Alpine launches new iPod/iPhone compatible head units

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Alpine Electronics has announced the UK launch of their new 2009 head units compatible with Apple’s iPhone and iPods. The CDE series – CDE-104BTi, CDE-103BT, CDE-102Ri and CDE-101R/RM – consists of four digital CD/Radio receivers with iPod and USB music file control. The head units offer full speed connection for iPods and iPhones, say Alpine, and give users complete seamless control over all media sources whilst on the move.

The whole range is compatible with iPods and iPhones currently in the market (only the older generation 1G and 2G iPods are not compatible - if you want to be sure yours will work ok, call Alpine's UK technical department on 0845 313 1660, or check with your dealer). All the models provide the same ‘Quick Search’ function, where music can be located by album, artist, song, play-list, genre, audio book or composer. They also have a front USB port for use with memory sticks, and thoughtfully include a dust cover so the port can be closed when not in use.

The CDE-103BT and CDE-102Ri offer front AUX inputs and are available in four different illumination colours to match the dashboard display of the car, with a choice of either blue, red, green or amber. The CDE-101R/RM display is available in two different colour versions; green or amber illumination, while the CDE-104BTi has blue illumination.

The CDE-104BTi and CDE-103BT have built in Parrot Bluetooth modules, offering the convenience of having phone conversations relayed through the system and can be updated to support future handset models. It enables you to display the phonebook, received calls, display missed calls and dialled numbers. The CDE-102Ri and CDE-101R/RM models are both Bluetooth ready, with the option to be upgraded with the new Parrot Bluetooth KCE-400BT interface from Alpine, giving users full mobile phone access and wide phone compatibility.

These are seriously well spec'd units. Even the entry level CDE-101R/RM boasts the front USB connection, full iPod/iPhone compatibility, 4 x 50W built-in amplifier, pre-out connection1 (2V level) for adding an external power amp, playback of encoded MP3 CDs, Subwoofer Level Control and HPF (electronic high pass filter), separate bass and treble adjustment and Bluetooth-ready feature.

The CDE-104BTi adds goodies such as the Parrot Bluetooth module built in, Bluetooth microphone, dual pre-outs for additional amplifiers, and both WMA and AAC music file format playback as well as MP3.

If you need the dual pre-outs, optional colour options on the display and WMA/AAC playback potential, the CDE-102Ri will give you that.

The CDE-104BTi retails here in the UK at £249.99, with the CDE-103BT at £229.99, and the CDE-102Ri at £169.99. The entry level CDE-101R/RM offers terrific value at £139.99 and all are available from authorised Alpine stockists.

Alpine has been developing mobile entertainment systems for over 25 years and remains one of the few specialist companies that solely focuses on 12V multimedia and car audio systems. They were also the first car audio manufacturer to partner with Apple and carry the ‘made for iPod’ logo. There's no doubting the brand's pedigree and from experience we know that they can always be relied on to provide products that will be within the class leaders.