You didn't mention which iPod your sister has. I have the 30 gb with video and plug it into the cord that attaches to my Alpine head unit. I can do anything from the head unit that I can do on the iPod controls, plus it charges it while I listen to it. No special settings, no expensive adapters, no extra charger, and the iPod is safe and sound in the console out of sight. If she has the iPod shuffle, the only option is to go through an aux port, or an fm transmitter.