Filed under: Hardware, iPod Family
TomTom DUO Integrates with iPod
TomTom is one of the leading GPS device makers out there, with its TomTom Go device setting a new standard while back. Now electronista is pointing to a FCC filing revealing the TomTom DUO, a "handheld [that] would have support for a unique USB docking station in the style of a car stereo's faceplate, allowing direct control of iPods." The DUO will also apparently have Bluetooth and a built-in FM transmitter (boo!) to "eliminate cabling in the link between the car, DUO, and Bluetooth-equipped cellphones." This sounds like a great idea (except for the FM transmitter part); it seems like a natural pairing of a car GPS mapping device and the iPod. I just hope it doesn't cost and arm and a leg. Apparently, the device will be officially revealed at CeBIT expo in Germany next month.[Via electronista]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brandon Hays said 10:01AM on 3-01-2007
Well, if it's anything like the iPod control on my TomTom Go 510, count me out. The sound quality through the cable is muddy, it rarely works right, and you have to pick your playlist, song, and set it to random every time you get in the car.
It's a huge disappointment, and their customer service left much to be desired, taking over A MONTH to respond to my emails!
Anyone that loves iPods is best to wait until we get a green light from a trusted source like iLounge.
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Ned said 10:51AM on 3-01-2007
What's wrong with an FM transmitter? Even Apple makes one. If you're going to plug your iPod into an external device, might as well have a feature that might be useful from time to time. Plus, it integrates into a car and cars typically (unless I'm living on Pluto) have radios. As an aside, I fail to see how this is "a natural pairing of a car GPS mapping device and the iPod." An iPod is an mp3 player for listening to music. A GPS is a mapping/location device. How is it a natural pairing? Weird.
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weldon said 1:58PM on 3-01-2007
How do you propose to "eliminate cabling" (one of the design goals) and still get audio to the car stereo without using an FM transmitter?
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Settimio perlini said 5:27AM on 3-02-2007
I didn't any problems with a TomTom 710 and iPod with cable control and you can use the audio output of the iPod too in case the routing doesn't satisfy you...
Just a link with a video to show you how iPod and TomTom x10 work toghether: check this page
http://www.macitynet.it/macity/aA27349
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Mike McGregor said 5:39PM on 3-01-2007
RE: FM
The problem with FM transmitters in cars is that they can (and do) cause interference for other drivers in nearby cars. I can't count how many times i've got interfearence from people using FM transmitters when i'm on my way to work or on the motorway, and as such i'm dead against them. The only type of FM transmitters of that ilk are the ones like the Dension ICELINK which goes between the car ariel and the radio and modulates the signal into that, no wireless broadcast of the signal.
Also, ned.. what Apple product transmits FM frequencies? I'm not aware of any?
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artifex said 5:29PM on 3-01-2007
I use a cassette adapter for my external music in my car, and it clicks about as fast as my turn signal. The click comes from the adapter itself, not the speakers, of course. Sadly, though, I've tried this with two other adapters and gotten the same thing.
It's annoying until I tune it out or turn it up.
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