Like some of the other forum members, I too decided to change the power outlet cover.

I bought this one from Ebay UK....it was listed as a cover for a Rover Freelander....its pretty flat and I liked how the silver matched the trim

 

Since my car is non smoking area - i not only changed the look, but also the function - the lighter was removed and substituted with the female USB port for my Vaistech MML:

 

[QUOTE=rudyasp;7953670]Since my car is non smoking area - i not only changed the look, but also the function - the lighter was removed and substituted with the female USB port for my Vaistech MML:

Yes, I did the same. It works very well for my purposes.

 

Is that just a USB insert that fits into the power outlet?

 

No, it is actually a USB cable which plugs into the back of his VAIS hardware. Just discard the bracket which comes with it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360519075754...84.m1438.l2649

 

Well, mine is a small cylinder that firs within the power outlet (like part of what was a cigarette lighter), it is basically flush with the outlet when inserted, protruding only barely enough to be able to pinch it to remove it. Many people make them and they are super-inexpensive, but also super-useful. It gives 5V (and usually 1-2A or so) and you plug the usb charger cord into it. I leave it in permanently and use it to recharge various devices while I drive - from the telephone to the car bluetooth speaker etc...

They are often on sale for $3.99 or less with free shipping.

Here is a more expensive (double usb) one at Amazon

.. others:

http://www.meritline.com/iphone-ipad...--p-76772.aspx
http://www.meritline.com/usb-griffin...--p-72452.aspx
http://www.meritline.com/iphone-usb-...--p-38528.aspx
(don't forget to check the Amps - the iPhone will charge on low amps, the iPad2+ needs more)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882021207

-- but you get the idea.
Good luck!

 

i had such a small charger fitted into my previous car, but my current setup not only charges my ipad2 (and iphone4), but plays the music on it, displays the info on the screen, scrolls using the steering wheel buttons. This together with the dvd inmotion hack removed everything i wasn't happy with on my ride.

Well ... Missing range display and high beam drl's is what i still miss.

@ RX330inFL - the cable is exactly the same! Thank you!

 

Cannot take much in the way of any credit. Someone else had purchased previous and noted it here at CL. I just added it to my Watch List on eBay for future reference.

 

You are refering to the post of 1koolfella. I just found out this thread.

Although I was thinking to do the same (drill and add USB socket) i decided to remove the lighter and replace with the female USB. Now i don't have the cigarette lighter, but the mod is totally reversible.

 

You can always run the cable to the bottom power outlet if one does not want to modify the one up top. At least there is a convenient tray down there to put things.

 

Considered this option as well, but not so easy to exchange the USB flash drive (while driving).