iPhone and The Car

My love for the iPhone is pretty simple. Today however I figured out something pretty simple yet also awesome and thought I'd share my find with the introtubes of the world.

First, I am quite proud of my little 2002 Outback Sport (nicknamed "Roo"). For an All-wheel drive I get between 22 and 26 MPG (if I drive nice). It made it through a Minnesota winter without giving me problems and has been an all around great car.

I also installed a Alpine CDA-9887 Deck that gives me ipod control through an iPod cable. With the Scosche Passport Adaptor, the iPhone both connects AND charges through the deck. When on the 3G network I don't hear any interference and can listen to whatever music is currently synced with the iPhone. (Edge network is another issue but seriously, a little noise disturbance to have 16GB of music at your fingertips, I'll deal.)

I plug it in using a Kensington Car Mount so that I can setup the GPS (before I start driving) and easily track the traffic and the route I am taking. Next mode should be "Driving" so you can't receive calls or texts or email removing the temptation to just glance and see who's bugging you.

Today I figured out that if connected and in iPod mode on the Deck, I can open and play Slacker through the deck without having to connect the AUX cable. Playing music through the internet while driving down the road on my own deck is "Rad" in the words of my beautiful Fiancée.

Next thing, augmented reality using the camera so the iPhone gives you information and directions on the fly, through your personal deck, while driving through the city. Ok, that might be a push but admit it, you think it'd be cool too.

Happy Gadgeting! Just remember, don't answer the phone or text while driving and make sure you take off the faceplate whenever you leave the car.

~soundguy