I agree it would be safer. Unfortunately, plugging the iPod to an external screen doesn't allow you to see the music interface. So in other words, you would still have to use the tiny screen on the iPod to scroll through songs. However, it will allow you to view videos/movies on the external screen. I don't know why Apple made it this way , but there are third party docks that allow users to scroll through their music library on the external screen (Griffin Tunecenter or DLO HomeDock) and make selections through a remote, but the interface is not Apple and so the menus look different.

I'm looking into installing my Powerbook into the car so I can access/interface with my music, videos, photos through FrontRow software. While the sfotware was geared towards home theater/media center setups, the big icons and blown-up menu fonts would make it easier and safer than squinting at my iPod screen while driving to select songs.

 

There is also a system by HK called Drive+Play that has a dedicated screen for the ipod with almost an identical menu/screen output as the ipod itself. Dice electronics also has an interface that works with the LCD screens in Toyotas and Lexus, and they expect to have on for Infiniti in 2007. Additionally, HK is going to sell a Nav system called Guide+Drive in early '07 that I'm sure will integrate with Drive+Play for a one stop aftermarket nav and Ipod screen/system.

 

Now I have a good excuse to update my old ipod to a video model!

 

Cool! The one from Dice looks interesting... it allows control through the steering wheel or radio controls. If they can provide output to the in-dash monitor for the interface, it would be a simple solution for iPod integration.

 

I emailed Denison USA about the availability of the DICE iPod unit for the G35 and this is what I recieved back from them.