iPod integration Review: iSimple aka PXAMG (GM5) for the 03+

[Eagle]

I just want to say that I installed this ************* last weekend and I think it sucks. Yeah it plays just fine but the nav screen is just about useless for finding what you want on your ipod with 10 gigs of music, movies, and pics (or more). This thing is very, very, very low tech. I regret greatly the $200 I spent at Best Buy on what cost some Chinese sweat shop probably about $3 to make.

To answer your questions Yargnits:

1. Audio level is fine, its the same as the radio as far as I can tell.
2. You can't have more than one device playing at the same time. You switch to the ipod and whatver was playing before stops playing.
3. yes, it will charge so long as you hook this thing up to RAP like it tells you. If you decide to hook it up to switched accessory power (not what the instructions tell you to do) it will only charge while the vehicle is on.
4. I have no idea.

My opinion: Unless all you want is a way to get your ipod sounds to your speakers, don't waste your money. It won't let you do anything else. No song title display, no album name/number, no artist, no idv3/4 tag info no album artwork, no playlists, noooooothiiiiiing. POS.

-B

I hate to tell you this, but you apparently didn't hook up the PXAMG.



1: There is no wiring to do, so you can't NOT hook it up to RAP.
2: It does do text display, playlists, etc. Does them very well, actually.
You can even choose elapsed time, artist or song title as the default display.

You have PEBKAC issues.

 

[Boomer73]

You're right. I take it all back. It was a PXDP/PXHGM3 that was the total *************. I'm sure the PXAMG is a phenomenal piece of hardware. I'll never buy anything from this company again however. Apparently these two devices use the same cable and the same wiring harnesses. The PXDP is branded the Sound Byte. While the PXAMG has HD radio features and is branded the Media Gateway. Otherwise they appear to have the same requirements and features. I will say that I didn't try it with the factory radio, and maybe it works just like the PXAMG with the factory radio, but it has none of these features with the nav system. If someone has tried the PXAMG with the nav system, let me know.

-B

 

[Eagle]

You're right. I take it all back. It was a PXDP/PXHGM3 that was the total *************. I'm sure the PXAMG is a phenomenal piece of hardware. I'll never buy anything from this company again however. Apparently these two devices use the same cable and the same wiring harnesses. The PXDP is branded the Sound Byte. While the PXAMG has HD radio features and is branded the Media Gateway. Otherwise they appear to have the same requirements and features. I will say that I didn't try it with the factory radio, and maybe it works just like the PXAMG with the factory radio, but it has none of these features with the nav system. If someone has tried the PXAMG with the nav system, let me know.

-B

It works as well with either NAV unit... Fully supported. it's the only one that actually does work right as far as I can tell.

Please take that other crap back and get your money back. The PXAMG (media gateway) unit was only $175 after tax,at most. I cant believe they charged you $200 for the damn PXDP.

 

[Boomer73]

I can't believe I was such a fool to pay $200 for the thing. I'll try the PXAMG, but I think I'll try to pick up a used one on ebay or craigslist or something. What are you using in your bimmer?

-B

 

[Eagle]

Kinda going OT: No one makes a good unit for bimmers. Period. My bimmer had an alpine 9835 + 420a Ipod adapter. I mounted it in the glovebox where the factory flashlight would have gone... if I felt like spending $20 for a flashlight that only lasts a year.










I transfered that stuff over to the MkIII jetta, aka ugly beater aka gets 30 mpg when i sold the touring last year, Including the dock. No pics on that one, yet, but i did the same thing except it sticks out of the OBDII port.

 

[Boomer73]

Slick. I like. Yeah, the flashlight is weak - might as well use the spot for something else. I put this chart together to assess the ipod options for my 06 M3. The Intravee II looked like the way to go, but its one of the most expensive:

-B

 

[Eagle]

you on bimmerforums? good car audio group I am active with on that board. might take this there before we totally derail this thread.

 

[Boomer73]

Yeah. I'm on there same screen name.

This thread has officially been hijacked.

-B

 

[Fyrcaptain]

So the PXAMG and the iSimple reviewed in this thread are the same?

Who makes the PXDP/PXHGM3 that is supposed to be a POS?

Is the "LockPick" sold by Coastal Electronics related to either?

Coastal LockPic link below...

http://www.coastaletech.com/AMAZING_GM_LOCKPICKS.htm

Thanks

 

[Boomer73]

PXAMG and PXPD are both similar but different "iSimple" products made by Peripheral. Coastal E's lockpick is not related.

-B