Obviously the iPhone works as it has it's own dedicated cable, but as far as I can tell there are only USB, micro USB & 3.5mm phono adapter cables available.

Are there any cables that are phone specific? Or phone that use micro USB to connect / charge and still retain full functionality with the MDI / Columbus combination?

Reason for asking is that I'm likely to buy a new phone soon as mine is dying and don't want to be tied to an iPhone just because it works in the car (charges and allows music, spoken stories, podcasts, etc. to play).

Anyone got any experiences with non-Apple products & MDI?

If you don't get a reply off anyone I'd try asking around your circle of friends if you can take them for a spin in your car and try connecting their phones in to see what it's like

I've only got the iPhone cable (as I have one of those phones) and a USB cable. I know the iPhone/Pod one works fine but AFAIK no phone uses a standard size USB plug so that's no use in this context.

Are there any phones that use micro USB?

Sony use micro usb. I'm pretty sure most of the main players use it now

That's good to know. Might look out for a micro USB cable to try then.

Not seen an MDI to Micro-USB, or Mini-USB. All I've seen is MDI to USB A (socket). From here you should be able to put in the right USB cable. (Although did see an MDI unit with USB and 3.5mm on it. Wasn't sure if it was kosher or not, so avoided)

There is one on eBay (item 130757399642), but I doubt that it is a genuine Skoda part at that price (£9.99).

Or 290771293624 on eBay.de, but that's more expensive.

I'll see if I can find a genuine part listed in a Skoda/VW/Audi catalogue anywhere.

Is it only Apple users who plug in to the MDI (I know lots use USB drives but that's not what I'm after as I have a large SD car & Columbus).