The first MP3 player arrived 10 years ago; the iPod has been around since 2001; hands-free Bluetooth cell phones have been out for five years. Only recently have automakers taken account of the technology we bring to the cockpit in our pockets and shoulder bags. With Sync, Ford is out ahead providing affordable technology.

Sync may also be the tipping point where automakers no longer dictate what goes into the car to entertain and inform you. Dealers didn't like line-in jacks five years because it might cut into sales of $600 dealer-install six-disc CD changers. The customers won that round, finally, and now it's clear that your personal music cache should come with you (such as iPod) and your hands-free car phone will be the one in your pocket rather than a car-only, voice-only device taking up the center console.

Next: Imagine if a future version of Sync allowed your cellphone's navigation to be displayed on the big 8-inch LCD display in the center stack. Or if you can use the car's LCD display rather than your PND's tiny 3-inch LCD. That might be coming and Sync would be a likely conduit.

Sync is a collaboration between Microsoft and Ford. Cynics (me included) say Ford hopped into bed with Microsoft several years ago out of desperation: It had the least appealing prospects for iPod audio and handsfree phone connectivity. In that time, Ford has gone from worst to first. And Microsoft has gained further entrée into the dashboard.