So what makes it better than shuffeling through your iPod normally?

I've got about 40gb on my 160gb and from what it sounds like, the more songs you have, the slower it goes.

 

normally, you have to toggle the turn-key on the Ipods...which can be combersome...especially at night...but the steering wheel buttons are easy to use...

I cant say the PAL is easier, as I dont have the PAL yet...and I have only brought my Ipod along for 1 ride...I had never used it in the dark, so the backlight was like a pair of HID's blinding me wheile i was driving...I had to just put it face down on the passenger seat, and let it "play on"

The IPOD is sort of new to me since I havent had the need for one in the car...until now(PAL)

 

The PAL doesn't work with the steering wheel controls. It goes through the radio buttons. At least mine does.

 

PAL should work through the steering wheel controls. You're supposed to hold down the skip button to get to the next track. I don't have steering wheel controls in mine (yet) so I can't testify that that is true.

As far as why it's better than the just using the iPod through your Aux port, here are my pros and cons.

Pros:
-Hides the iPod out of sight (great also if you live and work in a sketchy area, like I do)
-Charges the iPod while it plays (I never take my iPod out, as it is my 2nd iPod)
-Sound quality is the best possible via iPod
-Can use radio controls instead of using the iPod directly.

Cons:
-There is a noticable delay in everyting you do, including skipping tracks.
-Once you're under the artists' category, you can't do a subsearch among albums.

In my blazer I just had my iPod out w/ a car charger, and I had that running into my cassette adapter. It sounded pretty good, but it's a pretty cumbersome system. I actually prefer using the iPod's interface over the PAL's because of the con's I listed above, but it really is nice to have the iPod stowed away in the upper compartment and never have to touch it.

I got mine installed at the dealership for $200 (parts included), although it was a hassle to finally get that price (they quoted $200, then tried to charge over $300), so I'm not sure what you'd actually pay if you want it installed at your dealership.

Overall, I would say it's worth the $200 if you're A.) concerned with sound quality, B.) concerned with the space the iPod takes up in the front seat, or C.) listen to your iPod every time you drive.

If you are more of a radio or CD person, you can probably skip on the PAL. But it's all I use unless I want to tune into a game or something, so I like it.

OK that was a bit long winded. Hope I answered any questions.

 

Thanks for the tip on holding the steering wheel controls. I will try it when i get home tonight. My son uses the IPOD, so when I am driving, he uses the radio buttons to change songs. Every time I have used the steering wheel controls it changed back to local radio, so I quit using them.

 

johnbegone, thanks for the details. It sounds like exactly what I am after. I rarily use my CD's as believe it or not, they get old...even with 6 of them in there...
I pretty much use XM right now, and the variety is still unrepeating...so far.

with the nano, I can store so many more songs than 6 CD's hold...granted, the delay thing you mentioned may become somewhat of an issue...but no more so than changing disks in the 6-CD changer...it's more than just a pause...

I'll check with the GM dealer I bought the car from...my GF works there, in the parts dept, so I can get a discount on the part...if they'll install it for me for a fair price, screw it, she can drive it to work one day and have it done.

I would also prefer the top box over the glove box. the images at the start of this thread showed it in the glove box...so...do they drill a hole in the bottom/side of the top box?

then again, it doesnt matter where it goes...it's not like I'd be touching it much.

also...does it only charge the IPOD when the key is on? That would be great, so I wouldnt have to unplug it when I am parking the car for hours.

 

Mine is on the top box and I like it there. Easy to reach and take out. Yes, it only charges when the car is on.

The slight pause isn't an issue--once you get used to it. You can push the button on the steering wheel and hold for just a smidgen longer then a "touch" or, you can use the knob on the radio to turn to the next song if you want--although that defeats the purpose of the buttons!

I love it and glad I made the investment for the Nano--enough space on it for me!

 

thanks afs9
I am sold.
I will be ordering one just as soon as I find out my cost, and go from there.

thanks everyone for this great thread.
this site is amazing. I get answers to questions I didnt even know I had yet!

 

Yeah, I think the standard is the top box, that's where it is in all the research I've done on the PAL. The pause really isn't an issue, just more of something to get used to. I just load up whatever album I need before I start driving and forget about it. Luckily I'm not an ADD driver about songs. I have friends who listen to like half a song, then skip to another artist entirely. The PAL would not be for people like that unless you have playlists setup.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it, be sure to report back here once you've got it in.

 

I don't think this is a DIY job as the radio with XM requires Tech2 reflash... at least that's what I had to do.