If only there were a really nice deck to interface the ipod with. Something with a flip-down and removable face. 1DIN with a flush-capable face plate and edge to edge OLED. Behind the face plate: a CD slot up top and below it a rectangular openning to insert media adapters. Then (at a minimum) they'd make one adapter for iPod (with additional internal adapters to fit the different models) and an adapter to fit a variety of USB external drives - it would have a wire coming out the front for the USB connection (a 90 degree plug) - the pocket should be deep enough so that you can connect the plug and insert the drive enclosure with the plug end facing outward.

The unit would provide its own decoding as well as allow the plugged in device to do the decoding (in the case of the iPod). It should also have a USB plug either on the face or behind it and a few media card slots. Must be completely upgradeabe firmware to allow upgrades to the player software/interface and to add support for additional portable players.

Now who's going to make it? Even if exclusively to support the iPod....

Bruno