ipod/iphone usb questions

[lcrain]

Have a couple of quick questions about the radio/tech stuff on the 1M I just bought. It has the nav, usb, bluetooth, and aux.

If I plug my ipod into the usb with a standard apple cord (off a charger) will it charge the ipod? I planned to put an ipod in there and leave it without worrying about it, just to have that music in there. But yesterday I couldn't access the ipod and when I looked at it, it wouldn't turn on. I guess it died, but that surprises me. I would expect that it would start to power up when I turned the car on.

Is there a preferred cable for ipod use? I looked on the BMW accessories site and saw one for $70 but that seems excessive for a cable.

Also, I have my iphone paired to the car. Is there a way to switch from pandora or itunes or vice versa from the idrive controls? or will I have to do this from the phone?

Thanks in advance, loving the new car!!