MP3s on a USB harddrive
 

I have 500+ CDs that I thought I'd rip to mp3 and put on a portable harddrive. I assume it'd work since the Z supports USB sticks. I think my plan may be ruined though, unless I'm reading this wrong -

Folder Levels, With navigation system:
Folder levels: 8, Folders: 255 (including root folder), Files: 512 (Max. 255 files for one folder)

It seems to say that there's a maximum TOTAL of 512 files, with a max of 255 files in one folder, but 512 across all folders combined. Surely not? That's madness.
Same deal with the max of 255 folders - doesn't sound like it's 255 subfolders per folder.

Not sure what you are asking. Are you asking about the Music HardDrive you get with the navigation system or its capacity when reading from USB stick? If the former, you must be reading it wrong, I've got many more than 500 files on my Nav system's harddrive.

On the 09 with a compact flash, its 512 songs max, regardless of folders.

I see. I never tried to used the USB connection -- I've just dumped my CDs to the HD. So it won't read an, e.g, iPod with more than 512 songs?

Wow that sucks. OK hmm....

one word ipod

I've got about 3500 songs on my iPod and it works just fine. I'm sure that the unit interfaces differently with an iPod than a USB hard drive though. I'm not sure what will happen with that many songs on a hard drive.

i agree go with ipod

Going into more depth, buy a used on off ebay for 40 bucks with a broken screen dock it sync music and leave it in your car. It is what I do.

Yeah I bought a used iPod at a local pawn shop
For 35 bucks. Works good.

Awesome. Thanks guys. I didn't know there was any difference (I thought an iPod connected by USB just worked as a USB flash drive)

yeah to me its easier to use an ipod than a flash drive with all the different folders and such.

Do you mean that when using an iPod you have to choose the songs and such using it, rather than the nav screen?

I don't have the Bose system or nav. I have a after market unit. Its a JVC
but i have it set to where all controls are done thru the head unit. i never have to touch the ipod. i'm guessing you should be able to do the same with the bose system.

The manuals are available from here for download.

FYI, the iPod interface is through the Nav touchscreen, not the iPod controls.