I used to have an Alpine CDA-9827 + THE KCA-420i iPod adapter. Some
a.shole broke into my car and stole the 9827 but left the iPod adapter,
so now I'm looking for a replacement.

My first thought was to get another Alpine unit since I still have the
iPod adapter.  However, it looks like the new units don't use it - the
iPod connects directly to the head unit.

This is probably an improvement, as the 9827 + 420i was kind of clunky -
finding albums was very slow.  It took forever to scroll through lists
to find anything.

So if I shouldn't plan on re-using the KCA-420i, is it worth while
getting another Alpine?  I think there are other companies that are
compatible with the iPod now (Pioneer, Kenwood, ...)

I looked at Alpine's web site, the 9852 looks interesting.  It is fairly
cheap, connects to the iPod, but doesn't have HD (don't need), USB
(don't need), bluetooth (don't need), steering wheel controls (don't
have), versatile link (could be useful, but not now) like the 9856/9857.

Is the only difference between the 9856 and 9857 the display?