This is a follow-up on my past post about my car audio frustrations with an iPhone. Yesterday I received my generic Chinese iPhone cables and car charger:
- 3-in-1 USB 3.5mm AUX Audio/Data/Charger Cable for iPod/iPhone 2G/3G/3GS
- 500mA Car Cigarette Powered USB Adapter/Charger (DC 12V/24V)
Ordered both for $6.81 Total
Best $6.81 I’ve spent in a while! The build quality seems just fine and the cables work as advertised; charge and play audio via AUX-out at the same time while allowing full access to the iPhone’s interface. iPhone 4 compatible too!
NOTE: The Apple iPhone 4 “Bumpers” case is not compatible; the dock connector port is too small for this cable’s connector.
So if your car has an AUX input and a lighter outlet, you are good to go. You could even get a tape deck adaptor to work with this via mini jack coupler to get better audio quality and the ability to charge.
I also highly recommend some kind of car mount for the iPhone/iPod so you have easy access to the on-screen controls and GPS apps.
This is likely the closest to perfect car integration I can get without owning a Ford with Sync.