CES 2007: Alpine Pods It Up
Fully integrated automobile head unit wins CES Mobile Audio Innovations Award.
by Steven Horn

showUSloc=(checkLocale('uk')||checkLocale('au'));document.writeln(showUSloc ? 'US, ' : '');January 9, 2007 - Tired of fussing around with twisty wires, disappointing wireless transmitters, and hacked together solutions to get your iPod's music library into your ride? Alpine thinks they've got you covered with the iDA-X001.

Available in Q2 2007 at around $450, the iDA-X001 has
one built-in audio source, an AM/FM tuner, and no CD/DVD slot. Instead is a speedy and dedicated USB input to directly connect your iPod. You can monitor track listings, track time, album art, or a calendar feature with a color 320 x 240 pixel TFT screen.

The iDA-X001 delivers full digital audio using a 24-bit Burr Brown DAC and has a built-in 18 Watt x 4 amplifier and 3 pre-outs. The iDA-X001 can support both a USB iPod and another iPod connected via a cable at the same time so your friend and you can both play your libraries.

The iDA-X001 was built with the first fully digital iPod connection and has the usual host of tuning capabilities including bass and treble with center frequency and Q adjustability, and three pairs of RCAs for system expandability. The unit is Bluetooth ready and the "phone" button allows access to the user's address book, missed, dialed and received calls.

We're always excited about seamless integration between our home and mobile electronics and the iDA-X001 looks to be a promising contender.