Jeff,

Last Dec. I bought from Crutchfield.com one of the Alpine head units
and the iPod controller device (which is approximately the size of a
deck of playing cards) for my daily driver 1998 Volvo wagon. I
installed it myself using the relatively simple instructions from
Crutchfield. The iPod controller device hides behind the head unit and
the iPod connection cable (included) is pulled forward. Pretty
straightforward.

The head unit interface to control the iPod works ok, but the it could
be a bit more intuitive. Each time I use the head unit to search and
otherwise control the iPod, I have to remind myself of its unique
logic. I mainly only use it for longer trips. It's great to have a
huge "jukebox" on the head unit. It's even better if your co-pilot
controls the iPod, in which case, a simple headphone jack interface on
the head unit would suffice.

Also, know that it won't work with the iPod Shuffle device (my camping
partner has one) your laptop, or any other portable audio device. I
would suggest to everyone contemplating a new stereo head unit to seek
out one with a mini headphone jack interface. IMHO that's the most
flexible for the age of digital sound.

In summary, it's pretty cool, but very far from the best purchase of my life. 

PG