MP3 capability would kick arse!! Just think about it. You could toss your cd case/holder and have just about everything one 3-4 cd's. As for the decks, if you like the silver look, then get the CDA-7995. It can play mp3's. It doesn't have a built-in amp, so you need external amps. But if you're willing to buy this kind of deck, you should be using on-board power anyway.
Do you understand the Alpine model #'s. The 79## have no on-board amp. The 78## have built-in power.
The other 2 decks you mentioned are the 1.5 din-sized faces, that retract into the deck when you turn it off. If you have the flow and don't mind not being able to detach the face, then go fior these. I think they're cool, but too pricey for me.
Either way, you're on the right track by going for an Alpine deck!!!
