So I just bought an 09 and I am confused by the choices of music options.

(Note: from searching I do know that 2010+ the system was improved on so whats true for later models will not be true for 2009)

I thought Compact Flash was antiquated even in 09 so I am surprised to see that interface.

I realize that the CD ripping to the Music Box is quite cumbersome, you have to actually play out the whole CD. Can you change sources while doing this?

I have a G37S with navigation - I do not think it has the premium package. However, above the rca jacks, has a jack with a plastic cover that I am guessing is the ipod jack. Given that I bought the car used, I did not get an adapter cable with it. So basically, I am looking for recommendations/suggestions on the best way to go about my music.
I do not currently own an Ipod or have the cable, would it be easier to just get an 8gb CF card like this (Not sure if the car will read the 8gbs) Newegg.com - Transcend 8GB Compact Flash (CF) Flash Card Model TS8GCF133 and a simple usb reader to load music from my pc or try to get a cheap ipod/ipod touch and somehow get a hold of the proper cable that will charge?

Update:
I can also get a 16gb CF card which would be enough for me for $5 more than the 8gb - if it would work

I just learned from searching that the size of the card does not matter as long as it is 500 songs or less.

 

ya its kind of pick your poison:

-the 08/09s have the ipod capability, but you either have to use a classic ipod with the older charging style or a newer ipod (like a nano) and charge it every 2 days or use a 3rd party charging adapter.

-the cd ripping im not sure if you can change source and if it would pause the ripping process, but the good news is the ripping takes place at 3-4x speed, so for every 1 track that plays from start to finish, the car just ripped about 3 to 4 songs. so say you have 15 tracks on your cd, by the time you reached song number 5, the ripping process would be complete.

-also, i wouldn't get more than a 4gb card since it only plays 500 songs, but you can use the cf card to transfer song names to the car via a utility infiniti has on their website to pull down track names.

personally, i have been using an 8gb ipod nano and when i forget to charge it, switch to the music box for music until i charge the ipod.

you could also play music through an rca interface but i dont think that would be the best quality and you cant change tracks or use the controls. would be controlled based off the device.

oh and if you have a moonroof, you have the premium package

 

You can rip the CD while listening to other sources. I loaded the Music Box while playing music from the CF.

 

Thanks for replies.

I figured out that music box rips faster than the actuall playing of the whole cd, like you mentioned,

I guess my final question is how the ipod interface compares to the compact flash interface. I bought a microsd to cf adapter on amazon for $15, hopefully it will work - have not gotten it yet. Debating if its worth it to invest in getting an old ipod and the cable.

I want to check out the utility you mentioned. One of the cd's I loaded to music box was not recognized by gracenote.

Trying this link. http://www.infinitiusa.com/music-update/

 

I currently have a compact flash card. I do not currently have an IPOD, IPHONE or the necessary cable.


I like the quality of music on the card and and the easy of use (meaning no separate device in your center console, no cables, no worry about 5v/12v or Lightening adapters, etc. What I do not like about the CF cards is lack of functionality - no support for search, playlists and scrolling is awful - if you create folders when you get to the last song in a folder and hit down it goes to the next folder rather than scroll to the beginning of current folder. So organizing my music by folder is unuser- friendly as well.

I am considering get an older gen IPOD that will ideally charge from the adapter. I also can get an adapter cable for around $15 used.

So to my question... is there is more functionality from the car's screen when using the IPOD interface compared to the CF interface?

Thanks again.

 

I had a 09 maxima that had the same radio and everything else. I have used an older model ipod nano that charges while hooked up. What I have learned that you should NOT get one of the cable off ebay from China...pure junk! Spend the 40 bucks and get one from either nissan or Infiniti dealer. The cable quality is second to none.... And for whats its worth, I have never used the flash, in either the max or my vert...and never will