media interface

[hawk20]

Can anyone enlighten me, please? What is the benefit of the media interface (on say the B class) compared with just the normal set-up which I think has AUX In in the glovebox.

Friend wants to run i-pod etc and wants to know if worth the £350 extra for the media interface.

Second, anyone describe the difference between the arrow type sat nav at £1150 odd compared with COMAND at £2100? The cheaper one says: -
Audio 50
Includes radio, DVD arrow navigation system with TMC
(Traffic Message Channel) and Linguatronic voice control; integrated
CD/DVD changer (6-disc) with MP3 compatibility

This includes media interface (which on its own costs £350 and comes with Audi 20 as standard).

 

[Alex Crow]

sorry hawk, not my bag really, but alfie ought to know??

 

[npuk]

AUX input will let you listen to the device attached but you wont able to control it, view tracknames, playlists etc. The media interface has cables to connect an ipod, USB stick and aux input. Ipod will be charged whilst connected, you will see track names on headunit and cluster, be able to control it from the steering wheel. Using a USB pendrive will allow you do the same. If they only plan to use an Ipod they can just get the Ipod interface instead of UMI.

Not used an Audio 50. Best to try one out at a dealer and see if you like it. Obviously it has no full map view and I guess POIs. I dont think Audio 50 has 7 digit postcode input like Comand, or music register, sd card slot like the Comand NTG2.5 you would get in a B Class. On Audio 50 when navigating you most likely wont be able to listen to a music cd as the navigation disc will be in use. On Comand the maps are stored on the harddrive so you can listen to a cd whilst navigating.

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con...-class/w204/overview/communications.0007.html

Comand NTG2.5 can be retrofitted for alot cheaper than than the factory option cost.