In-Dash MP3, Not Just For Geeks Anymore!
Mar 25 '01
The Bottom Line Research! highwaymp3.com Listen to others who already own one.
This summer is looking to be a hot one where in-dash MP3 players are concerned. With four models on the market now and more expected soon, the difficulty in taking MP3's on the road are quickly fading.
Until recently, getting MP3's into your car meant spending a lot of money (Empeg is an example of this), building your own, or dealing with complicated hardware. Now the major car stereo manufacturers have entered the arena and brought affordable and operable in-dash MP3 play to the masses.
It is important that anyone considering the purchase of an in-dash MP3 player be very computer savvy. You need to understand how to encode MP3's and burn CD's. You need to own a high quality CD-RW drive to create disc's to play in your new player.
The first step in the purchase of such a player is of course research. The first stop for me whenever I go to purchase something new is Epinions.com. If you are reading this, then you obviously have the right idea in smart shopping. Getting feedback from real people using the actual product in the real world is still and always will be the best way to predict your own happiness with your new purchase.
The next step should always be a search of the USENET newsgroups. I suggest www.deja.com for this. Just type in the manufacturer name and model number and you should find lots of good sources of info. Do not be afraid to email users you find on USENET. Just begin an email with "I am sorry to bother you but I noticed your post about xxxx." Be aware that many on USENET use fake email addresses to avoid spam. So do not be offended if you do not gat a reply. The newsgroup rec.audio.car should be a good source of info about in-dash MP3 players.
Finally, a general web search is in order. Google seems to be the catch phrase today so try it first. Just like in the previous paragraph, try a search for the manufacturer and model number. With any luck you will find some general information pages written by actual users. For instance I have set-up a web site devoted to in-dash MP3 players and their users at www.highwaymp3.com . Such pages as these can often offer valuable information to help you make your purchase decision.
Purchase:
When you have decided on the model you like, the next decision you make could be just as important. If you are going to get the unit installed by a professional, then it is usually best to purchase from the establishment you wish to perform the install. Most will offer discounts on installation that makeup for the possible higher price that you pay for the product itself.
If you are going to install it yourself or insist on buying it online, then be sure to READ THE FINE PRINT! Sure many online retailers may offer great savings, but those savings can quickly disappear if you have a problem. Many expect you to pay return shipping, charge restocking fees, and may have horribly strict return policies. I always recommend that anyone wishing to purchase online check out Crutchfield.com . They are a first class operation on many levels. They include free install instructions for your vehicle, free install kit and OEM integration adapter, toll free technical support, no restocking fees, 30 day satisfaction guarantee, and they pay return shipping! Plus if you are a new customer, you can get $25 off your first order. Check out my web site for details.
Check out my web site at highwaymp3.com for the latest models. Currently Aiwa, Kenwood, and Sony have players available.
L8R,
Stephen
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Epinions.com ID:
semert
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Member: Stephen Emert
Location: Cookeville, TN.
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 3 members
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