The Basics (continued):
In the below left image we have a closer view of the left half of the front face, where we see the bulk of the controls. The most prominent feature is the large chrome dial which functions as a volume control when spun, but by tapping it many other controls become available. Items such as audio balance and fader, and screen brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be accessed. Simply tap the dial until the function of interest is indicated on the screen, and then turn the dial to adjust the setting. The blue circle next to this dial is the remote control's sensor, and next to that we have a BND button which changes the radio band, and then a power button, indicated with the typical computer power symbol. You have all the typical buttons you would need on a car stereo, and in the name of simplicity, many buttons have multiple purpose, such as radio preset number 5 being shared with the DVD/CD/MP3 stop button. In general the layout is convenient enough to use, but some things aren't laid out quite like you might expect... Such as the fact that the stop button isn't grouped with the play/pause, fast forward, and rewind buttons, or that radio preset button number 6 isn't in line with preset numbers 1 through 5. As with any new stereo, you'll have to get used to a new layout, and this one isn't all that difficult to get comfortable with.
 
In the above right image we have a closer view of the right half of the front face, which is dominated by the 3.5" TFT LCD. Other than the screen, you have a bit of advertising for the devices features, and a small notched area which intrigued me as to what purpose it might serve on other models.
The back of the face doesn't have much of interest, with the most obvious feature being the blade like connection which provides the power and data connections between the face and the main housing. Two vented circles are most likely for an onboard speaker which chirps when buttons are pressed on the face. Spring loaded pivots in two corners serve as hinges that allow the front face to swing open/close, and a latch in the upper right corner holds it in place while in use.
The SD/MMC card slot and the mini-USB port are located on the top edge of the front face. With the low profile nature of the face, this might be one of the few surfaces where you could mount these and still have the depth needed to insert your cards or USB cable, but I found it to be a bit inconvenient. (RedPower does include a USB cable for you, which adapts the mini-USB connection to the typical full size connection). You must have an inch or so of unobstructed space above the stereo in order to use them easily, and it just didn't work well with my installation given the style of the trim on my dashboard. Not all cars will suffer from this problem, but an unscientific survey I conducted (peering through car windows in the Home Depot parking lot), tells me that perhaps 40% of users might have problems in their car. There are ways to deal with this, and we'll look at them later in the review. In my opinion, the best thing would be to have the card slot and USB port on the front face.
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