When I first bought my iPod for use during MINI Takes The States I just used an AUX input (easy to install in the parking lot in Monterey!) and kept the iPod in one of the front cupholders.
But now with the Alpine HU in GPMINI, I don’t need to touch the iPod any more so I moved it to the glovebox – but connecting/disconnecting that plug behind it is tricky when there’s not much wire to play with (and I didn’t want to fill the glovebox with wire).
So I ordered an iPod dock, part of the “iRide” from MINI Mania, and it’s provided the perfect iPod install for me! I already had a glovebox organizer, so I bought the dock alone (with sleeve for my 5G 60GB video iPod) but you can also order it pre-installed to a glovebox organizer. However, installation is easy – the dock comes with a template to drill three holes in the organizer, and includes the screws too!
So now it’s easy to remove/reconnect the iPod, and it’s a great looking install too!
M&I / GBMINI 
Does it charge while plugged into the dock? That absolutely killed my iPod mini with the IceLink. Or it could have been those subzero nights when I left it in the car. Either way…be careful!!
Yes I think it charges while the cars turned on – so you think that might be bad for it?
I don’t know about current iPod batteries – the last one I bought was the mini. But…like most of those types of batteries – they say it is best to let it drain down before charging it back up – not to use it a little, charge it a little, use it a little, charge it a little, etc. Someone told me that the new iPod batteries don’t act that way…but, I dunno. It was an option you could turn off with the IceLink I think – but I don’t know about the Alpine.
But, like I said…this may all be a thing of the past. Best to research it, though!
It is totally a slick install, regardless!!
I like the concept but I would like to see the cost come down a bit… a bit pricey for what boils down to a dock. I would also like to see inserts sold separately to support different ipods. My family owns 7 of them going all the way back to the 3G 30GB iPod.
You can buy additional sleeves (see here)
Thanks for the link.