Griffin debuts SmartDeck Adapter with dock connector
updated 05:35 pm EDT, Thu October 13, 2005
New SmartDeck Adapter
Griffin Technology today unveiled its latest SmartDeck Intelligent , providing control of an iPod using the built-in controls of a vehicle cassette player. The SmartDeck uses sensing technology to determine which commands the cassette player sends to the iPod, differentiating between forward, rewind, pause, and stop buttons. Upon hitting "eject", or switching from cassette to radio, the SmartPlay automatically pauses the iPod. Features include a high-quality cassette tape head, seamless integration between iPod and car stereo, and selectable Scan or Skip modes. The SmartDeck Intelligent Cassette Adapter with Dock Connector is expected to be available in late October for 5th generation video-capable iPods, iPod nanos, 4th generation iPods (with clickwheel), iPod minis, and iPod photos. The device is priced at $30.
Charging
10/13, 11:03pm reply
so now I have to choose between a smart deck and charging the iPod. In the winter, not having a charger will kill my battery. What we need is one for the previous models to use the top connector and for the new video 'pods to use the dock. OOOR they will need to add a charger to the deck.
Oh well, I actually wanted to purchase this item.
Sondjata
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2000
Charging
10/14, 09:20am reply
Agree with Sondjata .... not much point if I can't charge my iPod. I realise that this approach makes it compatible with the nano and the new 5th Gen iPod, but they really should couple this with a charging solution as well ...
ajblack
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Joined: Oct 2005
Re: charging
10/14, 09:28am reply
Hey, guys, calm down! They still sell the smartdeck which connects to the remote connector. This is for those who want to connect through the dock (or don't have the remote connector).
So you get the best of both worlds, a cassette adapter and the ability to charge.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
found it
10/14, 10:30am reply
buried.
Sondjata
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2000
RE: Charging
10/16, 10:02pm reply
testudo,
Understand your point about the remote connector, but the nano and 5th Gen iPod do not have the Remote Connector. They only have the Dock Connector. So this solution (and the new FM with Dock Connector Solution from Griffin) do not address the charging issue.
If I am going on a Drive Camping Trip, I need the ability to charge my iPod as well as listen to it in my Car. If I have to disconnect the ipod from the SmartDeck (or FM Modulator) in order to charge it, this defets the purpose ... does it not?
Also, of note ... all (current / new) iPods no longer support FireWire - USB only. End of FireWire for accessories?
ajblack
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Joined: Oct 2005