In-dash CD w/ MP3 playback v. auxiliary MP3 audio input ?

[musiclawyer]

I see either one or the other of the above on specs for various new cars. I think the latter means that there is a jack where you can run a cord from an MP3 player or Ipod into the car dash itself. But then I came accross the former recently. What does "in dash MP3 playback" really mean? Does it mean there is a dedicated port for an Ipod ...or something else?

[AlCzervik]

1. my new car has the aux jack that i plug my ipod into and it's controlled from the ipod

my last car i had a ipod connection hooked up.

[CatholicEdHead]

2. Varies

With the 2007 Honda CRV high end model, the radio face moves back and you can stick a memory stick of MP3s into the dash and it is hidden to read that library.

[flvegan]

3. I think that the CD w/MP3 playback is specific

to the files on the CD. Many CD players have no ability to play a CD containing MP3 files, though they can play WMV, etc.

I'd opt for both. A capable CD head unit with an aux port to plug in an MP3 player.

[Initech]

4. My new car is going to have a 20GB hard drive

Don't need either! Plus it has an auxiliary jack so you can plug in an MP3 player.