ok now that I decieded to get a ipod and a adapter instead of the 6 disc chnager and lux upgrade. I cant decide which adapter to get. I have it narrowed down to either the axxess like the one diesel dragon has or this one http://www.mp3yourcar.com/default.asp
the Neo Ion is 189.00
So you guys that have studied this which is better or are the both the same? I don't have a Ipod yet so I don't really know how they work but the steering wheel controls are a definte selling piont

thanks in advance for all the input
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I have the USA Spec one and it works but I am tempted by the AXXESS cause it lets you see the artist and title apparently...
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Drew

The only difference that I can between the axxess adapter and the new Neo Ion adapter is that the Neo will still let you use the Ipod controls what poeple are calling the click wheel. Is this a feature that would be worth the extra forty bucks? and which one would be better quality? From what I have studied here, this neo one has just come out in august. I have never looked at the Ipod except for checking all this stuff out on the web. Guess its time to go to best buy or circuit city and really find out about them

I just called the guy over at Neo, and had a few questions for him. First off, he wasn't very knowledable, even about his own product. Second, if your stereo doesn't have a cd port on the back, you are SOL. You can still use the Neo, but you may lose your XM and possibly the rear entertainment if you have it. The Axxess is compatible with XM or Cdx, although you cannot control the ipod from the ipod face. To me this is a small trade off to keep my XM. And at JP Customs the Axxess kit is alot cheaper than the Neo is on their website. The Axxess even adds a second AUX input for stuff like PS2's or DVD players! Just my .02 hope this helps!

Russ

The Axxess unit advertises the AUX input, but they don't have a cable available yet to make use of the input.

The Axxess unit also makes use of the CD changer port on the back of the radio. I believe every unit on the market (except FM modulators) is making the iPod appear to the HU as a CD changer. The Axxess unit is able to keep the XM in combination with the Axxess input by using a relay that is toggled by the #6 Preset key.

I have the Axxess unit and so far I like it. There is no need to leave the iPod sitting out where you can see the screen. With the iPod connected to the Axxess controller, the screen always says ....Ready to Disconnect. All of the controls on the iPod are completely disabled, too.

hey I just read this on the ipodlounge forum about the usa spec controller.


NEW USA Spec info - control returns to iPod
Hi all -

Forum has been useful for me, so thought I'd kick something back. I have a USA Spec adapter in my 2005 Toyota 4runner (PA10-TOY). Use it for both XM satellite connection (through the AUX input) and my iPod. Like most of the others here, I've been frustrated by the inability to control my iPod directly, to search for new music, or even just look at what's playing on the screen.

Just got off the phone with USA Spec to chat them up about this issue - and they're now offering an upgrade to address it. They told me to send mine in with $10 and they'd change (reflash the controller, I'm guessing) it from a PA10 to a PA11. New version will allow you to choose with the dip switches whether you want to support playlist-style use (i.e. the existing method, which uses the Advanced iPod Remote protocol, which is why the iPod screen goes catatonic) or the simpler G3 protocol (used on the remotes attached to headphones), which will still allow you to use either the steering wheel/radio controls to go forward/back, pause, etc, AND will also let you fiddle and play on the iPod directly. In this mode you won't be able to play the 5 or 6 custom playlists (on mine they're called TOYOTA1...,TOYOTA2...) but who cares! Album art display on the iPod screen! Ability to pick something to listen to instead of mashing the track forward button until something comes up. Important when you've got a lot of music on your pod.

Perfect. For me, anyway. Your mileage may vary.

Tech support at USA Spec is (626) 890-6410. They asked me where I bought mine (Crutchfield) and where I lived, then told me to contact the warranty number (626)336-3836 to arrange for a return authorization. I'm sending mine today; I'll report back when I've got it installed.

Cheers.



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here's the link for you to read the whole thread I thought that these wqould be interesting for the ones that have that adapter to

I've been really happy with the AXXESS unit, but I won't say it's perfect. In a week of use I've had it lock up maybe 3 times. In each case I've just had to shut the head deck off and then turn it on again to make the interface read the Ipod correctly.

All in all...I'm happy so far that I bought this unit over the others. It's one of the cheapest units out there, has among the most features, and seems to work as advertised.

Whatever you do, don't get the Monster unit. What a ripoff! It costs nearly 3 times the others and has less features!