going to use for my sound system is the following.

      Itronix 6250 Pro laptop. Got it for $125 on Ebay, comes with a color touch screen, 64MB ram and a 6 gig hard disk. Runs Win98SE just fine and I put WinAMP in double size mode so it's easier to poke at while driving. You can also use the shortcut keys (like

  • How long till piracy truly becomes mobile? (Score:4, Funny)

    by linzeal ( 197905 ) on Thursday May 06, 2004 @08:42PM (#9079203) Journal
    Like days of yore when timber masts tickled the underside of heaven, sails snapped tight in the breeze like the belly of a portly cherub, and treasure was only a shipping line (freeway lane) away? When women pirates [amazon.com] like women geeks were lusted after by young boys the world over, when I can download crappy music from the SUV with gold wheels that is booming it next to me, oh when? I hope soon.

  • What would be nice ... (Score:5, Interesting)

    by Entropy2016 ( 751922 ) <entropy2016@yahoo . c om> on Thursday May 06, 2004 @09:14PM (#9079439)
    ... would be an iPod deck that replaces your car's CD or tape player.

    That way you could use it in more than just a Ford Explorer.

    I know I want a way to play my iPod in the car, but those tiny radio-tuners seem to get interfered signals with my local stations. My only other option seems to be reverting to the old tape-player & cassette adaptor.

    • Re:What would be nice ... (Score:5, Informative)

      by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 06, 2004 @09:30PM (#9079556)
      Take a look at car stereo systems with minipin input jacks on the front. I've found that Aiwa makes several models that have this. Then, just get a normal minipin cable and plug your iPod into your stereo. Then you can play CDs or your iPod (or a laptop, or anything really).
      • Also you can just wire an RCA stereo cable with a 1/8" headphone jack on one end to the back of your deck assuming you have an AUX input (which most aftermarket decks have.) It's not pretty but it gets the job done.
        • It's not bad if it'd done right. I ran the aux cable from the back of my stereo to a 1/8in jack mounted in my center console.

          picture [mindspring.com]

          When I'm not using the iPod, I put the cable away and the only thing visible is the little jack next to the gearshift.

      • Re:What would be nice ... (Score:4, Insightful)

        by prockcore ( 543967 ) on Friday May 07, 2004 @04:06AM (#9081766)
        Take a look at car stereo systems with minipin input jacks on the front. I've found that Aiwa makes several models that have this.

        Yeah, but that's messy and you still have the problem of an ipod flopping around.

        I want a car stereo dock. You slide the ipod in like an 8 track. Kenwood style. (The face flips down, there's a slot for the ipod. the face flips up, and has a whole interface)

        That, of course, is way beyond your standard hacks, but it would be a great consumer product.

    • Re:What would be nice ... (Score:5, Informative)

      by Johnathon_Dough ( 719310 ) on Thursday May 06, 2004 @09:42PM (#9079626)
      Starting in the summer, alpine will have an addition for their decks that will allow you to connect an iPod, and control it through the head unit. Not available yet, and it will require an alpine head unit with what they refer to as an "AI Port".

      A link to the press release [alpine-usa.com] from CES.

    • Check out this company's stuff:

      http://www.densionusa.com

      I just ordered the iCELINK setup for my 2004 Toyota Solara - it has an adapter so my factory stereo thinks it's a CD changer, so I can control it through my steering wheel controls and stuff. It does what you're looking for. :)
  • ...that you could make one for a Mazda 6s, is there?

    *sad eyes*

    Very awesome though, man. This summer I'll probably be trying to integrate my iPod into my car, and this has been an inspiration.
  • But now what happens if I use it to watch porn while driving? Obviously, NY needs to institute a hands-free driving law for more than mobile phones. The death toll could reach thousands!

  • Good job (Score:3, Interesting)

    by CompressedAir ( 682597 ) on Thursday May 06, 2004 @10:21PM (#9079868)
    That's a good job, there. Now if you would combine it with something like the ICELink that lets you control the iPod with your car radio, you'd really have something.

    As long as the total cost of the car install + iPod is equal to a dedicated car mp3 player, you've got a surefire winner.
    • I'd think that the total cost of the car install + the iPod can be comfortably greater than a dedicated car player, since the iPod is more useful than said dedicated player... outside of your car.

  • This fills and interesting niche...for now (Score:4, Insightful)

    by amichalo ( 132545 ) on Thursday May 06, 2004 @10:29PM (#9079917)
    It is surprising how popular this portable is, but how few manufacturers have even added basic integration of an iPod into car stereos.

    To my knowledge, no factory stereos come with line in inputs on either the rear of the desk (difficult to use) or on the front of the unit which is much easier. I had a blaupunkt with a front side line in and there are several aftermarket makers that have that ability.

    But where are the ones that offer an "iPod Mini Dock", you know, just slide the think into a slot like a tape desk but shaped for the Mini. I dont' see these poping up anywhere.

    At least our friends at Alpine are releasing a converter to treat your iPod like a CD Changer [vwvortex.com]. This is the best attempt yet to integrate an iPod but it is, in my opinion, not a very tight integration.

    At least it will display the track title on the head unit!
    • my aiwa cdc-mp3 that i got in the summer of 2000 (hey, i worked in the valley and it was the shit back then) has a line input in the front. i hardly ever throw in an mp3 cd anymore, but i do hook up my ipod all the time when on long drives. all that and a detachable face, can't complain.

      i think that most every aiwa comes with a line in on the front - even the cheapo ones.
    • To my knowledge, no factory stereos come with line in inputs on either the rear of the desk (difficult to use) or on the front of the unit which is much easier.

      I picked up a Clarion deck about 2-3 years ago, and it had one in the back of the deck... I just got the installers to wire an extension cable out the bottom of the console, and it's plenty long enough to plug in my iPod or my Laptop.

      This is really handy when I want to watch DVD's in the car, which I do a lot, as I'm in Vancouver, BC, and do a fai
    • The honda Element's factory radio has line ins in the back.
      i believe there's also a 1/8 plug in the front. That's how my cousin connects his ipod.
    • But where are the ones that offer an "iPod Mini Dock", you know, just slide the think into a slot like a tape desk but shaped for the Mini. I dont' see these poping up anywhere.

      What a brilliant idea!!! It's not like Apple never changes the size, shape, or connection that these things use. Not to mention that the iPod mini has been shipping for what, 3 months? I can't possibly fathom why somebody wasn't selling something like this months ago...

      /sarcasm
    • To my knowledge, no factory stereos come with line in inputs on either the rear of the desk (difficult to use) or on the front of the unit which is much easier.

      My 2005 Chrysler Town & Country's factory DVD changer has RCA inputs directly on the front: video in (to run into the flip down LCD screen) and L/R audio in. I use a mini plug to RCA cable and play the iPod through the factory audio. Awesome sound.

  • Thanks for all the comments everyone (Score:4, Informative)

    by reelmagik ( 771449 ) on Thursday May 06, 2004 @11:11PM (#9080199)
    I appreciate all the comments I have been receiving from this install, positive and negative. It's funny how the direction of the conversation changes from one post to the next...

    I have a Ford Explorer for two reasons...one, I have done a lot of short films and video work. Try carrying all that equiptment(camera rigs, lighting, dollies, sound equiptment, special effects materials, ets.) in a small environmentally-friendly car, it just isn't possible. And two, I travel to work to an area that is somewhat prone to heavy snow, mud, and rocks.

    I'm sorry if my vehicle of choice isn't the most environmentally-minded design, but you forget how many other vehicles that are equally as bad for the environment are often left out of these arguments-ANY MUSCLE CARS, Mustang, Camaro, Corvette...All of these cars guzzle gas just as much as any SUV, and some are worse, in fact. PLUS, how many guys do you know that remove the catalytic converter from these cars to make them louder and faster? I know plenty, my brother did this to his mustang. How many people remove catalytic converters from SUV's? Not many, no one that I know has. Another case-in-point is that SUV's also have the HIGHEST EMISSION STANDARDS of any other car, which make them safer for the environment by default.

    Sorry to go off on that tangent, but I felt it had to be said. Anyway, I appreciate all the comments...keep them coming!

    Jesse

    • Another case-in-point is that SUV's also have the HIGHEST EMISSION STANDARDS of any other car, which make them safer for the environment by default.

      SUVs aren't cars, they are classified as light trucks or trucks by the EPA. In comparison to other vehicles in those classes, yes SUVs are held to stricter standards than true utility vehicles or trucks. SUVs are not held to higher emissions standards than passenger cars, never have been, likely never will be.

      There are laws in place that mandate that by 2009
    • " I'm sorry if my vehicle of choice isn't the most environmentally-minded design, but you forget how many other vehicles that are equally as bad for the environment are often left out of these arguments-ANY MUSCLE CARS, Mustang, Camaro, Corvette...All of these cars guzzle gas just as much as any SUV, and some are worse, in fact. "

      Bzzt. Thank you for playing.

      2004 'Vette gets 19/28 mpg with the manual. (Anyone buying an auto 'vette should be beaten.)

      http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/chevrolet/corve t te /1002
  • To avoid any legal battles, the iConsole will not be shipping with the Apple logo.
    Excellent! Personally I'm sick of every thing I buy having someone's logo on it.
  • As I mentioned Here [slashdot.org] in the previous posting. The iPod was way to verticle before. Actually looks practical now.

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