Pioneer AVIC-N4 to ipod compatibility

Question

Pioneer AVIC-N4 to ipod compatibility

About 6-8 months ago I purchased a Pioneer AVIC-N4 for my truck. One of the features advertised for this HU was it's compatibility with Apple Ipods. Two weeks ago I purchased an Apple Ipod classic with 120GB. I also purchased the Pioneer CD-i200 interface. I did a search on this help site and find NOW that the classic is incompatible with the N4. I called Pioneer (non)support and all they could tell me was that the classic is indeed incompatible with the N4. When asked which ipods specifically WERE compatible with the N4, ALL he could say was that he THINKS the GEN 3 & 4 Ipods will work. When pressed for more details, (which GEN 3 & 4) he got angry and hung up on me.

I love my classic and have decided to keep it. I'm thinking of getting a second refurbished GEN 3 or 4 from apple if they are still available, just for the truck. The problem is which one? If possible I'd like to get more than 16 GB. Can anyone tell me specifically which ipods work with the AVIC-N4.

Thank you.

I-Mac, Mac OS X (10.5.5), ipod classic 120 GB

Posted on Nov 18, 2008 5:28 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 18, 2008 6:19 PM in response to MemphisSenior

It's weird that a new product will only work with such old iPods.

I can't help with confirming what will work and what will not, but I can tell you the difference between a 3G and 4G iPod.

The 3G is designed to work with a FireWire docking cable. It has the now standard dock connector, and it may be able to sync over USB, but it will not charge over USB (and you need a FireWire connection to do a Restore ). The 4G works with either FireWire or USB. One strange quirk of the 4G is the need for a power (wall) adapter to complete the Restore process. I don't think any other iPod model required plugging into a power adapter to complete a Restore.

All 3G iPods have monochrome screens. Some 4G iPods have monochrome screens, but the photo model of 4G iPods have higher resolution color screens (but still no video).

The 4G iPod has a better battery. Play time is significantly longer than a 3G iPod with stock battery. But you can buy replacement higher capacity batteries for the 3G for less than $10 (including shipping and take-apart tools) on eBay. The stock 4G battery is pretty good and seems to last longer (as in time before you have to replace it).

I have a 3G and a 4G (photo). I personally think the 3G has slightly better sound. But the difference is probably not noticeable if playing in a car.

The 3G has all touch controls with four separate buttons for menu, play, next, and previous. If you are used to the clickwheel, it may take time to get used to it. Because everything is touch sensitive, it is easy to "press" one of the buttons by mistake. You end up using the Hold switch more often. The 4G was the first iPod with the now familiar clickwheel.

The 3G came in the following storage capacities:

Thinner design - 10GB, 15GB, 20GB
Thicker desisn - 30GB, 40GB

The 4G came in a variety of storage capacities from 20GB to 60GB, color and monochrome screen. The 20GB and 30GB were the thinner type. The 40GB and 60GB were the thicker type.

The thicker iPods (both 3G and 4G) use the thicker 1.8" hard drive with two platters. These hard drives seem to be more fragile than the single platter (thinner) hard drives.

I don't think Apple has any of either for sale as a refurb. The best bet would be eBay, but it is hard to judge the condition of the iPod (especially of the hard drive) from low res pictures and written description. I got my 3G and 4G iPods as broken iPods on eBay and fixed a few by swapping parts. The two I use regularly look and work like new.

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