Just wanted to share...

First, I hate Apple and b/c of this hatred, I have not purchased an Ipod. I've had the first and second gen Dell DJ's (that are now extinct) just so as not to give Apple any of my money.

Second, I needed a HU that had more than 2 channels. At least this is what I remember them telling me when I put my sound system in 6 months ago. I couldn't separate the bass from the highs if this helps w/ my technologically-challenged statement. I ended up w/ an Alpine Ipod HU due to cost.

Now, I end up buying a 8 gig Nano b/c it is way too cool to pass on. 8 gigs and the thing ways nearly nothing. I've been messing w/ it the past week and Itunes is still buggy so I've had to uninstall and reinstall Itunes twice. Other than this, everything is fine. I even bought a speaker system (Logitech w/ remote) for my office and am loving this as well.

Yesterday, I get the idea that why not have this Ipod play in my truck as well. I call my buddy that installed the radio (no model number, sorry) and he tells me the cable to hook up the Ipod is $30. I drop off the truck so he can put in the cable and while it's there (off topic), I have him put in my OEM sidemarkers that I bought from CDCUFF. I pick up the truck w/ my Ipod in hand and am I the happiest guy in town.

The HU controls the Ipod (playlists, albums, artists), and even shuffles throughout the whole Ipod list of songs. I am so happy w/ this, I ended up buying another refurbed 2 gig Nano from the Apple website so I can keep it in my truck and office full time. The 8 gig will be for the gym and home only.

I guess I'll be spending half my internet time on Ipodlounge.com...

 

So your buddy got you a deal? The iPod convertor is still over $60 isn't it? I do mine but the cost is what's been prohibiting me from doing so. I just have the cable from my Alpine going into a Belkin charger/preamp with volume control to better match the signal output then that's connected to my iPod.

My HU is a bit older and I preferred the iPods control over the HU's at the time but maybe they've improved. Using the HU to go through all the songs was a bit tiresome and much slower than the iPod due to a much smaller single line display.

 

After posting, I realized how dumb it was not to provide better details. I have a Alpine 9856. I paid $175 installed when it first came out. I think the radio retails for about $200 plus install. I think the cord only goes for $30 but I can't be sure. Again, I paid $30 w/ him pulling out the HU and running the cord to my glove box.

I use to have a front aux port in my old HU and used it w/ my Dell DJ. I never thought that I would enjoy using the radio controls but it's much better than reaching for an Ipod or other MP3 player while driving. It's such a cool thing to have that I can't explain how happy I've been the last two days.

 

I have the option to run a cable to my AUX IN on my new head unit. I guess I need to get an Ipod. unfortunately my new HU isnt as nice yours though

 

On the 2006 Alpine headunits you can run the KCE422I (full speed Ipod connection wire) from the HU directly to the Ipod. Again, this is only for the 2006 headunits.

A buddy of mine may still have his KCA-420I for sale. I'll check and see what he wants for it.

 

I figured HU technology would eventually mate with the iPod's but it'll be a while before I upgrade but it would be nice to just control everything through the HU but for now it's alright.

 

Yeah, my friend got that HU. We modified the DIN pocket to have the connecter in the back so all you have to do is slide the IPOD down and it clips in. I also shaved down the prongs on the side of the connector just a tad so it was easier to hook on and off. It's been a couple months and it still works great! That HU is pretty awesome. But, like you I have resisted the IPOD... BUT! With the drop in price of $50 AND the increase of capacity to 80gb... It's pretty hard to pass up. I think I'll probably have a black IPOD by middle of next year...

 

Cool thing is the refurb program that Apple has. I just bought an old 2gig Nano for $99 shipped. My buddy bought a 60gig for $179 shipped. I've read that these look brand new when you get them.

 

Awesome!

 

What he said!