before i get flamed, yes I already searched, already saw all youtube.com vids on loading times for both units (saw a video produced by Pioneer stating about 36 seconds load time to ipod and map on FT700 and another vid of Z3 with approx 24 second start-to-map time)...

Anyone have first hand experience on which is a faster loading unit -- I would presume the Z3 since it's a newer and more expensive unit -- I would love to save cash by going with the F700bt as it's all I need in our 2005x, i would just be purchasing the Z3 if I knew it was a faster start time.

I also like the hard-wired aspect of the f700bt for steering wheel controls vs. the IR-based PAC unit with questionable steering wheel response for the Z3.

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

all the units will need an extra module for steering wheel controls
when it says steering wheel controls ready it means it has a wire going off the back that can be wired directly to a module

the 700 will NOT play dvds, or any other video I believe... if I'm wrong let me know but i know it won't play dvds

 

TroysG is correct, 700 will not play DVD at all, best bet is either the 900, or the 90. Only difference between the 2 pre amp out voltage. I have 2 F90BT's, 1 in my wifes Xterra, and 1 in my G. In either vehicle, the entire system is ready to go before I even get out of the driveway.

 

if you have the money and want a bigger screen the Z3
if you wanna save money and dont watch alot of DVDs or have videos on your ipod then the 700 is the way to go

they are about the same start up time.

All built in nav systems take a good 30 secs to start up. Some take up to a minute.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

I have no need for DVD playback; apparentlythe 700 will play DIVX vids off the SD card.

If loading times are the same, I'm savin the dough (don't need the bigger screen as the 700 not too much different than the OEM navi screen in my wife's '08x) and going with the 700.

Thanks again.