iPOD CAR RADIOS

Many stereos now feature an "intelligent" or "full-speed" iPod connection, which transfers information from the iPod to the stereo's display and gives 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. Smaller systems have less real estate to play with, but some manage to do a good job of giving drivers control of 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.

Among the larger 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. Check out the full reviews of these iPod-friendly systems below.

iPod Car Stereos

1. Sony CDX-GT610UI

The good: The Sony CDX-GT610UI car stereo offers lots of support for external digital audio sources, a good range of sound adjustment options, and a very intuitive user interface.

The bad: Its lack of an “On” button is puzzling.

The bottom line: The Sony CDX-GT610UI car stereo is a cost-effective and user-friendly option for digital audiophiles. Its USB and iPod compatibility set it apart from much of the competition. Check Prices

2. JVC KD HDR1

The good: The JVC KD HDR1 car stereo's built-in HD tuner and its wealth of playback options set it apart from the competition in the sub-$200 price range.

The bad: The limited number of characters on its display means that ID3 tags and HD radio channel information can be tough to read at times.

The bottom line: The JVC KD HDR1 in-car stereo delivers HD Radio and most other digital audio playback options for a very competitive price. Check Prices

3. Alpine iDA-X001

The good: The Alpine iDA-X001 is an innovative in-car device for those who want to take their iPod on the road. Its digital USB connection enables playback of compressed and lossless files, while its well-designed menu system is intuitive and easy to understand.

The bad: For a system that claims to deliver "the best in-vehicle iPod experience ever," we found the iDA-X001's jog wheel to be slower and less effective at navigating digital audio libraries than we would have liked.

The bottom line: The made-for-iPod Alpine iDA-X001 is a useful interface for bringing a digital music library on the road. We like its stylish design and breadth of functions, although its user interface falls short of that of the iPod itself. Check Prices

4. Pioneer Avic-D3

The good: The Pioneer Avic-D3 combines a user-friendly navigation programming interface with real-time traffic capability and a range of media options, including a standard iPod connector.

The bad: The system's single-disc slot means that users will constantly have to switch between navigation discs and media sources to make the most of its many features.

The bottom line: The impressively equipped Pioneer Avic-D3 offers an array of advanced navigation and media playback functions, but the system's poor hardware design limits its usability. Check Prices

5. Clarion MAX675VD

The good: The Clarion MAX675VD is an elegant and feature-packed in-car multimedia system with a range of useful and intuitive media playback features, including one of the best iPod interfaces we've seen.

The bad: A couple of minor design flaws, such as the positioning of hard buttons on the far side of the driver and an incomplete source menu, are our only gripes.

The bottom line: The Clarion MAX675VD was designed with digital-age drivers in mind. Its breadth of features and excellent functionality make it one of our favorite all-in-one in-car multimedia systems to date. Check Prices

6. Alpine IVA-W200 multimedia player

The good: The Alpine IVA-W200 supports a range of multimedia inputs including most disc-based media, iPod, Bluetooth audio, and satellite and HD radio. It offers an impressive array of video customization options while providing a generally intuitive interface for navigating digital audio.

The bad: Despite the necessity for two clunky external modules, Bluetooth hands-free calling is effectively limited to incoming calls. Video quality can be grainy, and one glitch in the music-search functionality can lead to frustration.

The bottom line: The Alpine IVA-W200 is a stylish, all-in-one in-car multimedia unit with some impressive audio and video compatibility and control options. However, DVD picture quality is not great, and the external Bluetooth module is more trouble than it's worth. Check Prices