Alpine eX-10 makes in-car handsfree calling, iPod integration a sinch

Alpine's already shown us (however briefly) one of its newfangled in-car audio accessories, and now it's time for numero dos. The eX-10 is a stylish iPod controller / Bluetooth adapter that includes a dash-mountable, full-color 2.4-inch display unit to clearly show what's spinnin' on your iPod. It also comes bundled with a remote to keep you marginally less distracted when flipping through playlists, and it saves you the trouble of hard wiring anything by operating on a spare FM slot. Granted, FM transmitters are always hit 'n (mostly) miss, but this unit allows users to hook things up via a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack if their head unit accepts such an input. Look for this one to start shipping at any moment for $199.99, and be sure to check out a closeup of the LCD after the jump.

[xerxesdaphat @ Nov 14th 2007 4:50AM]

I think you mean `cinch'.

[Boris @ Nov 14th 2007 4:59AM]

Yeah, a "cinch" would make a lot more sense unless you were playing on the word "sync".

[iczer2 @ Nov 14th 2007 8:30AM]

I've always liked Alpine's iPod products, but I have to say that I think Harmon Kardon's Drive+Play 2 is a better product. It has many of the features (except for built-in Bluetooth, but you can get that as an option) and the ability to control satellite, and a really nice 3.5" screen. And the interface? Awesome, especially when controlled with that great mushroom-shaped controller. Oh and like the Alpine, it can connect via a 3.5 plug.

I think Alpine should stick to it's great head units. I loved the last iPod-centric one they made, but stopped short of buying it since I do occasionally like to play CD's and it did not have a CD player in there.

[palehorse @ Nov 14th 2007 10:37AM]

I'm in the market for a similar device with Bluetooth, wifi, GPS, iPod compatibility, USB ports, etc... the problem is finding one with a decent interface and overall look that I like!

This Alpine looks damn sharp... if this were a GPS w/USB ports, I'd be all over it!

[Matt @ Nov 14th 2007 2:30PM]

I'm a lot more interested in that remote. I already own the IDA-X001 and I would love to know if this new remote will jive the the iPod interface on that deck?...