I have an EXT '03 with the standard factory media system (changer, tape, single CD player).

Here is what I want and please let me know what you guys suggest:

ONE COMPLETE UNIT TO ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING:

* Navigation System

* DVD/CD Player

* Screen

* XM Radio

* Option to add more TV's in the rear (not going to now, but maybe in the future).

Any suggestions....thanks guys.

Brian

pioneer N1 :)

the new 7" alpine d-300 with pulse touch screen, with the matching 7 inch touchscreen headrest screens. http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/img/asb/iva-d300.gif

Pioneer just came out with a nav/dvd/cd/tuner/flip screen monitor unit

the kenwood kingvinnie has looks pretty sharp. otherwise, i like the pioneer.

Pioneer Avic-N1. Has Nav., Dvd, and available rear camera. Only downfall is the smaller 6.5 inch screen.

yeah, but is half an inch a big deal if all other features are the same or better??

I have the Alpine IVA-D900 (last years model) with 4 headrest screens /NAV/DVD/CD Changer/XM Radio/GPS all controlable from the head unit. The only thing I don't like is the SLOW CPU in the head unit, which equates to slow transition time between menus. Other than that, I love it. I also have an Xbox beneath the rear bench, and wireless headphones.

The touchscreen feature on this year's model doesn't really turn me on..although if I remember correctly, Alpine is using some technology to actually PUSH BACK from the screen, so it makes it feel like you're touching an actual button. Sort of like some type of electrical stimulus. Not sure.

Anyways, I know Pioneer came out with an all-in-one unit....but there is a weakness with the GPS. A pioneer dealer told me earlier this year, before it came out...that if you are planning a trip more than a 60 mile radius (I could be wrong..I believe that's what he told me) you will have to swap a disk out during the trip...or some other inconvenience. My memory fails me.

It all boils down to what's important for YOU. I highly advise going to a dealer and playing with each brand B4 you buy. I bought my unit used on Ebay for a GREAT price mind you...but if I had played with it in the store I MIGHT not have considered it. Big MIGHT....because I'm so happy with the "quiet kids on long trips" factor that I'm glad I went ahead with the purchase.

Your mileage may vary.


uh2

from what i've heard and read, all gps systems have a lot weaknesses. it's hard to create an accurate database and have it available in time to be worth it. the only good gps is the new sat. gps.

I love my Alpine GPS. There are 2 DVD's...one for each coast (EAST/WEST). Since I don't travel between coasts every day/week/month (like most everyone else) this isn't an issue.

There are dual layer DVD's...holding 8GB of data each. I have not had an inacurate trip yet. And surprisingly, I have found other ways to certain destinations that I didn't know existed. The voice "playback" is customizable (yack alot or only yack a little bit), and I have the option to reroute my trip in case of traffic delays, or if I want to avoid highways, or want toget there in the quickest time. I can find my destination by phone number...map co-ordinates...physical address or by the "type" of location I am going to (Bar, Hotel, Mall, etc). I can watch a movie..listen to the radio...etc and have the GPS "preempt" my music/video/xbox for a few seconds when I have a turn coming up.

If you can't tell, I am EXTREMELY pleased with the Alpine GPS.

uh2

glad to hear that. i want gps, but i'm not sure i want to go with the ones out now. i want to see how that new gps works for the caddy's next year. i just don't like the idea of buying something that will be out of date eventually. if it's the best option, ok. but i'm hoping a real time gps with traffic updates will be avaliable really soon

Don't short change the factory unit. I know it doesn't play DVD's (which is the only short coming) but the nav is first rate. For a test I asked it to driect me to a common store (CompUSA). It not only gave me the route, it knew which side of the street it was on, and knew that I would need to make a u-turn to reach it. I have used full computer versions that don't have this level of detail. Unlike the Alpine it is a single DVD, and I'm sure that's the reason for limited detail in remote locations.

Bear

glad to hear that. i want gps, but i'm not sure i want to go with the ones out now. i want to see how that new gps works for the caddy's next year. i just don't like the idea of buying something that will be out of date eventually. if it's the best option, ok. but i'm hoping a real time gps with traffic updates will be avaliable really soon


Real time traffic updates would be a nice feature, but that would require someone (company) to update some sort of database 24/7..which would mean a cost passed on to you most likely. But yeah, it would be a REALLY nice feature. For now, I use XM Radio's traffic channels (for major cities) when I am traveling down the highway.

Alpine updates their GPS DVD's...not sure how often...but I upgraded to the last revision for about $300. You can find it cheaper on Ebay sometimes.

Don't short change the factory unit. I know it doesn't play DVD's (which is the only short coming) but the nav is first rate. For a test I asked it to driect me to a common store (CompUSA). It not only gave me the route, it knew which side of the street it was on, and knew that I would need to make a u-turn to reach it. I have used full computer versions that don't have this level of detail. Unlike the Alpine it is a single DVD, and I'm sure that's the reason for limited detail in remote locations.

Bear


I have a 2000, so I haven't seen the factory GPS. Alpine's unit does the exact same thing you describe...it will even show a countdown from 1000 feet when you are getting close to your turn.

Does anyone know who makes the factory GPS?

I recomend the alp ivad 900 which is what I have. Nav is seperate but that is a good thing if you are going to have more than one monitor. That way you can look at nave while the others are watching a movie. It is a pain in the ass to use one slot for cd's dvd's and nav. I love haveing different things going on each monitor. All of the forementioned units are nice. Alpine will definetely be more expensive than some.

If you have seen a used touchscreen, it gets oily and not clean looking. Also, the alp is 7 inch and it does make a difference.:)

Real time traffic updates would be a nice feature, but that would require someone (company) to update some sort of database 24/7..which would mean a cost passed on to you most likely. But yeah, it would be a REALLY nice feature. For now, I use XM Radio's traffic channels (for major cities) when I am traveling down the highway.

Alpine updates their GPS DVD's...not sure how often...but I upgraded to the last revision for about $300. You can find it cheaper on Ebay sometimes.
i think XM is the one doing the real time traffic. and i think it's included in your subscription.

i think XM is the one doing the real time traffic. and i think it's included in your subscription.




Thats what I stated previously. XM has a few channels dedicated to Traffic and Weather..unfortunately it's only for a few major cities. I think the post a few replies back wanted real time traffic updates THROUGH his GPS unit...that would update him automatically while he was on his trip. That would be a great feature..but the logistics and financial aspect of it, in my humble opinion, will keep it from being reality for a while yet.

Thats what I stated previously. XM has a few channels dedicated to Traffic and Weather..unfortunately it's only for a few major cities. I think the post a few replies back wanted real time traffic updates THROUGH his GPS unit...that would update him automatically while he was on his trip. That would be a great feature..but the logistics and financial aspect of it, in my humble opinion, will keep it from being reality for a while yet.
that's what i'm talking about. real time updates on your gps done by XM. it'll be on next year's srx and i think a bmw. i read about it in a tech magizine and it's suppose to be really cool.

Sorry! I mis-understood you.

Yeah that sounds nice....I wonder when it will be available to the aftermarket?

i would guess soon. probably since XM is running it (i think) it will be limited at first. i would assume only XM ready recievers would be able to have it.

If it's the same as they're radio coverage just through the gps, it will be basically worthless, at least here in Boston. I've gotten stuck in hour long backups in the Ted Williams Tunnel listening to that bullsh*t. And there's no way out cause you don't find out till after the tolls.

that's why i don't live in a big city.