I am running an x890 and if I hook my ipod up directly to the usb input, it reads intermittedly. It works fine sometimes, but rarely. I had to buy the external ipod controller. I have no problem now and it works great, expecially if you have playlists made.

Not sure what the rms wattage is on the lower end kenwood decks, but the x890 is rated at 22 w rms and it sounds great for deck power. The "fancy" display gets old IMO and is a bit grainy. Great deck, good sound and works great for usb jump drives and works great with an ipod via the external controller (cost me $130 in edmonton but could have got it cheaper on onlinecarstereo.com). I bought this deck for (got soaked... ) $440 when it first came out this year.