the eclipse head unit has more features that include built in navigation and voice recognition type things but the style of them is kinda ugly. the alpines are top of the line also with an added navigation and things like that. the one cd player you mentioned with the mp3 is available in a cheaper model without mp3 for like 100 bucks less. and the model you speak of also has this new cd tray that holds the cd differently and is impossible to scratch the cd. if you have any other questions about the alpine you can contact me a
[email protected] i work at a car stereo place and know just about everything on eclipse and alpine