I used this system with my 1st generation iPod using the included cable and was very happy with the performance. I used it in this manner for several months. However, when I used it with my new 40 gb ipod I only got about 2 hours of use out of it before it stopped working. It appears that the connector inside the crade became loose. Long story short, I can no longer use it with the cradle, only with the auxillary cable. I was very disappointed when this happened as it was a $160 item when it was purchased. Hopefully, they've fixed this issue on later models.