Ok, here's the situation. I'd like to play mp3s in my car. Easy, right? Well, I'm trying to make things a bit more complicated. I want a lot of storage (80+ gb), would like to control and probably play the mp3s with a handheld device (ipaq), and don't want any wires connected to the user interface.

So, here's the direction my current research has taken me. I'm looking at getting some sort of network storage device (http://www.westerndigital.com/en/pro...sp?DriveID=110) with either ethernet or wifi. I would then connect this device to my ipaq via either 802.11b or bluetooth (and mount the drive as a network share). If I was going to connect to it via 802.11b, I would either get something like the netgear wireless storage router WGT6344 (http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGT634U.php). If I went with bluetooth, I might get something like the Belkin bluetooth access point F8T030 ( http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_Id=134669). Either of these should allow me to connect the ipaq to the network storage drive where the mp3s would reside. Of course, if I went with the Belkin bluetooth device, I would get a different network storage device that had ethernet out. I've also looked into some of the wifi enabled storage devices (which one I went with would depend on which was cheaper and met my needs better).

The next hurdle I have to overcome is getting the mp3s off the ipaq and to the car stereo without wires. I would like to avoid using something with a dongle if possible and would really like to avoid crappy FM modulators. I'm interested in getting the A2DP bluetooth profile (that I read only comes with the HP bluetooth headphones) and some sort of A2DP receiver (http://www.aiptek.com.tw/english/pro..._hifi_link.htm ???) with stereo outs that I could connect to an RCA in on the in-dash CD receiver. I would also be happy with a device you could stream to over 802.11 and had audio outs, but I haven't really found much that would be practical.

So, why am I posting, you may ask. I'd love suggestions on how to make this work (with as little expense as possible). I realize I could get an ipod and an FM modulator and call it a day, but what fun is that? I'll probably buy a used ipaq of an as of yet undetermined model (is there anything I need to watch out for... sketchy mp3 decoding, bad bluetooth, sucky wifi support). Does anyone know of an A2DP receiver with stereo outs? I've considered hacking up a set of stereo bluetooth headphones but I'd rather not. If I got the A2DP driver with the HP headphones, will I even be able to connect it to some other brands bluetooth receiver and send music to it? Is there any major section of this project I could do differently to drastically reduce the cost? Can you think of any good ways to reduce the power consumption or size? Has anyone done/tried something like this before? Thanks for any help/encouragement/constructive criticism that you can provide.

I am thinking of ways to achieve a similar solution. I have an RX3115 and would like to sync it with a laptop with an external hard drive.

I am using an ASUS WL-HDD w/ a 60GB hard drive in my vehicle. It is sized like a tall, thin paperback and can serve the internal HD via Wifi as an AP or router. I've mounted it in a suspension frame that is both shock absorbing and ventilated. Luckily the rear of my vehicle has an extra outlet, so it is powered by an inverter that is plugged into that. It occupies space in one of the hollow storage compartments built-in for probably a cd changer or whatnot in the rear.

My Ipaq 2755 accesses media on this drive via wifi network share.
MP3/OGG is played via Pocket Player or Mortplayer.

I've not yet achieved wireless from the head unit to the Ipaq since there is not yet an existing AD2P to analog adapter (look for the Motorola DC800's release). Since my Ipaq is mounted high and center on the dash just to the right of my steering wheel (I can access the touch screen with hands fairly close to the wheel) - I've been able to hide most of the wiring under my dashmat. My head unit is a 5 year old Aiwa CDC-MP3 that has a front auxiliary input. Due to the direct audio connection and also the Ipaq getting power from a Y cable that also connects and powers my Pharos serial GPS puck, there is quite a bit of feedback/whine in the audio. This is fixed by a fairly cheap accessory available at most car stereo installation places the PAC SN1, that filters out any of that noise.

I'm hoping that when the Motorola DC800 is released it would be useful in this application in replacing the wire from my Ipaq to the head unit, but no pictures or details of this other than whats been in press releases.

I am in the same boat. I really don't care how much it is I just want to be able to hook up an extra 80 gigs or so to my IPAQ . Have you actually looked into and tested your first hurdle cause it that works I will do the same I don’t care about the fm modular deal. Let me know.

On my website I have a up to date page with A2DP compatabile devices, I test them for my work. This might be helpfull for you.

http://www.robertwebbe.nl/A2DP.html