Archived from ListenSmart.com, November 26, 2003. Historical; not current advice. Software, prices and links are as they were then.
Source: Wayback Machine capture.
Car Players
Once you're heavily into MP3s, you'll want to be able to play your downloads wherever you go. You'll be glad to hear that several companies are currently designing MP3 players for cars. Here are some products that are currently on the market.
Empeg-car by Empeg, Ltd. Price: $1,099 - $2,500 Homepage | Purchase
The Empeg-car is an in-car digital music player that can house up to 7,000 singles (or over 500 albums) in your dashboard. Controlled by a credit-card sized remote controland bundled with PC-link software, the Empeg-car plays your music using random playlists, year playlists, mood playlists, artist playlists… whatever you like when you like it, and even features an FM tuner and RDS! Connected to your PC, the easy-to-use Windows software allows you to view, add, delete and categorize tracks, preparing you for listening on-the-go.
Impy3 by Impy3 Price: $1,328 Homepage | Purchase
The Impy3 consists of a base computer and a T-shaped device that contains a keypad and a four-line, 20-character LCD screen. The device allows you to control Winamp on the base computer through the use of keypad-controlled menus, as well as to perform other tasks. Hook it up to your home computer through a parallel port or an Ethernet connection to your main computer, and transfer your MP3 files and playlists to the device. With an optional CD-ROM and access to a keyboard and monitor, you can rip your CDs and create MP3s and playlists directly with your Impy3. All models include a 200mhz MMX processor, 8.4 gig hard drive, 32MB memory, ahandheld controller, aparallel transfer cable, and a cassette adapter. The base 8.4GB unit can hold 2,000+ MP3s at 44kHz 128kbps. The 17.2GB unit can hold 4,200+ MP3s at 44kHz 128kbps. Also, although intended for car use, the Impy3 can be hooked to your home stereo as well.
MP3 Case by MP3Case Homepage | Purchase
The MP3Case is an MP3 Player for your car that is fed by an overclocked Pentium 133, 32 MB of Ram, and a Sound Blaster 16 sound card. The audio signal is processed through the latest technology from Alpine electronics and is commanded from a keypad and infrared remote control. Additionally, its "black box" system helps to improve the performance and sound quality.