iPod your car

If you want a more substantial iPod interface for your car, the best solution is to install an aftermarket car stereo that is designed to work around your iPod. These stereos make use of an "intelligent" or "full-speed" iPod connection, either as a built-in feature of the stereo itself or--more frequently--via an optional add-on module. Full-speed connectors transfer information from the iPod to the stereo's display and give the driver full search and playback control via the stereo's faceplate buttons. The challenge for these stereos is to present the driver with a user-friendly means of navigating iPod menus on the move.

One of the first things you'll have to decide is whether you're looking for a smaller (single-DIN-size) stereo or a larger, more expensive (double-DIN-size) device that will probably feature an LCD touch screen. If your car does not have a standard rectangular DIN slot, things get a lot more tricky, and you may have to make some major--and therefore expensive--modifications to your car's dashboard if you want to switch out your stock stereo.

Single-DIN systems have less real estate to play with, but some manage to do a good job of giving drivers control over their digital-audio libraries. Sony's CDX-GT610UI and JVC's KD HDR1 enable drivers to stream songs according to artist, album, or playlist, while Alpine's iDA-X001 was designed with input from Apple and enables drivers to view album art on its LCD display.

Among the larger, double-DIN systems, the Pioneer AVIC-D3 and the Clarion MAX675VD both provide user-friendly touch screen interfaces that display a virtual version of the iPod wheel. The Alpine IVA-W200 presents drivers with an equally intuitive means of navigating their iPod song collections.