I had folders arranged in a "tree" structure three levels deep. ALL the music was accessible by folder and playable from an 8GB flash-drive. This was on a 2011 Sonata GLS so they probably improved the capabilities of the radio over time.
I learned that using the flash-drive was too limiting and found an 8GB Gen2 iPod Nano in decent shape on CraigsList at a fair price ($40). That turned out to be only a slightly higher price than an equivalent flash-drive. However, it offers several significant benefits, including:
- There's no delay waiting for the music to load when switching to AUX. With a flash-drive there's a delay of about 15 sec.
- Music can be selected on the radio and played by Playlist, Artist, Album, Genre, and the other categories created in iTunes.
- The music can be readily selected and synced using iTunes. Separate folders, as on a flash-drive, don't have to be organized and maintained.
- Music can be searched in iTunes for inclusion in playlists, or for editing the tags.
- Shuffle can be selected on the iPod so the RDM function on the radio doesn't have to be turned back on every time that AUX is reselected.
- Since it's used with an iPod cable it fully integrates with the radio and display.
The bottom line is that using an iPod is the only way I want to go. Experience has taught that flash-drive's are too much trouble, and they're too limiting in what they offer - unless one is satisfied with essentially a "bit-bucket" for music.
An iPod, especially one that's used or refurbished, is a small cost for big returns in music organization and selection.
Note that I also have an iPod Touch, and another Nano. However, I wanted a Nano dedicated to music for the road, and one that could just be left connected in the car. This one is small and black so it blends in perfectly.
Tim
