Yet Another iPod Integration Solution (spec.dock)

I was searching again for iPod integration solutions and found this site: http://www.2point5.com/ They claim to have an iPod integration solution for the Cayman (click the Porsche link and it lists the Cayman there). Here is a video review from Macworld: http://reviews.cnet.com/Spec_dock/4660-3424_7-6417675.html I don't suppose anyone has heard anything about this solution? Or ... perhaps ... even tried it? There's not much on the site, but it doesn't say "coming soon" or anything like that.

I have actually been in contact with the company's founder, Matt Turner, as he helped me figure out the wiring on the sound package plus system and how to install my subwoofer. The spec.dock is simply a shell for housing the ipod and doesn't actually offer any integration into your audio system. If you continue to research their site, you will see it is available with many options, and at this time the only one compatible with the 987 and 997 is the use of a wired FM modulator, or in addition to the Dension unit or the NavTV unit. - Suneet

Ah, thanks, suneet. Bummer ... I was hoping it was more. Well, the search goes on until someone actually releases something that works.

As an FYI I spoke to DICE yesterday and they are supposed to be sending me a 2nd generation unit to test shortly. They just got in the 2nd gen units from NavTV and tested them and other than 2 minor glitches they said the 2nd gen was much better than the 1st gen. I'm not sure if NavTV is selling the 2nd gen yet or not.

Eric from BumperPlugs.com (a site sponsor) is close to being ready on a group buy for the new Dension unit which is compatible with the Cayman. Here is the link , scroll to bottom for updated info.

That is promising! I have the DICE unit in my M3 and it works great. In reference to Midnight Blue's post: I've said before that I'd have a hard time buying anything from Dension, but I noticed the other day that Dension has ended its relationship with Dension USA. I'm hoping that maybe Dension USA was the cause of much of the customer service issues here in the states and things will change if we're dealing directly with Dension. It would be really great if we had to choose between two working solutions. :cheers:

BTW, do you know the requirements for this unit? The site doesn't seem to indicate PCM is required, for example.

MSRP of $600. I wonder how low will the group buy will get you.

I just had the XM Commander installed yesterday with the Ipod connection, works great. I've yet to purchase an Ipod yet but the one they demoed worked great. I do have the PCM. Commander came with remote control, fits perfectly in the area below radio. The unit he used was the Nav-tv.

PCM is currently required (to answer a different thread) and I was told by DICE that either they will ship out their test unit to me this next week or they will request a 2nd test unit from the supplier to be sent to me, so not 100% sure on how quickly yet, but hopefully soon.

I hope that is not a permanent limitation. I don't find PCM a very compelling option, but I'd consider it if it would be the only way to get iPod integration. What would be really cool if some of the folks from DICE and Dension would stop buy and answer questions.

It is my understanding that the non-PCM unit is still in development and I don't know if there is a test unit available for that yet or not but will try to remember to ask.

Hello everyone, the Dension group buy is available. Eric said not to post the group buy link but I dont think he will mind posting some of the Faq he has. I will be purcahsing a set. * CD Changer is disabled, or is it still functional? * Depends on vehicle, typically lose changer on Porsche vehicles * How are software updates distributed? * Downloaded from Dension website, offered for free unless hardware changes * Can I connect satellite radio to this unit? * Yes, satellite and other options connect through a 3.5mm auxiliary port * Where do podcasts show up? * On the Playlist, on the factory headunit * iPod navigation is 3 levels, artist - album - song. How does this display? * As lines of text * Are there any limits to the number of tracks that can display at once? * 7 tracks per screen (pcm), 1 second to change screens * Can I start a 'shuffle songs' option if the iPod is not within reach? * Yes, select shuffle on the main menu on the factory iPod screen * Where will I find audiobooks? * Main Menu * Can iPod video show on the main screen as well? * No, only to rear entertainment screens * Which iPod models will function with this unit? * All but the Shuffle, each must have standard access port on bottom of iPod * How difficult is the installation? * We recommend professional installation as you are altering the fiber optic loop in the vehicle * Will this unit work with both PCM and Non-PCM Porsche vehicles? * Yes, but non-Nav vehicles may need additional programming by dealer * What are the power on/off options? * Charge iPod while driving * Do not charge at all * Charge for two hours upon vehicle shutoff * If you set iPod to sleep mode in the iPod, it shuts off within minutes when ignition is off

Thanks, Qtqc. I think that's good news, but, without a link, in what sense is the group buy "available"?

You would have to contact Eric at bumperplugs and sign up for the group buy.

Ah, gotcha. Thanks.

I just placed my order. I will for sure be writing up a review and my thoughts on the unit. The only thing is I have my car in storage right now and wont be taking it out until March. If you guys dont mind waiting till then for the review.

I am/was on the group buy list and the current version is NOT completely compatible with the non-PCM CDR24 unit in our car. Dension says you do not get ID3 tags but I suspect there's more to it than that. Eric has me currently on a wait list to see if that's ironed out. I also talked to a service advisor at my Porsche dealer, and when you add a CD changer (that this unit mimics) they have to program the car's computer to recognize it so add that into your install costs.

Keep me updated as I would be in the same boat!

Anyone else placed an order for this yet that will be able to install and test in the next 4-6 weeks? I'm itching to pull the trigger on one, but since I'm Cayman-less until sometime in March, it's probably prudent for me to sit tight and wait for someone else to make the first move. Otherwise, I'll be the guinea pig in March or April and present my findings to the group.

Im also still waiting for Erics update on support for the CDR24. My tuning shop who will be doing the install says the programing the computer to work with the Denison is not a big deal. I just hope Denison can get it to work with ID tags. Hopefully we will hear from them soon.

I think I've pretty much abandoned the idea of integrating the iPod with any of the factory systems. I plan to replace it with one of the AVIC units and then put it back before I sell. Should be far less risky than dealing with Dension again.

Installing an aftermarket unit seems like a big hassle with all the fibre optics in the car. Im hoping that the Dension will work. Honestly, even if the ID tags dont get figured out, as long as the quality of play is good I would still be interested I think. Like I said, I wont be installing until late March early April if any of you want to wait for a review.

It's all copper at the head unit unless you have the Bose (see the posts by suneet), so it's not a big deal.

Your right, I forgot just the bose had fibre optics. If I didn't have the bose I would of ripped everything out a long time ago.

Simple way to get iPod tunes I know many will want to have a hardware solution, but for folks with the Bose + CD changer, a reasonable solution is to use the native CD burning capability of iTunes. I made several playlists named stuff like CD1 - 90s Rock, etc. from my favorite songs, burned about half a dozen discs, and loaded up my changer with my favorite iPod songs. Personally, I also did not want to make an changes to what is to me an optimum Cayman S interior - but that's more a matter of personal taste.

that's not correct ALL systems have the MOST bus system, but not all of them make use of it in the same way, even my lowly CDR24 head unit has a MOST cable going into the back of it...