There are still many people with iPhones and iPods who don’t use their PMP in the car because they lack the necessary hardware to link it up to the installed sound system; they’re the market Alpine is going after with their latest iPod/iPhone/Bluetooth combination device.  Consisting of an installation-free 2.4-inch colour TFT, remote control and iPod/iPhone interface for dragging out your music, the eX-10 can be connected to your ICE either via a built-in FM transmitter or install-friendly stereo cable.

With Bluetooth built in the eX-10 also functions as a hands-free speakerphone, and if your cellphone also supports the A2DP Stereo profile you can stream music wirelessly through it.  Sadly Apple still refuse to provide a suitable profile update for the iPhone, so you’ll be stuck using Bluetooth solely for conversations.

“The demand for iPod and Bluetooth in the car is skyrocketing, and consumers previously have not been able to integrate these technologies into their existing sound systems through one product. With Alpine’s new eX-10, consumers can easily add both iPod music playback and Bluetooth hands-free operation for cell phones into their vehicles with one simple, add-on solution” Stephen Witt, VP Marketing, Alpine Electronics

Still, with full iPod/iPhone media navigation control via the system’s remote, and the ability to display album cover-art, the $200 suggested retail price looks like something of a bargain.

[via iLounge]