Quick USB Audio Question

[wormyrocks]

Hi, first time poster. My dad's getting a brand new Insight in a few days.
So, just wondering: The EX model is too expensive and there aren't any LX models in stock anywhere near us, so it looks like we are going to buy the base model.
Really the only feature that I would really miss from the higher trim levels is the USB audio interface, so I looked and I've seen a few aftermarket USB audio interfaces on sale online. I'm wondering if anyone has had success with installing those in a base model? Is it possible to install it yourself or does a specialist have to deal with it? And does the stereo on the base model interface with an installed USB audio module just like the stereo on the LX model would?
Finally, most of my family has iPods but I play my music from a Palm Pre 2. Should I expect any difference in the USB audio experience from those two different devices?

Also (totally unrelated) does the base model have a center console?

Thanks for answering any or all of those questions. You can tell I'm ludicrously excited.

[carniver]

You can simply use the 3.5mm AUX jack to play music from your Palm Pre. If you install the USB module, however, it can play MP3 files from a USB thumb drive directly.

[wormyrocks]

Ok, thanks. I'm just wondering if the USB module - provided it is compatible - will be able to see the Pre as a USB drive? My computer does. Just wondering if anyone else has any experience using a Pre with an Insight.

[Jayemtee]

I can't answer your question exactly, but I can give you hope.

I used to have an Insight EX/NAVI, and now I have a CR-Z/NAVI. Both come with USB, and both have the same head unit. Of course it would be different from the base model. This test was on the CR-Z.

I have a FrankenPre, which is an ATT Pre2, with Sprint comm boards and modified software. With nothing hooked to the USB port, the screen displays NO DATA. If I plug in the Pre it will say LOAD, but not ever do anything except charge. Then, if I select USB Mode on the Pre, it will read the music from the USB. It took some time to read the USB drive, but it eventually came up.

It read from an album in the ROOT of the drive which were .mp3 songs, it read from the Ringtones folder which was all .mp3, and it read from a custom named folder with .m4a songs on it.

There many kits available, and I don't know the differences. I'm sure you could do it yourself based on the kit that Honda sells, which comes with instructions that you can even review online.

Honda Insight Accessories - Genuine 2010-2011 Honda Insight Hybrid Accessories Shipped at Discount Prices

The kit seems a tad expensive, but it is blessed by Honda so that provides a comfort zone. I see "what appears to be" the same kit on eBay for about a third of that price.

I'm glad that you are ludicrously excited. I'm ludicrously excited that I have a Pre3 coming that should arrive this afternoon.

[wormyrocks]

Hey, a fellow webOS fan! I wonder if I've seen you on Precentral, my username is innocent_bystander. I got the Pre 2 in the recent fire sale; had a frankendoctored Pre+ for months previously. Glad to see that it works although it may be easier just to pony up for flash drives.
Thanks for the advice! That kit does seem a little bit expensive but hopefully I can get my parents to spring for it especially considering that $200 is a steal compared to the $1700 difference between base and LX.

[Jayemtee]

I'm just a lurker on Precentral. I saw this on eBay. $88 seems really fair.

2009-2011 Honda Fit 2010-2011 Insight USB Adapter OEM | eBay

While trying to see if it was genuine, since they used an official Honda part number and picture, I noticed the buyer. 3 weeks ago, I bought a spoiler for my CR-Z from them. Genuine Honda kit and fast shipping. Good seller.

[wormyrocks]

Well, it looks like that kit doesn't come with all the parts listed in the instruction manual, so you have to buy a separate 'USB Attachment Kit'. But that looks like a good price for the actual electronics, thanks.
(I write a satirical Precentral sendoff for fun. :P)
Does anyone with a base Insight know if it has a center console? The instructions for installing the USB adapter discuss feeding the cable into the glove box.

[egads]

No console on the base model:

2011 Honda Insight Hybrid - Specifications - Official Honda Site