I have had one in for almost 2 weeks with standard radio as well.

1. the 1st 5 playlists are easiest due to the memory buttons, but push memory 6 to enter the menu, use the up/dwn buttons on the wheel to access playlists/artists/albums menu, then select which list you want. With 50+ playlists it might be too much, with 10-15 it is quite manageable.

2. The up/dwn arrows work as navigation up/down through lists when you tap them, and as enter/escape buttons when you hold them down for a second. The only problem I encounter is a delay on the display when you tap repeatedly. If your looking for a specific song, the display lags a bit.

3. Once it's hooked up, you have to use the radio/steering contols. Mine is currently inside the panel where the CD changer would be. I plan to move it to the center consol when I get the chance. Haven't touched it or seen the ipod in more than a week.

4-6. I haven't used any mounts but I doubt a standard ipod would fit in the ashtray. I could be wrong. The center bin looks to be the best idea for easy access if you want to take it and go. Since you don't need to see it, it does not need to be easily accessable imo.

Good product imo, not perfect but fairly easy to use after just a short time.