Everyone in this office is fond of saying how great the Microsoft Sync system is in our 2008 Ford Focus, and they're mostly right. But I''ve got a new 80Gb iPod and I'm falling out synch with sync.
Just about every iPod-ist I know keeps their's in a protective case. So do I. Every case has a little slot designed to allow the standard white iPod sychronization cord to fit through and connect, so the case can stay on with the cable plugged into a PC.
So what's with the massive blob of plastic that is the Ford Sync's sync cable? It is so ginormous that I simply cannot get the cable properly seated--it won't fit through the port in my case. My iPod case isn't easy to remove and reinstall, and even if it was I shouldn't have to do that EVERY SINGLE TIME I get into a car.
The iPod came first. Cases came soon after. Those who build true iPod connections in their cars can't develop them in a vacuum. They need to make them work with the existing products out there. And the best way to do that is to make your in-car sync cable EXACTLY the same size and shape as the original Apple part--the white one on the right.
What did I do? I carry a plain-Jane Aux cable. I bypassed the iPod connection entirely and hooked-in old school.
Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 11,435 miles
billt9 says:
05:39 PM, 08/13/08
This is like humans evolving from 3 foot tall chimpanzees.
The Sync has gotten smarter, and bigger.
Are you saying we should all go back to being chimpanzees and eat fruits, leaves, and termites, and live in zoos built by the superior Sync iPod connectors?
Dan Edmunds says:
05:47 PM, 08/13/08
Something like that...
ahightower says:
07:05 PM, 08/13/08
What kind of case do you have? It looks like it would still work with mine (80 GB classic in a leather/canvas case). At any rate, that certainly redefines "old school". All my car (and most others) have is an aux jack.
billt9 says:
07:54 PM, 08/13/08
Auxiliary jack?
I had to follow instructions on the internet and solder an auxiliary jack into the head unit myself.
Sorry mister man-of-the-future, looking down on us who have to even create our own auxiliary jack!
carfreak8394 says:
10:28 PM, 08/13/08
I'm in the same boat as ahightower. I have a 30GB iPod (pretty much identical the to the Classic) and with my case, that cable would definitely work with my iPod.
By the way, today, my dad and I rented a Fusion SE V6, and I was very impressed by it. Compared to the Sebrings and Avengers we've rented to before, the Fusion is much much better. Just thought I'd mention that. (:
dougtheeng says:
05:35 AM, 08/14/08
It would work with my case, but ironically I have the same problem with my AUX connection. The cable I bought to connect the iPod to my MINI is too fat on the ends (much fatter then a regular mono connection) and I have to remove my case to use it. Its a big pain, and if I used the AUX more, I would definitely buy a new case.
bankerdanny says:
09:37 AM, 08/14/08
I use a Zen device rather than an iPod (Apple refuses to play with the subscription services, so no iPod for me).
Anyway, does someone make a Male/female cable extender for the iPod? Female connection on one end and male on the other. Then you could plug the Ford connection to the female end and the standard size male end to the iPod.
Your base complaint is right on, why would Ford make their connector a different size than Apple's, but this is a less aggravation work around, and you could leave the adapter cord in the vehicle
greenpony says:
10:04 AM, 08/14/08
When are iPods going to go wireless?
bennetpullen says:
10:28 AM, 08/14/08
I have an InCase Leather iPod case and there is no way that sync cable would fit. The whole on my case is exactly the same size as the standard iPod connector. I have a little trouble with the iPod connector for my DICE system in my BMW and it is much close to the size of the original connector.
What I don't understand is why? If that is a dedicated iPod connector why not just make it the same? Is the larger connector much cheaper or something?
carfreak8394 says:
10:37 AM, 08/14/08
"When are iPods going to go wireless?"
Eventually; it depends on when Steve Jobs is ready to release them. (;
0mega says:
04:17 PM, 08/16/08
My guess is because the stock Apple sync cable is a piece of junk? The plastic is very flimsy and has a tendency to crack if abused it all (Like say, being jostled around in a car? )
Potential for being stepped on is high I bet. (Don't know how long it is. )
I rather like my zune cable compared to my iPod one... MUCH more sturdy feeling (my iPod's cable is broken so meh. )