You may be right about how Mazda intends to make the iPod interface "compatible".
I haven't seen a detailed description of their implementation. Quite a few car manufacturers now claim iPod interfaces. How do they work? I don't know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!

 

The only manufacturer I know of that directly supports iPods is BMW/Mini. You leave the player in your glovebox and the stock HU will control it... Though I don't know if the radio displays track info.

Of course, other auto manufacturers may offer this but I'm not aware of them. Most "interfaces" are generic aux-in jacks, which makes more sense from the manufacturer's standpoint as anything can be plugged into it.

Maybe what Mazda meant is that they're going to offer the same system you now have to buy as a separate part as standard equipment?

 

After reading glassetcher's post, it sounds to me you just need to pre-plan your music. That is something that the iPod let's you do on the fly but the interface takes that feature away from you. I'm still trying to decide which way to go but I think the Mazda install will be fine for me. I prefer to set up a playlist before I go anyway. The one thing that bothers me is the inability to control it from the iPod itself.

Another thing, if you wanted to use it to listen to an audio book, how would you pick back up at a given chapter? I don't think that would be possible. Will it retain its location as with a CD?

 

The HK Drive + Play also allows you to run a direct interface (not just FM modulator). I just installed mine, with the Sylfex AUXMOD. Works great!

http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

 

Hmmm I've had the audiolink unit for about 7-9 months now, can't remember when exactly I got it. Easy install with basic hand tools and a little patience. Definitely not something I'd pay to have done and I'm not particularly mechanically inclined.

Reading the comments here about Mazda's unit, it seems people are forgetting the limitations that are put upon Mazda as a corporation vs. independent aftermarket manufacturer.

-Mazda does not want you to condone use of said iPod while vehicle is in motion, that could lead to some crazy lawsuit where someone gets into an accident while fiddling with their OEM iPod integration kit, much like how all OEM GPS contain a disclaimer now.
-Mazda had to ensure their solution would work with every HU out there already (correct me if I'm wrong on this point)
-The car came out in 2003, iPods were on the rise but not ubiquitous like now. That means the stereo specs were probably set in stone even before then ~ 2002? The built in LCD was never meant to display any more information

Now back to the audio link unit, I have mine come out in the cupholder area and unless I go into playlist mode via the disc -+ buttons, I retain full use of iPod through the clickwheel. That means I have easy access to one handed album/artist/playlist etc switching via iPod or I can go into my first 6 playlists via the HU. Very happy with this unit, sound is clean and I also have the option to connect other mp3/Pda/Laptop devices via the stereo 3.5mm jack. Haven't learned of another product that I would trade up for so far......