Griffin Technology today unveiled its latest SmartDeck Intelligent
Cassette Adapter with a Dock Connector, 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.
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Oh well, I actually wanted to purchase this item.
So you get the best of both worlds, a cassette adapter and the ability to charge.
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?