Does anyone know if the 2006 will have an ipod connection built in? (an outlet or a plug-in that is part of the sterio)
According to available information, yes, all packages except the basic package (#1) will have an MP3 connector that will allow iPod use. That information is in the pinned thread at the top of the forum, "2006 Prius Option Codes" etc.
Just to clarify, the MP3/WMA capability is for playing those formats from the CD player, per the "2006 Prius Info" page at the top. The external port is listed as an "auxiliary audio input miniplug" which means an analog stereo input compatible with nearly any portable electronics device. (See the red "2006 Prius Info" link at the top of the page.) It does NOT appear to mean an iPod-specific digital "docking" station connection, as you can now find elsewhere. Of course, other than the few official words from Toyota, the complete truth will likely not be known until the cars actually get here. I wouldn't be holding out for true iPod-specific support, just an analog input mini-jack.
I'd been wondering about the 2006 features for awhile, thanx for the info! Looks like the AIC100i is the best (albeit "some assembly required") solution, with the caveat that it's interactivity is limted to the 99 playlist (each with only 99 songs) limitation. Barring that, I think that the audio-in port looks to be a great solution, allowing the iPod interface to be the way you change the songs, etc. Not as good as full integration, but the iPod interface is pretty good, and it's player-neutral, so it works with anything.
