This is not a noob question for I am knowledgeable of A/V and what not...I'm just torn and want to see opinions

I'm about to pick up a new DD but I'm not sure if I want to get one with navigation or get a normal DVD setup and continue to run my Garmin with my custom mount for the cubby.

I like the cleanliness of the interior with no added obstructions (cubby closed..etc)

BUT...

I can't justify the extra cash spent when I already have a good GPS with a lifetime subscription.


Lets take a VOTE!!!!

 

I literally went though this arguement with myself for a LONG time, and decided to spend the extra money on a unit with Nav.

I havent looked back since.

Mostly because of the large screen, but other features include voice activiation for address (DNX9140 Kenwood), quieting/muting of music when voiceing directions, and the cleanliness of it.

Was well worth the extra $400 or so to have only one unit with it all. I couldnt imagine not having it now. I couldnt imagine it not turning down the music when directions were coming or having another unit in my windshield.

Just my $.02

Edit* sell your GPS to knock of 25-50% of the price of the GPS functionality.

 

John, my recommendation is to spend the extra money and get one with nav. I recently went through the same decision process. Although I used my iPhone for nav very often I wanted the convenience of having one unit that did everything. I ended up getting an Avic D3 at a great price.

 

You know I was gonna chime in.

You can buy a new garmin for less than the price of a nav update for a headunit, every year, and sell/give away the old garmin.
A garmin can be removed for security.
A garmin can go with you in your rental or trip.
A garmin is better than most headunit navigation systems, even the cheap garmins.

Here's what the cheap garmin won't do:
Mute audio for directions.
Take voice commands for navigation destinations.
Be as clean an install.

Now, really, there's little reason to go with the headunit navigation system at this point. But - if you notice my sig or follow my posts (yeah, sure you do) - I have headunit navigation systems in both my G35s.

The reason is simple, if want the best Pioneer or Kenwood headunit and all the fantastic features it has, it's going to have navigation, it's that simple. To get a double din unit without navigation is to give up some or all of these:
4v preamp outs (although some DD have them w/o nav), voice control of iPod, 8-band EQ, compatibility with all add-ons, 6-channel audio out, free lifetime navigation, built-in bluetooth, SD card input, rear USB/audio inputs, Pandora integration with iPhone, dual zone entertainment output... I'm sure I'm missing a few other things, but you get the point.

If you want the best headunit, you're getting one with nav. If you're content with the features of a great non-nav headunit (like the Pioneer 4200DVD or 3200BT) do not spend the money for a Pioneer X920BT, Z120BT, Kenwood 9960, 9140 or even the 5160.

Me, I just really, really wanted to be able to tell my car "Play artist The Hanslick Rebellion" and have it do it, as well as "Find nearest Chili's" and be guided there.

 

the voice over the speakers is why I choose an indash.

keep the garmin but also buy a new navi

Kenwood or Pioneer get my vote

 

@ Wrathernaut. I see your point and have weighed the differences between a few decks. And last night I was browsing ebay and found a Z1 that was upgraded to a Z3. I emailed the guy to see if he wanted to work something out outside of ebay to maybe save myself and him some cash...

What are your thoughts on those?

 

z1 doenst have ipod capabilities

I think when they do that only the maps and harddrive get updated

not the actual radio hardware

 

Z1's just way too outdated now. I don't think they're updating maps anymore for it either.

 

I have a Zune so I'm not too worried about the ipod integration

hmmm...well the only thing that I really want is a full touch screen with the small buttons on the bottom. NAV optional.

i looked at the 4200 and the 3200 but idk...decisions decisions.

 

F90BT With the mods and x90 software is pretty nice