DICE vs GROM. Need to decide and looosing my mind!

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by Ruckdive

Been watching videos of all the scrolling text and it honestly just looks like the whole thing would be easier by picking up the iPod, finding my song and pressing play.

Could you please elaborate on these "many differences"?
Thanks Tom

Features of DICE SILVERLINE PRO Pod Integration kit include:
- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for all iPods (including iPhone touch models) through included dock connector

Features of AUX include:
- AUX is merely a headphone jack. No charging, no steering wheel control or text display.

The 2 items are completely different products. You simply get what you pay for.

[Ruckdive]

Thanks, Tom. I have a charger that plugs into my cigarette lighter and after watching numerous videos of the DICE in action it looks quite cumbersome to actually get where I want to go, whereas the GROM will just let me pick up my iPod, find my playlist with a list of songs and choose it.

I've heard nothing bad about the Grom...Is there a difference in audio quality? I understand the benefits of the Dice (things the Grom doesn't offer) but are there DRAWBACKS to the Grom?

Cheers again for your kind help.

Originally Posted by Tom G.

Features of DICE SILVERLINE PRO Pod Integration kit include:
- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for all iPods (including iPhone touch models) through included dock connector

Features of AUX include:
- AUX is merely a headphone jack. No charging, no steering wheel control or text display.

The 2 items are completely different products. You simply get what you pay for.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Ruckdive

Thanks, Tom. I have a charger that plugs into my cigarette lighter and after watching numerous videos of the DICE in action it looks quite cumbersome to actually get where I want to go, whereas the GROM will just let me pick up my iPod, find my playlist with a list of songs and choose it.

I've heard nothing bad about the Grom...Is there a difference in audio quality? I understand the benefits of the Dice (things the Grom doesn't offer) but are there DRAWBACKS to the Grom?

Cheers again for your kind help.

Answered your PM.

The two products aren't really comparable. Integration is worth it. I didn't find it hard to navigate my Icelink, I just set up playlists. Often I had it on random shuffle, and just used the skip song feature on the steering wheel controls.

I don't think it is at all safe for the driver to be looking at the song list on a iPod while driving, it is the same as texting while driving, but that is just me. We have an aux input on our X3, and use it with an iPod, but I don't use it in town, only on road trips when there is a passenger along to navigate the iPod.

[bd3500]

I had really bad feedback from my Dice HD (not Silverline) that I ended up bailing on that and installing the OEM Aux input. I also didn't like the fact that my iPod would lock up and I couldn't control it via the device itself. There is a reason the UI on Apple's interface is so good, and I wanted to use it.

Not sure if the Silverline addresses the latter but I tried Ground Loop isolators, moving the cable, etc in my 2002 and couldn't get rid of the annoying whining sound that occurred as RPMs fluctuated.

I ended up being very happy with Aux-In.

[Ruckdive]

Originally Posted by bd3500

I had really bad feedback from my Dice HD (not Silverline) that I ended up bailing on that and installing the OEM Aux input. I also didn't like the fact that my iPod would lock up and I couldn't control it via the device itself. There is a reason the UI on Apple's interface is so good, and I wanted to use it.

Not sure if the Silverline addresses the latter but I tried Ground Loop isolators, moving the cable, etc in my 2002 and couldn't get rid of the annoying whining sound that occurred as RPMs fluctuated.

I ended up being very happy with Aux-In.

Yea, see, reports like this keep worrying me. I've heard that so often..the higher the RPMs go the more likely you are to get a sudden whine or clicking.

I know that the new Silverline Pro lets you select whether you want to control it over the HU/Steering wheel, over the iPod, or BOTH (use "hold" switch on iPod to toggle), so at least they're making positive changes.

Still torn about it, though. GROM seems to be a no brainer, but the DICE just...feels like it's premium, although I keep hearing problems.

[JCL]

You seem to have a case of Analysis Paralysis. First decision is, do you really want either?

If you are worried about feedback from wiring, that can happen with any device and has more to do with your vehicle than the accessory you are installing.

If you don't think the Grom has any issues, do a Google search. I found a half million pages by googling "Grom Ipod Problems", about the same number for "DICE Ipod Problems". Not scientific, but there you go. I have never used the Grom, so can't comment on the quality. My Icelink worked fine.

One thing you might want to consider is that Tom is a board sponsor, and answers DICE questions in the sub forum. That may be worth something to you, it is to me.

[Ruckdive]

Originally Posted by JCL

You seem to have a case of Analysis Paralysis. First decision is, do you really want either?

If you are worried about feedback from wiring, that can happen with any device and has more to do with your vehicle than the accessory you are installing.

If you don't think the Grom has any issues, do a Google search. I found a half million pages by googling "Grom Ipod Problems", about the same number for "DICE Ipod Problems". Not scientific, but there you go. I have never used the Grom, so can't comment on the quality. My Icelink worked fine.

One thing you might want to consider is that Tom is a board sponsor, and answers DICE questions in the sub forum. That may be worth something to you, it is to me.

Very true. In fact, you are correct on all counts. I'm a college student on a budget and I'm new to any type of modifications to my car. Naturally this is part of "tuning' a car to your preference, I'm just encountering a bad case of not wanting to make the "wrong" decision, even when BOTH options will likely make me happy in the end.

One hour I'm convinced the simplicity of the GROM is the way to go. Then I read a forum post, a note by Tom or someone from BSW and I think "They're right, it IS only the unhappy people who post" and I think the DICE must surely be the best choice.

Either way...happy to hear more input and I'll definitely let the whole world know when I've decided.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by Ruckdive

Thanks, Tom. I have a charger that plugs into my cigarette lighter and after watching numerous videos of the DICE in action it looks quite cumbersome to actually get where I want to go, whereas the GROM will just let me pick up my iPod, find my playlist with a list of songs and choose it.

I've heard nothing bad about the Grom...Is there a difference in audio quality? I understand the benefits of the Dice (things the Grom doesn't offer) but are there DRAWBACKS to the Grom?

Cheers again for your kind help.

For simplicity - the AUX kit would work - as it's a 3.5mm jack.

The DICE commands emulate the BMW factory CD Changer as well as the iPod commands, so no training is necessary. Having immediate access to Artists/Playlists and Albums is nice - with text display scrolling.

Let me know what you decide upon.