The good: The Alpine iDA-X305's two-way encoder control scheme and
QuickSearch function makes it possible to scrub through large libraries in
seconds.
The bad: The lack of a CD player may be a turn off for many people.
The bottom
line: For people who listen primarily
to MP3/WMA/AAC audio, the Alpine iDA-X305 offers one of the easiest-to-use
interfaces for in-car browsing of digital media.
To the right of the control knob is the 2.2-inch, full-color TFT
display. Here you'll find iPod album artwork and menu information. The entire
faceplate is backlit in cool blue light, but can be changed to red if that
better suits your ride's color scheme.
The left side of the faceplate is home to additional buttons for
skipping tracks, pausing playback, and power/selecting audio source. A phone
button answers incoming calls or activates voice-activated dialing when the
iDA-X305 is paired with the Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth hands-free module. For
security purposes, the iDA-X305 features a partially removable faceplate, so
you can take everything except the 2.2-inch screen with you when you leave your
car.
Features
The iDA-X305 is a mechanical-free device with no moving parts.
That means no CD-slot and no tape player. With the exception of the AM/FM radio,
the X305 subsists on a completely on a digital diet.
