I'm aware its not available yet but I can't seem to find any details that seem to separate this from the AVH-P8400 other than the detachable face. Is it going to have the same interface/OS? I noticed something about HDMI but I can't confirm whether it has an HDMI input or if it's something done with an adapter. I should mention that I have an iPhone 5.

Reason I ask is I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 2-Din HU. I decided I'd wait til CES 2013 and it seems as though no new technology was showcased other than Pioneer saying that the iPhone 5 was now compatible with their HU's and the 8500 has some type of HDMI capabilities. Wasnt impressed to say the least. I appreciate all of your feedback.. Wrathernaut is an absolute beast who has no clue how much he's helped me out so far.

 

It does list an HDMI input, something that the P8400 did not have, but I'm a bit weary with any of the X.500 series, as every demo video I could get my hands on showed them as substantially slower than the P.400 series.

Pioneer has promised updates to the P.400 series of units to support iP5/iOS6, but that update may also ruin the speed of the interface to be as slow as the X.500 series.

The safe bet is to pick up the AVH-P4400BH, unless you're trying to do video or advanced app mode, since it has the snappy "old" interface.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...+Compatibility

The HDMI input... well, I don't think will do you any good with the iPhone. Many android devices do HDMI out, or if you're interested in hooking up a game console, it's a selling point, otherwise, it looks like a worthless feature. The display isn't high enough resolution to show a difference between DVD and HD content.

The X8500 looks like it may be different enough hardware-wise to not be as laggy, I'll see if there's some videos to show the interface speed.
Update: The only video from CES showing the AVH-X8500BHS doesn't show the Pandora or other interfaces to compare.

 

I hear ya.. and those are things that I guess only time will tell. I'm still extremely undecided but the other question that could help point me in the right direction is..

I havent had the opportunity to see an 8400 in person.. but I've seen the App Radio 2 at best buy.. I liked the quality of the screen on the app radio 2.. is the 8400 rocking the same resolution/screen? any idea if the 8500 has superior video quality to the 8400/app radio 2?

 

Yes, the 8400 has the same resolution, but I don't think it's the capacitive touchscreen, so not quite as responsive (but does work with gloves). 8500 has the same screen as the 8400.