The Z3 is hard drive based.

That being said, I think you'd enjoy the Z120. It's not hard drive based but the maps are stored in the unit itself so you don't need a nav DVD inserted in the unit all the time. Also, you don't have to worry about the hard drive eventually failing.

with that being said can you update the map disc everyear like with the d3?

Yeah Pioneer releases map updates every year for all their high-end units.

Actually, Pioneer's map updates are typically delayed compared to their competitors and are significantly more expensive as well. Also, WHY do you want a hard drive based unit? WHY?!?! WHHHHYYYY?!?! Makes no sense. Bad.

my z3 has a harddrive and it rips CDs to the internal drive and stores them as a library...so no ipod needed...although I do have an iphone its great feature for people that still buy CDs

So yes, hard drive units do have benefits!

i had the z3, but it was so slow navigating through the music once i had about 30 or so cd's on it. i have the z120 and i play pandora all the time. imo it blows the z3 out of the water. it is way more compatible with newer ipods/iphones/flash drives, quicker to respond, and a much nicer display. the customization is awesome too.