Review and install of ***DICE***

[Marlin311]

Ok guys/gals, I have been waiting for a long time to Ipod my car and so I finally did it. After researching the numerous Ipod connections that are out there, none of them seemed to entice me to spent the $$$ when they all seem to have numerous issues with connectivity. Until Tom @ EAS introduced us to the DICE system by Dension (http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=364430). I was a bit skeptical at first but, it seemed to be the only product that works flawlessly with my CD Changer connection in the trunk and it was cheaper than the Icelink system Dension also makes. Shipping on the kit was very fast, great customer service from the guys at EAS!!!:thumbup:<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:18.75pt; height:13.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\MM\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" o:href="http://forum.e46fanatics.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

When I received it Friday night, I decided to do test connection before I started to rip up the bimmer to install it. The cords supplied with the DICE system are absolutely perfect!!! Flawless connectivity, absolutely no modification needed. Then I fired up the Ipod and Radio and was blown away at how crystal clear the sound system is. I was stoked!!!<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:21.75pt;height:11.25pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\MM\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif" o:href="http://forum.e46fanatics.com/images/smilies/worshippy.gif"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->
:bow:


So today I decided to do the full install and here it is:
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What you get is the CD changer cable, the DICE module, and the Ipod connection cable.

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First thinks first, Prep for the install. Open your trunk and take out the paneling to reveal the CD changer cord that is all bundled up.

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Then I took out the entire center console, disconnected all the switches , and just the bare wires are left. Very very easy.

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Then I removed the rear sear. You just pull the seat up and out.

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[Marlin311]

I then fed the long CD trunk cable under the fold down seats and then used an electrical fisher to pull the cord under the carpet through/to the center console area. Getting the fisher under the carpet was a pain in the ass!!!! But, I managed.

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I then took the CD changer cable and ran it through the center armrest and up to the Radio head unit.

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[Marlin311]

Then I connected all the plugs into the dice unit.
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And velcrod the Dice unit to the inside part of the dash. Fits perfectly!!!!
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I then pulled all the excess CD changer cord back into the trunk and tied it back up. Now is the time to start putting the center console and everything back together.
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After reattaching everything, I used a Dremel to take part of the corner edge off the sunglass holder so the Ipod power cord can pass through with ease.
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Reinstall the sunglass holder and fire it up.
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So far I am very happy with the install and the performance of the DICE system. Crystal clear CD quality sound ( that is if you have quality songs on your Ipod.) I also like the fact that the unit also has an extra AUX input, incase you want to use satellite radio as well.

[Reno]

at first i though u ment those fuzzy dice

http://www.teenagedopeslave.com/sitems/fuzzydice.jpg

i was like :wtf:


whats that green thing? :confused:

[hayabusa55]

Looks great! :thumbsup: Could you comment on the AUX input on the DICE? Could I use it for a mp3 player other than ipod or maybe a satellite receiver?

[Marlin311]

whats that green thing? :confused:

Electrical Fisher.

[Marlin311]

Looks great! :thumbsup: Could you comment on the AUX input on the DICE? Could I use it for a mp3 player other than ipod or maybe a satellite receiver?

I haven't tried the AUX input yet but, from what I've researched, you can ad another mp3 or satellite radio to the DICE unit as well

[hayabusa55]

I haven't tried the AUX input yet but, from what I've researched, you can ad another mp3 or satellite radio to the DICE unit as well

Nice. More questions.

From the little that I read, I understand that from the steering wheel or radio controls, you're only limited to 5 playlists. If you put you iPod on shuffle/random can you use steering wheel controls to shuffle through all songs? (I hope that questions makes sense)

Can other devices be controlled through the steering wheel?

[tom @ eas]

I haven't tried the AUX input yet but, from what I've researched, you can ad another mp3 or satellite radio to the DICE unit as well

Correct, you'll press CD #5 and the right or left steering wheel buttons to toggle between iPod and AUX modes.

[tom @ eas]

Nice. More questions.

From the little that I read, I understand that from the steering wheel or radio controls, you're only limited to 5 playlists. If you put you iPod on shuffle/random can you use steering wheel controls to shuffle through all songs? (I hope that questions makes sense)

Can other devices be controlled through the steering wheel?

I'm not sure where you read about the DICE being limited to only 5 playlists, that's not true. Pressing CD#2 and the steering wheel controls allows you to skip to any playlist on your iPod.

AUX is an audio-in only, it will not offer steering wheel control on non-iPod devices.

[Marlin311]

Thanks for the Help TOM. I am still in learning mode with all the features, there are so many!!!

[hayabusa55]

I'm not sure where you read about the DICE being limited to only 5 playlists, that's not true. Pressing CD#2 and the steering wheel controls allows you to skip to any playlist on your iPod.

It was either bad info or I misunderstood then. Sounds good.

AUX is an audio-in only, it will not offer steering wheel control on non-iPod devices.

:thumbsup:

[bimmer jon]

what product would you use if you had a CD changer? i guess if you have the ipod, you really don't need the changer but i'd be interested in something that could support both.

nice install :thumbup:

[hayabusa55]

Oh, if you control songs through the ipod and not through the controls on the radio/steering wheel, does it still display song/artist name?

[tom @ eas]

what product would you use if you had a CD changer? i guess if you have the ipod, you really don't need the changer but i'd be interested in something that could support both.

nice install :thumbup:

The DICE is emulating a CD Changer, the BMW is not set up to recognize two CD Changers connected at the same time.

Once you connect the iPod, the CD Changer will be old news.

[tom @ eas]

Oh, if you control songs through the ipod and not through the controls on the radio/steering wheel, does it still display song/artist name?

Absolutely! :)

[silver330ciman]

Where can I get that electrical fisher? That would have made my life so easy. Is there another name for it?

[tom @ eas]

Where can I get that electrical fisher? That would have made my life so easy. Is there another name for it?

Home Depot would have this (commonly called "fish tape"). Keep in mind that if the wire is routed within the split in the carpeting underneath the front seats, this tool is not needed.

[Marlin311]

Home Depot would have this (commonly called "fish tape"). Keep in mind that if the wire is routed within the split in the carpeting underneath the front seats, this tool is not needed.

I've had the fisher for awhile now. But, I did pick it up at Home depot. You could probably get by with a wire hanger.

[Dcfett]

COOL BEANS dude! Now that you got yours, I gotta get the twin his!!!!!
Thanks for posting such an informative review/install!!!:clap: :clap: :thumbup:

[Marlin311]

^ Thanks man :thumbup:

[trizzuth]

^ Thanks man :thumbup:


THIS KICKS ASS. i have been meaning to do this for awhile and have just stuck with the lame in-dash tape-deck aux connection. on a 1-10 level, 10 being the best, how much better does it sound when you do it this way? Also, are you saying that the song playing on the ipod now displays the song name on the factory head unit??? if so, DAMN THAT'S FRESH and i gotta get one now!

[Marlin311]

THIS KICKS ASS. i have been meaning to do this for awhile and have just stuck with the lame in-dash tape-deck aux connection. on a 1-10 level, 10 being the best, how much better does it sound when you do it this way? Also, are you saying that the song playing on the ipod now displays the song name on the factory head unit??? if so, DAMN THAT'S FRESH and i gotta get one now!

The sound is only as good as the song on your Ipod. If the MP3 is cd quality then it will sound just like the CD. And yes it does display the ID3 text onto the headunit.

[GiSH]

directly connecting to your HU (whether by an adaptor like DICE or straight aux input) will always give you the best sound. next is the tape adaptor, and finally the FM transmitter. it kills me when i go to the apple store and see how little knowledge there is about "integrating" your ipod with your car, they need to upgrade that part of the store for sure.

i had always purchased aftermarket HUs with aux inputs for my other cars, now with my bimmer i just installed the DICE and it works great (thanks eas!). DICE (vs. ice-link) is good if you want control of the ipod at the same time. since i take my ipod with me when i leave the car, its always going to be accessible and plus i prefer that functionality anyway. also, if you (while stopped of course) or your passenger want to search for a particular song, its always going to be faster using the ipod than the radio controls. especially when you have 3000+ songs on your ipod! in my opinion, the steering/radio controls are more for convenience while driving, the ipod is for actually searching and setting the album/genre/playlist/etc. on the other hand, for those that keep the ipod in the car (trunk), there's no need for ipod control. but the DICE's aux input is a nice option just in case.

to each his/her own....

[xkissthegunx]

nice one!! would that work only with a cd changer? or also the Oem business cd unit??

EDIT: N/m i just went to the link.. great find! will it work on the business cd w/out the mode button? (i have the mode button but my G/f doesnt).. :dunno:

[tom @ eas]

nice one!! would that work only with a cd changer? or also the Oem business cd unit??

EDIT: N/m i just went to the link.. great find! will it work on the business cd w/out the mode button? (i have the mode button but my G/f doesnt).. :dunno:

Compatible date ranges are 1995-2006 3-series, MODE or CD button does not matter. :)

DICE iPod Integration Kit for BMW
http://www.europeanautosource.com/product_info.php?products_id=268

[Notreknip]

Hmmm...I know I should likely search, but would this work with the H20 iRiver?

[Marlin311]

Hmmm...I know I should likely search, but would this work with the H20 iRiver?

You probably could use the AUX jack in the dice unit for the Iriver player

[Notreknip]

I already have an AUX input but quite frankly the sound quality seems to suck and I don't have HU display or steering wheel controls.

I never thought of this stuff when choosing the iRiver over the (in my opinion inferior) iPod.

[Marlin311]

I already have an AUX input but quite frankly the sound quality seems to suck and I don't have HU display or steering wheel controls.

I never thought of this stuff when choosing the iRiver over the (in my opinion inferior) iPod.

I too have an Iriver also but, There really was nothing out there for conecting it to the BMW and still maintaining the sound quality. That's why I finally bought an Ipod and then the DICE.

[tom @ eas]

I already have an AUX input but quite frankly the sound quality seems to suck and I don't have HU display or steering wheel controls.

I never thought of this stuff when choosing the iRiver over the (in my opinion inferior) iPod.

Some people are purchasing vehicle-dedicated iPods (starting @ $149 for the 1G nano) or used units from eBay, both which are simple and cost-effective ways to get music into your BMW for around $300 or less.

If you have a CD Changer installed, you can even sell the unit on eBay to offset the cost to more in your favor.

[hitmen]

sounds interresting that DICE thing...

Can someone with dice describe how dice behaves if you select a video on an ipod video.

I have icelink installed at the moment and I use this also to watch videos on my BMW bordmonitor with stereo sound. But ICELINK needs to be booted in UI mode as you can not select videos with the bordmonitor buttons.

You always have to switch the modes if you want to listen music (with steering wheel control) or if you want to watch a movie.

[tom @ eas]

sounds interresting that DICE thing...

Can someone with dice describe how dice behaves if you select a video on an ipod video.

I have icelink installed at the moment and I use this also to watch videos on my BMW bordmonitor with stereo sound. But ICELINK needs to be booted in UI mode as you can not select videos with the bordmonitor buttons.

You always have to switch the modes if you want to listen music (with steering wheel control) or if you want to watch a movie.

With the DICE, there are no "modes", the iPod is left fully unlocked when connected.

[jechin]

Did you Dice module come with the cradle?

[tom @ eas]

Did you Dice module come with the cradle?

The DICE kits come with a docking cable. The Video cradle will be out by the end of the month and is an optional piece.

[tom @ eas]

Just posted our install: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=374775

[joe_323]

I had a DICE for a short time and found it unusable if the IPOD was hidden, as it is in my car. You did a nice job setting up the IPOD and running the wiring :)

[Paco II]

From the things I have read, it seems like the DICE is a good option if you want to use the iPod for control (since no playlist names, no AlbumPlay mode, etc.), but that the Icelink is a better option if you want to control everything from the head unit and keep the ipod hidden elsewhere (trunk, etc.). Is that an accurate assessment?

[tom @ eas]

From the things I have read, it seems like the DICE is a good option if you want to use the iPod for control (since no playlist names, no AlbumPlay mode, etc.), but that the Icelink is a better option if you want to control everything from the head unit and keep the ipod hidden elsewhere (trunk, etc.). Is that an accurate assessment?

Correct. :)

[BearMW]

im new to this electronic thing so please excuse me. I've always wanted a iPod connector in my car without spending too much money. This DICE equipment seems very reasonable and fairly easy to install. My question is I have a '01 325CI with HK system, no 6 cd-changer in the trunk, and only 1 cd-changer in the front. Do i still qualify for the DICE and when you take out the fuse, do you leave it out and dont plug it back in?

[tom @ eas]

im new to this electronic thing so please excuse me. I've always wanted a iPod connector in my car without spending too much money. This DICE equipment seems very reasonable and fairly easy to install. My question is I have a '01 325CI with HK system, no 6 cd-changer in the trunk, and only 1 cd-changer in the front. Do i still qualify for the DICE and when you take out the fuse, do you leave it out and dont plug it back in?

Pulling the fuses is only to disconnect power to the wiring. This allows the BMW To properly reinitialize the device and is a safety step at the same time.

Your 325i is 100% compatible with the DICE kit, the vehicle is already prewired for a CD Changer.

[sm02463]

Is there a DIY anywhere on removing the center console? That doesn't seem trivial to me...

[tom @ eas]

Is there a DIY anywhere on removing the center console? That doesn't seem trivial to me...

There is no reason to remove the center console when installing the ice>Link or DICE kits. Just pull up on the cupholders and the emergency brake boot to gain access for cable routing.

Installing the kit is a 30 minute job at most.

[steve3948]

Is this a daft question, but why not just put the ipod in the trunk where the cd changer would have been.
Is there any need to see it, if it can be controlled from the dash or wheel.

Does it work with iDrive on a June 2006 3 Series with Sat Nav.

[tom @ eas]

Is this a daft question, but why not just put the ipod in the trunk where the cd changer would have been.
Is there any need to see it, if it can be controlled from the dash or wheel.

Does it work with iDrive on a June 2006 3 Series with Sat Nav.

I never recommend the iPod in the trunk - heat will kill the iPod in an instant.

The DICE is not compaticlae with the e90 applications as of yet, we are working on a iDrive solution at this time.

[ambishop]

Call me crazy, but why not just connect the wires directly to the back of the radio head unit?

The wires for the CD changer in the trunk come from the head unit.

The connection is just 6 wires. Power, ground, Ibus, right +, left +, & common ground

Martin

[tom @ eas]

Call me crazy, but why not just connect the wires directly to the back of the radio head unit?

The wires for the CD changer in the trunk come from the head unit.

The connection is just 6 wires. Power, ground, Ibus, right +, left +, & common ground

Martin

A few reasons:

1) The radio interfaces are no longer manfactured.
2) The harnesses are not compatible with vehicles using Assist/Bluetooth or DSP (non 3-series) without rewiring.
3) Possibility of Sirius is eliminated on post 2002 vehicles with the radio interface kit.

IMHO, the trunk interface is an easier design and allows for more applications to be used if the kit happened to be transferred to another vehicle or sold.

[Paco II]

Having first gone the head unit route then changing to the trunk connection with an Icelink, Tom is spot on with his comments. Dealing with the headunit and wiring is a pain in the butt!

... IMHO, the trunk interface is an easier design and allows for more applications to be used if the kit happened to be transferred to another vehicle or sold.

[Marlin311]

Tom is correct. Universally this product works best with all e46's through the CD changer (given the variety of headunits.) I rather have the dice unit connected through the CD Changer connection instead of rerouting wire assemblies behind the head unit. The CD changer route is a much cleaner install, IMHO.

[ghost_rider]

Hey Tom,

You installed an ice link + sirius in my '03 silver 330CI (burbank) - (after bimmerfest) - remember me?

Quick q: regarding the DICE - is this a superior system to the ice link which was installed in my car? what are the added benefits?

[tom @ eas]

Hey Tom,

You installed an ice link + sirius in my '03 silver 330CI (burbank) - (after bimmerfest) - remember me?

Quick q: regarding the DICE - is this a superior system to the ice link which was installed in my car? what are the added benefits?

Absolutely! The added benefits are integrated AUX, as well as the iPod remaining unlocked. This is really cool when driving with a passenger - just hand him/her the iPod and go!

If you have an ice>Link now and are perfectly happy with it - there's no reason to change. However the ice>Link is currently being phased out for the new DICE kits.

[ghost_rider]

hmmm, that doesn't seem like a compelling enough reason for an upgrade...

btw, are there any firmware updates since my installation that i should be aware of?

thanks!

[tom @ eas]

hmmm, that doesn't seem like a compelling enough reason for an upgrade...

btw, are there any firmware updates since my installation that i should be aware of?

thanks!

v2B2 is the latest firmware at this time, the procedures can be found at this link for determining your specific firmware version: http://www.europeanautosource.com/support-center/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&root=16&id=9

[topazblu323]

Do you still get id text on the hu with dice? Also what are the inputs on the aux art (rca?). Also do the steering wheel controls work with this unit? As of now I have the usa spec device and it sucks. I really want to connect my sirius unit to the aux part of this dice unit. Would there be much interferace with this set up? (going through the aux input on my current unit gives me an incredible amount of "buzzing."

[tom @ eas]

Do you still get id text on the hu with dice? Also what are the inputs on the aux art (rca?). Also do the steering wheel controls work with this unit? As of now I have the usa spec device and it sucks. I really want to connect my sirius unit to the aux part of this dice unit. Would there be much interferace with this set up? (going through the aux input on my current unit gives me an incredible amount of "buzzing."

The AUX portion is a 3.5mm input jack:

http://www.europeanautosource.com/forum/dice_diy/e46/eas_diceinste460044.jpg

We have a few cables that will allow for any device input to be plugged into the AUX port on the site:

http://www.europeanautosource.com/index.php?cPath=67_69_145

[topazblu323]

And how is the sound quality? Would I need to purchase the noise filter to get rid of the alternator sound?

[tom @ eas]

And how is the sound quality?

Just as you hear through the headphones - the sound quality will depend on your specific bitrate. :)

[topazblu323]

I'm more concerned with the aux portion of the unit. I know the ipod unit will sound clear. I'm afraid of getting the alternator sound while playing it through the aux.

[Cruzer03]

Will this work in a 5 series with NAV?

[WillC310]

Will this work in a 5 series with NAV?

Which 5 series? New (e60) or old (e39)? I'm pretty sure it will work with the older systems since that's on iBUS. The newer 3 series (e90), and 5 series use M-BUS IIRC. The real question is, does DICE have the same font issues that the ICE>Link+ did?

[bigwormweb]

Tom,
Emailed you before regarding my unit and receiving it only to be DOA, then got a new one and had a friend who worked for dension install it into my glove compartment and run all the wires from my trunk for me. Then the AC problems had me take my car to BMW not knowing they were dice related and still under warrenty they replaced the controls and everything worked great.....until.....dice stopped responding. I got a new one and swapped out the old one. Now i am getting serious hicup noises between and during tracks. Most of the time the sound of the music drowns it out, but in some cases where songs start soft you can hear it. You can also hear a wheezing with start up. I want to say it is caused by installation, but i did not have this problem with the other one. Any suggestions?

[bigwormweb]

After reading some more of the forum, i also realized that my sound corresponds to my ipods backlight as well. When the backlight is on, the sound disappears. I saw this on another forum and wanted to see if you guys had a solution for this problem?

[tom @ eas]

I'm more concerned with the aux portion of the unit. I know the ipod unit will sound clear. I'm afraid of getting the alternator sound while playing it through the aux.

You should not get any static or alternator noise after installation.

[tom @ eas]

Will this work in a 5 series with NAV?

1996-2003 5-series are 100% compatible with the DICE kit.

[tom @ eas]

The real question is, does DICE have the same font issues that the ICE>Link+ did?

No - the DICE completely fixed the ID3 text size issues on NAV applications the ice>Link still sees.

[tom @ eas]

Tom,
Emailed you before regarding my unit and receiving it only to be DOA, then got a new one and had a friend who worked for dension install it into my glove compartment and run all the wires from my trunk for me. Then the AC problems had me take my car to BMW not knowing they were dice related and still under warrenty they replaced the controls and everything worked great.....until.....dice stopped responding. I got a new one and swapped out the old one. Now i am getting serious hicup noises between and during tracks. Most of the time the sound of the music drowns it out, but in some cases where songs start soft you can hear it. You can also hear a wheezing with start up. I want to say it is caused by installation, but i did not have this problem with the other one. Any suggestions?

Anwsered in DICE support thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=4577201#post4577201

[LeftCoastBias]

From the things I have read, it seems like the DICE is a good option if you want to use the iPod for control (since no playlist names, no AlbumPlay mode, etc.), but that the Icelink is a better option if you want to control everything from the head unit and keep the ipod hidden elsewhere (trunk, etc.). Is that an accurate assessment?
Correct. :)




Absolutely! The added benefits are integrated AUX, as well as the iPod remaining unlocked. This is really cool when driving with a passenger - just hand him/her the iPod and go!

If you have an ice>Link now and are perfectly happy with it - there's no reason to change. However the ice>Link is currently being phased out for the new DICE kits.


i'm a bit confused... if the ice>link is being phased out for the DICE... wouldn't it have advanced features while operating through the head unit/steering wheel as well?

you probably don't remember me, but i'm an electrical idiot- and you helped me with the head unit adapter cord and understanding the difference between the alpine and blaupunkt units.




i have an alpine unit with the mode button, and i want to get an ipod and stash it in the glove box (out of sight out of mind).

i'm trying to decide between going with the OEM connection or yours (once i actually get the ipod, that is)

[tom @ eas]

i'm a bit confused... if the ice>link is being phased out for the DICE... wouldn't it have advanced features while operating through the head unit/steering wheel as well?

you probably don't remember me, but i'm an electrical idiot- and you helped me with the head unit adapter cord and understanding the difference between the alpine and blaupunkt units.

i have an alpine unit with the mode button, and i want to get an ipod and stash it in the glove box (out of sight out of mind).

i'm trying to decide between going with the OEM connection or yours (once i actually get the ipod, that is)

It does, but at the same time simplified the device to make the learning curve easier without learning a whole new UI. The iPod's Clickwheel remains unlocked to allow the best search tool - the iPod itself.

The most used features are placed on the steering wheel for easy browsing of the iPod and your music library.