Just wondering if you need to have the adapter installed in your Mazda for you to be able to use an ipod?? And what the hell is the AUX input in the arm rest for?? wish you could just plug and play the damn ipod haha thanks guys

I own a 2007 Mazda 3 GT

 

The auxiliary input in the armrest (called the ACI by Mazda) is there for you to plug any device that can be converted to 3.5mm input. If you got a 3.5-3.5mm cable then you could plug one end into the headphone jack of the ipod and the other into the ACI. Then just push MEDIA and you're listening to your Mp3's.

The ipod adapter is a separate part that connects to the ipod, charges it, and allows you to control the ipod via the stereo controls. If you're thinking of going that direction then check out the abundant aftermarket ipod adapters as all of them will give you 3.5mm input (since the ipod adapter disables the ACI) and generally have a much better user interface.

Hope that helps.