court23 :

I've been doing extensive research on these things, and I don't believe there's one 1-piece model that does everything you need.

Most of the models we're discussing have two types of iPod interface:

AUDIO - you plug the iPod into a cable via your headphone port. This does not charge the iPod, and you are still controlling your music from the iPod itself, and you have quality from the iPod's internal amp. It's like turning the radio into your headphones.

OTHER KIND - you plug the iPod INTO the headunit itself via the dock connector (what you use to plug into your computer). You get better sound quality (your headunit understands the mp3 data from the iPod and "creates" the music itself, rather than coming from an outside source), the unit will charge the iPod, and some say best of all; you get to control the music from the head unit, which also displays the track tags (Artist, Song, Album, etc.), this, as you can see, rules.

Each of these units has maddeningly different capabilities from the next one. An example of the main two I've been looking at. I'm REALLY leaning towards the Kenwood, it's all but in the bag. Now I just need money. [/B]

[b]Pioner AVIC-D1 [/b] [B]
+ built in navigation, one of the cheapest with it
+ cheap!
+ two slots (one CD slot, one slot for the nav disc)
+ has a snappy "Vehicle Dynamics Display"
- crappy (so says 90% of the people who have it) iPod interface
- does not play video DVDs

Kenwood DDX-6017/7017/8017
- need to buy separate nav unit (DV-4100)
(this means two slots effectively)
- expensive!
+ plays DVDs
+ apparent good iPod interface
+ allegedly sounds super-great