But connecting your iPod to your car’s stereo system is often a different story.

You can try those low-powered FM transmitters that beam your iPod’s contents to an unused channel on your FM receiver. That is, if you don’t mind putting up with all the little idiosyncrasies like static, signal fade and unoccupied channels suddenly becoming occupied when you arrive in a new city.

There are also complete stereo systems claiming to be iPod compatible. At best these systems include a docking mechanism and enable drivers to control the player through their stereo. At worst, the connection consists of an auxiliary input hookup, and you have to buy the cable. But hey, it’s still better than those FM hookups.

Considering how music fans have flocked to iPods since Apple rolled out its first-generation model back in 2001, you’d think automobile stereos would have kept up with times. But more often than not, playing your iPod through your car stereo means messing around with cables, checking connections and, if you go the FM route, pointing your player at your stereo in hopes of receiving better fidelity.

That’s why New Zealand-based Fusion Electronics’ new iPod head unit for car stereos grabbed our attention. And our first thought was why don’t more manufacturers do it this way?

The “way” in this case is how Fusion Electronics’ iPod system, tagged with the very unsexy name CA-IP500, handles iPod connectivity. Instead of wires, FM transmitters and/or auxiliary cables, the CA-IP500 makes connecting your iPod to your car’s stereo system as easy as sliding a compact disc into your auto’s CD player.

At first glance the CA-IP500 looks like any other car stereo head unit. However, the faceplate flips open revealing an internal iPod docking station. Slide your player in, close the faceplate, and you’re ready to rock while you roll.

And if you’re wondering how it’s compatible with all the different iPod flavors available, Fusion’s answer is up its sleeve.

As in plastic sleeves. The CA-IP500 is compatible with iPod Classic generations 5 and 6, the iTouch and iPod Nano generations 2 and 3. Since those models come in slightly different sizes, Fusion supplies plastic sleeves. Slip your iPod in the appropriate sleeve, slide the sleeve and your iPod into your CA-IP500 and you’re good to go.

Fusion Electronics introduced the CA-IP500 internationally in June 2008, but just recently brought it to the States. So far, Best Buy is the exclusive U.S. dealer, and the price is $250. But anyone who has ever had to deal with FM transmitters, auxiliary hookups and external docking stations would probably consider that money well spent.

We’re not saying the CA-IP500 is the ultimate answer for iPod satisfaction in car stereo. Reports of the faceplate snapping off too easily and iPods coming loose and rattling around behind the faceplate indicate Fusion Electronics may need to tweak the head unit.

But it beats FM transmitters and hanging cables. If you spend most of your quality iPod time driving, Fusion Electronics’ CA-IP500 just might make your next road trip a sonic joy on wheels.

For Fusion Electronics click here.

For PC World’s review & video click here.

For CNET’s review click here.