It's funny I should find this thread now.
I've been away from an empeg for about 3 years, and am looking at selling my 2 live units, and my 1 dev unit.
As has been said over and over again in this thread, nothing has actually come to replace it. The iPod interface itself and the interface that head units used to interrogate the iPod are still clunky. Not to mention that I could happily spend an evening hacking the interface, and controller the way I wanted them.
I'm now looking to also get rid of my Kenwood W7044U, and BT-300, which is about a year old, maybe in favour of a Parrot ASTEROID.
I still think the limiting factor of the aftermarket iPod interfaces, is the iPod database.
I'm such an anti-fan of apple products for all sorts of reasons. I'm regularly amazed that people put up with all the issues that surround its use.
But then again.. most people drive automatic trans cars too. (shrug)
-Ben