Harmon Kardon shows off Drive + Play iPod solution for cars

Harman Kardon is dropping iPod docks like a drunk juggler today, introducing a car stereo solution in the wake of their proprietary Bridge dock. The European HK Drive + Play consists of three components: a mountable LCD screen with 5-line display, a BMW iDrive-like hand control that mimics the iPod's interface, and of course a charging dock with alternate-audio passthrough. Unfortunately, the whole system is contingent upon an auxiliary line-in on your head unit, which pretty much rules out most stock factory stereos. Expect to see this hit Europe in November for an unknown quantity of Euros.

[Dan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Wow, this thing is hot. Where did I leave my $2,000 for the whole thing plus new head unit?

PS - DLO Transpod works great!

[bongo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Cracking idea. Replace your iPod display and keypad that can be used with a cradle with...
...an LCD display and keypad. I'll stick with my Dension ice>Link and go out for a meal with the change.... or perhaps pay off my mortgage :)

[jordanbrad @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

it is actually supposed to be released in the US in early October according to circuitcity.com

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=133614&cm_re=iPod+cafe-_-Drive+and+play+Preorder-_-preorder&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No

For Only 200 USD which is somewhat competitive

[vicviper @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The thing has also a wired antenna link and an (over the air) RF modulator, so if you don't have an aux in, you can use either of the (lower quality) modulation options.

[Seth A @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

You guys reported on this in the past. I guess this time it's for the official release though.

[RainyDayGarage @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Drive+Play FirstLook:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2005/Workshops/Garage/RDG_DriveNPlayFirstLook.htm

Drive+Play BenchTest:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2005/Workshops/Garage/RDG_DriveNPlayTestPlacement.htm

[M @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I was interested in this item, but it appears like it will be too expensive for me. Since my OEM head unit doesn't have an AUX line in, I would have to get one in addition to the drive+play. Add to those prices the cost of installation (roughly $150 plus $50 for parts) and you're up to at least $500. Way too much for a "want" with, frankly, a shitty display. I'll wait until something better comes along...

[jared @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Once your stereo has aux in, what's the point of buying any "integration accessory" other than a male to male cable and (maybe, if you really feel like pimping it up) some $3 hook-and-loop tape? The only way you're going to improve on the iPod interface is to get yourself a passenger to push the buttons for you.

[Sam @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I think this is good, it looks nice and fits nicely on the dash. Sound is good too. Easy to use, perfect.

[Liam @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

very nice peice of kit, high quality sound output, well designed and fuctional. Brilliant

[Web Design Essex (Sam) @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Also, this unit works with ipod video very well. You can easily get into play lists, unlike the other systems which are not as good as you have to pre set 5 play lists (this is for a BMW I am refering to) that then choose them as if its a CD from a CD changer, not as good as this as you can access the lot, as if your using the ipod itself... and its clear to use when on the road.

[Frank @ Jan 6th 2006 6:44AM]

Does anybody know if it will play webcasts (video) from the iPod?