The 2001 Honda Civic does not come with an aux port, so I decided to add one in order to utilize the A2DP feature of the upcoming iPhone 3.0 firmware for wireless music playback without radio interference.

The Precision Interface Electronics HON98-AUX converter was used to create an aux RCA input via my stock stereo’s CD-changer port. This required opening the center console of my car to gain access to the rear interface of the stereo deck and plug the cable, which goes to the converter unit.

The converter has RCA inputs, so I needed a cable to convert from RCA to 1/8" stereo jack to use with the bluetooth kit discussed below. In order to keep things looking clean, I also wanted this cable to mount flush to a small tab next to the cigarette port. Luckilly, DataPro sells a cable that has a panel-mount stereo input and has RCA male jacks on the other end! All that was left was to drill a hole in the plastic tab. After purchasing a Dremel 200, I was able to modify the plastic tab, clearing some hidden plastic supports then drilling a 1/4" hole. I finally had a clean looking aux port!

The Kensington LiquidAUX bluetooth car kit (shown in the photo) was used to provide the A2DP interface from the car to the iPhone 3G. It comes with a remote which allows me to play/pause my iPhone’s music and to answer/hang-up calls. Should Apple decide to add AVRCP support, the remote would also allow me to skip/rewind songs.

Happy with my Pentax K20D, but sometimes I wish Pentax would up the ante with a full-frame camera like the Canon 5D Mark II. The price of a full-frame camera makes me cry though…

5DMkII: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583953-REG/Canon_2764B003_EOS_5D_Mark_II.html#features/BI/2677/KBID/3580

versus Pentax K20D: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542060-REG/Pentax_19381_K20D_SLR_Digital_Camera.html#features/BI/2677/KBID/3580

Got my badge for Macworld 2009! Now if I can only get some House of Prime Rib…

I have been to the Apple mecca-event for the first time, and I must return again for another pilgrimage. Pictures to follow.

For next MacWorld, remember to:
- Save enough money for the next big Apple product
- Find someone with a spare media or conference pass
- Plan out which booths to focus on
- Bring a microphone to pretend to be media
- Bring a larger schwag bag- Score more free schwag
- Pre-create a fake e-mail address for all the spam that will follow

Thanks to the Microsoft blogger lounge for letting me use their computer. They probably now have all my personal information and passwords.