I've seen a few posts with people saying they need to upgrade to an aftermarket HU because they want capability ro use iPod or other MP3 etc. I think back to a recent post of someone with an '07 FX2 who wanted to do this. Why?! (is my basic question). Don't all newer F-150's (and Ford models for that matter) come with an aux. input jack? I remember the '07 Expy EL I had rented had one in it, and seeing the build and price on Ford's website it says it comes standard? In most of these cases, it wasn't that someone wanted better quality or whatnot, I already know those cases. But most of these other posts made it seem like they wanted the aftermarket unit simply for the ability ro use an iPod. Wierd...

 

Ryan, bro i have a Z2 and all sorts of crap in my truck. I would like to still be able to use the plug as an Aux-in. Instead of having to run a new aux wire. I run my Ipod, Laptop, and friends crap in my car all the time. Make sense?

 

Ah I get it. So basically the aftermarket HU is to hook the iPod or Zune directly into it without using the aux. input so that can be used for something else. Cool. I just didn't see a need for more because I only run iPod through the aux. input. Obviously things like phone and converters go into the 12V power point to run laptop, ect. If I really have that many devices, they get hardwired. Scanners, radar detectors, DVD units, all that gets hardwired for a cleaner look. And I usually don't run a Zune, iPod and boombox all at once in my truck, so I don't really need more than one aux. input. That is why it's auxiliary, it's a backup, not a primary source! But thanks for the other side of the spectrum

 

The aftermarket HU is to watch DVD's, store songs, Sirius, XM, Ipod, and have my Bluetooth running through it. As well as Preouts for amplifiers with the bass not dropping out halfway through. The aux is for things i cant hardwire... Like my laptop and friends equipment.

But you are sorta on the right track.