Update on the quest for perfect iPhone car integration

This is a follow-up on my past post about my car audio frustrations with an iPhone. Yesterday I received my generic Chinese iPhone cables and car charger:

Ordered both for $6.81 Total

Best $6.81 I’ve spent in a while! The build quality seems just fine and the cables work as advertised; charge and play audio via AUX-out at the same time while allowing full access to the iPhone’s interface. iPhone 4 compatible too!

NOTE: The Apple iPhone 4 “Bumpers” case is not compatible; the dock connector port is too small for this cable’s connector.

So if your car has an AUX input and a lighter outlet, you are good to go. You could even get a tape deck adaptor to work with this via mini jack coupler to get better audio quality and the ability to charge.

I also highly recommend some kind of car mount for the iPhone/iPod so you have easy access to the on-screen controls and GPS apps.

This is likely the closest to perfect car integration I can get without owning a Ford with Sync.