Any suggestions on a aftermarket nav head unit?

[JeromeS13]

It looks like I'm getting rid of my OE Navigation setup. So, I'm searching around and looking at a few different aftermarket navigation in-dash setups. I'd prefer a larger screen, around 7", like the Pioneer AVIC Z2 (which I can get for around $1180). However, I like the DivX playback of the JVC KW-NX7000 ($940). I also like the fact that the Pioneer uses a hard drive for the nav storage and that the JVC uses a built in sd card slot. This keeps the dvd slot free at all times for media.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,Jerome

[johnparkyourcar]

when i save up enough, im gonna go with pioneer avic

[pfarmer]

It looks like I'm getting rid of my OE Navigation setup. So, I'm searching around and looking at a few different aftermarket navigation in-dash setups. I'd prefer a larger screen, around 7", like the Pioneer AVIC Z2 (which I can get for around $1180). However, I like the DivX playback of the JVC KW-NX7000 ($940). I also like the fact that the Pioneer uses a hard drive for the nav storage and that the JVC uses a built in sd card slot. This keeps the dvd slot free at all times for media.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,Jerome

Have you considered going 'all the way'. By this I mean going with a hardened PC running something like Delorme's Topo from DVD. The update rates are excellent and you get a nav unit that has many different views available including 3d views with elevation. Far more features than what you could normally get such as speedometer and complete software updates will cost you in the area of about 60-70 bucks. Being a PC you can get disc changers, usb radios including sat, etc. and you can forget about being locked out of features. Add in an after market unit that connects into your diagnostic outlet and utilizes video connections to your pc and you have access to a still growing list of features such as virtual gauges.

I like the integration of my onboard nav unit, however if I was to replace it, I would not stop with simply popping in another unit that limits me to what it provides either.

Perry

[JeromeS13]

I have entertained the idea of a Carputer. But, there doesn't really seem to be a nice space to locate a case. Also, I'm not sure that I could do it correctly with my budget ($1100-1300).

Any thoughts on if I can do it for that much and have a decent size touch-screen monitor there?

Thanks again,Jerome

[pfarmer]

I have entertained the idea of a Carputer. But, there doesn't really seem to be a nice space to locate a case. Also, I'm not sure that I could do it correctly with my budget ($1100-1300).

Any thoughts on if I can do it for that much and have a decent size touch-screen monitor there?

Thanks again,Jerome

The case really wouldn't be the issue, in fact you could go with a touch screen laptop if desired, but then you are after a 7 inch from what I see. In any case you can do well with nothing larger than what a standard motherboard is utilizing onboard video. The trick comes with the 'hardened' issue, that is avoiding the standard type of hard drive and going with flash.

[smockers83]

Personally I've been looking at the Pioneer Premier AVIC-F90BT (the Premier version of the F900BT). There were issues with them in terms of the firmware, but Pioneer has rolled out a couple of updates for it that have greatly improved performance to what it should be. It has Bluetooth, a SD slot, a USB port for iPod/MP3 players along with a 3.5mm input on the front, the entire TeleAtlas navi is compressed to a built-in 2 GB flash drive which can be updated through the SD slot, it has conversational voice control, it has a high-res display, MSN Direct, and you can adjust the button colors to any color you want. The only thing I don't like about it but can live with is that the screen isn't 7", but the screen is very nice.

I can't remember where I saw it, but there's a company that builds an in-dash computer running Vista with GPS and what not.

[JeromeS13]

Funny that you mention that one. That's actually the one that I've decided on buying. It comes bundled with the Ipod cable, has 4volt preouts, and a 2 year warranty. AND I can get it for only $10 more than the AVIC-F900BT!!!

At first I had heard bad things about the unit being slow on startup and using the Ipod. But, I played with one in person with the 2.0 update and I'm very satisfied with its speed. It also runs Windows CE and there are TONS of hacks for it. If you don't like the factory iGo navigation software, there are ways you can run TomTom, Garmin, or others. Its pretty cool.

I'm just waiting on this guy to send me money for my stock pieces, then I'm buying it.

[smockers83]

AND I can get it for only $10 more than the AVIC-F900BT!!!

Where? Hook me up, haha.

Also, when I get mine, you'll have to tell me how to do the hacks like running Windows and what not.

The iPod use is slow the first time you use an iPod because the unit indexes the iPod for future use.