Importance of USB on new Unit?

[TripleB 10+ year member]

I'm getting ready to purchase a CD/MP3/Receiver unit for my '02 Accord. It's been 17 years since I've even looked at car audio equipment and a lot has changed...so please forgive the following ignorant questions.

I'm looking to get something under the $140 mark with decent quality. I've noticed one of the big difference in units under $140 is that some have an USB port and others do not.

What is the importance of having a USB port on the front of the unit? What will it allowed me to do that I couldn't do without one?

BTW: I do not have an ipod, just a simple MP3 player, and I do not talk on the phone to warrant any blue tooth capability

If USB is recommended, some units I'm considering are: JVC KDR620, Kenwood KDC-258U, Kenwood KDC-MP345U, Pioneer DEH-3300UB, Pioneer DEH-33HD, Sony CDXGT550UI

Any comments on any of those units?

Thanks for any and all help.

TripleB

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[slim2fattycake 10+ year member]

I use a 8gb USB flash drive to store my music on and listen to in the car. Its really up to you if care for one or not.

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

It's really not important, it just depends if you use a USB device to play your music, as in say an ipod or a USB flash drive.

 

[TripleB 10+ year member]

It's really not important, it just depends if you use a USB device to play your music, as in say an ipod or a USB flash drive.

The guy I talked to yesterday said something about being able to charger your MP3 player (using the USB port) while using the MP3 player...is this correct?

Thanks for the input so far.

TripleB

 

[nateberrier 10+ year member]

The guy I talked to yesterday said something about being able to charger your MP3 player (using the USB port) while using the MP3 player...is this correct?
Thanks for the input so far.

TripleB

Depends on what player it is.

Amazon.com: Kenwood Excelon KDC-X794 In-Dash CD MP3 WMA Receiver with Remote: Electronics

that is easily the best deck you can get for the money. It shows up most of the 200+ decks too. Has USB/AUX/CD etc. Even has time alignment, 5band eq 24 bit d/a converter. Pretty sq for the price.

The reason most people like the usb is the ability to carry tons of tunes around with the name and artist info included. you are also using the D/A converter in the deck for the sound and you would not be for aux (if were talking mp3 player use) so you get better quality there. mostly its just convenience though.