Learn: Home » Apple's iPod™ Hits the Road with Alpine
Compatibility issues
The KCA-420i is compatible with any iPod and iPod mini with a dock connector and iPod Update 2004-04-28. Don't act like I did, and barrel down to your car like a kid on Christmas day, only to watch a big "Error" message scroll across your display when you connect your iPod because you haven't updated your iPod software. You can easily update your iPod software at www.apple.com/ipod/download.
Alpine states that the KCA-420i is compatible with any 2004 Alpine Ai-NET head unit, including the following models: CDA-9830, CDA-9831, CDA-9833, CDA-9835, CDA-9827, CDA-9825, CDA-9826, CDA-9820XM, CVA-1004, IVA-D901, and IVA-D300. Although I've heard rumors that earlier model Ai-NET receivers may have some limited functionality with the adapter, you'll be on your own if you try it. Neither Alpine nor their authorized dealers will honor warranty claims or return guarantees for compatibility problems with pre-2004 Alpine head units.
Future generations
Alpine is mum on what new features they will incorporate into the next generation iPod adapter, but there are several improvements I'd like to see. For one thing, Alpine could create a dedicated iPod source selection on new, compatible head units. If the KCA-420i sells as well as expected, you can be sure that the next generation of QuickSearch will be crafted with an eye towards improving iPod compatibility. I would hope the ability to display more than 512 playlists and 255 songs will be addressed in some form. And I wouldn't be surprised to see next year's adapter offer compatibility with older model head units as well.
Another feature Alpine could tweak is MediaXpander. The MP3 compression format is different than Apple's AAC format or Microsoft's WMA — wouldn't it be nice to have MediaXpander selections custom-tailored to each CODEC? Likewise, how about adding some iPod-specific settings to the iPersonalize sound quality interface? Perhaps they could incorporate some of built-in EQ curves from the iPod. Ergonomically, accessing the Shuffle play mode could be a bit easier as well.
