All In-dash car stereos

The Bottom Line: The Sony CDX-GT620IP is a value-for-money iPod-compatible car stereo with good usability and decent sound quality.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in

The Bottom Line: The Alpine CDE-9874 is a good value entry-level car stereo, perfect for those looking to play homemade MP3 discs or iPod tracks. Audiophiles might want to look a bit higher up Alpine's lineup.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in

The Bottom Line: The Eclipse AVN6620 is a device for those looking to tech out their car with a single device. Its elegant design, wealth of features and expandability, and the fact that it's easy to use make it a strong contender in the all-in-one in-car device market.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, CD text, Telephone mute, iPod compatible, Dual-zone capability, Rear-facing camera capability, 50 Watts x 4, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, GPS navigation system, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW

The Bottom Line: The MEX-BT5100 is a good all-in-one option for those thinking of investing in a in a decent stereo and a hands-free speakerphone.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus, Remote control

The Bottom Line: The DEH-P6000UB is a good-looking, good-sounding car stereo with great iPod support and some decent audio-tweaking options.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in, IP-Bus, Remote control, USB

The Bottom Line: With its sophisticated digital processor and car-specific acoustic output, the JVC KD-S100 is an innovative addition to the aftermarket audio world. Its limited availability and vague pricing restrict its appeal, but new car owners may well see it as a worthwhile means of significantly improving their in-car audio.

The Bottom Line: The Alpine CDA-9885 combines attractive styling and an easy-to-use music search interface with a host of expandability options, including HD Radio capability. However, those upgrading to HD Radio will have to deal with a clunky module and a hefty price tag.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Sony CDX-GT520 is a decent option for those wanting a reasonably priced stereo to play disc-based audio. While it does support HD Radio, it requires the connection of a clunky add-on module, which is almost more trouble than it's worth.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: Sony's CDX-GT420IP is an affordable means of taking your iPod library on the road. While its basic user interface lacks the search functionality of some other systems, this is a competitively priced and decent sounding entry-level stereo for the digital-audio age.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, IPod docking

The Bottom Line: The JVC KD-AVX33 offers a hatful of media and communications car-tech features in one device. Its small screen and elegant faceplate design make it a stylish piece of hardware, but its usability is slightly hampered by a slow processor and lack of a touch screen.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, On-screen menu, Telephone mute, iPod compatible, Flip-down faceplate, Dual-zone capability, Gold plated connectors, Rear-facing camera capability, Bluetooth hands-free for cellular phone, 50 Watts x 4, DSP, Amplifier, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, Digital player, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD, DVD-Audio