Admit it: when was the last time you actually listened to a CD in your car? Like most of us, you probably listen to either FM, satellite radio, or most likely, your portable MP3 player. A few manufacturers are taking note and producing an amazing concept: in-dash head units without a CD player. No CD. Zip. Nada. Zilch. Alpine's iDA-X001 is one such unit, with a built-in AM/FM tuner, and a very sexy iPod interface.

Unlike systems that use either FM modulation or connect with the headphone output, the iDA-X001 uses the USB interface for all fifth-generation video iPods (older iPods can still work with Alpine's optional iPod interface). The display module was designed with permission from Apple, so it shares the same look you know and love from your iPod. The iDA-X001 has a color screen that displays artist, song titles, and even album art from your iPod, and the navigation is the same.

Better yet: when connected via USB, the iDA-X001 will charge your iPod for as long as your car is running. As a head unit, the iDA-X001 is quite nice, with a small, removable section of the faceplate for security. It might be time to leave those CDs at home. — Leslie Shapiro