the choice is a really difficult one to decide.
Phatnoise Pro's:
permanent stealth installation.
Audi sell and install them as OEM equipment.
easiest to install, providing that the cd changer cable is already installed.
can be the cheapest option (unless you already own an ipod)
Phatnoise cons:
American bint reads out the tags (can be changed, but takes a fair bit of work to get it perfect, plus can cost you)
requires third party software to arrange mp3's on cartridge
not seen any linux phatbox software
some people repord engine whine coming through in the audio on some phatboxes.
requires special dock cradle for use on pc - which itself needs a mains power supply.
ICE-Link Pro's:
depending on mounting, you can read the MP3 tags.
you can use your ipod.. (okay, okay...)
you can remove the ipod when not in use, so you can protect it from the hot/cold.
if you already use an ipod/itunes, then you dont need any further work to change your playlists or music library.
linux ipod software available
you can remove the ipod at your destination, and still use it as a portable mp3 player, or harddrive.
charges your ipod too, if you want it too.
Ice-link cons:
cradle is on display and visible.
third party software required (but more likely to be updated with time, and also greater compatability)
unless you do a stealth glovebox install, its not going to look OEM.
You can't zip through tracks instantly.
also, unless you've got the latest generation of AUDI headunits, your not going to get headunit or DIS MP3 tag info either, which is a major downer.
in real life operation, the 4gb of an ipod mini is more than enough for me. For me this equates to roughly 48 hours of music, which is enough for about a month of listening.
for me it was 50/50. in the end i plumped for the dension as the missus could already use itunes, and to be honest, i couldnt bear the hassle of explaining how to use the phatbox software. If she can sort her own music for the car, bonus.
