I'm having a real hard time with picking a new head unit. To start out with, I don't think I'll be using the navigation feature much at all. I haven't found a single unit from any manufacture that I can get a sales rep to say will guide me as well as my Nuvi.

 

Having said that, I do want a multi-media setup. The reality is it will be bypassed for use in motion, a hard drive would be nice. I'll be hooking up a rear camera for sure (drive an avalanche, try looking out the back of one of those sometime). Using an Ipod etc.

 

I started out thinking I would get a Z2 and use the navigation built into that. Then changed my mind on the navi part and started looking simply for units that offered the best DVD and Ipod options. somehow ended up looking at the Z2 again.

 

It appears Ipod video is ok, can I store video files on the hard drive as well? How is the pioneer backup camera? I was going to get a different one, it should work the same right?

 

I was thinking of picking up a refurb unit off Ebay. I figure the software hack to bypass is going to void the hard drive warrnty anyway, and I'll take my chances on a square trade one.

 

If not a Z2, then what should be looking at? I ruled out the D3, I just don't like the display and the flip down operation. The cost isn't so much of the issue. Just more concerned with easiest to use, best screen display, and frankly it needs to be bypassable reliably. I know Pioneer's are more difficult, but if its not something that will fry the unit then I'm not worried.

 

I'll be running a setup with two additional monitors and two amplifiers, as well as a DVD changer. Nothing too crazy though.

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions

 

It appears Ipod video is ok, can I store video files on the hard drive as well? How is the pioneer backup camera? I was going to get a different one, it should work the same right?

You cannot store video files on the hard drive.

 

The Pioneer backup camera works great but is expensive, others do the same job just as well.

 

Im a little confused about why you said you don't like the D3, something about flip down operation. The D3 doesn't flip down though

 

So the real question is, do you want the hard drive space for music. If not, and you're not going to use the navigation at all, then you should look at Pioneer's site for the AVHP4000DVD. They showed it at CES but its basically a D3 with no navigation and sells for $500 retail. Better ipod integration and bluetooth than a Z2, hi-volt preouts for your amps and costs 25% of the price of a Z2. Won't be for sale for a month or two though

IMO...I the HDD music storage sold the Z2 for me...And at the time, only the Eclipse was in running competition...So I went for the Z2...the Navigation, BTadapter, Ipod adapter, reverse camera, voice command dialing were all added bonuses....

 

I'm horrible with caring for my CD's, so I make backups and even backups to them at times...and the HDD just sold me...I could grab a couple of new CD's from the store, immediately open them up, run through about 4-5 tracks on each(enough to store them to the HDD) and put the disc away...I love it...I don't have to fumble with a changer or plastics disc at all...even better, I can request a certain CD by voice...

 

The navigation is much more easy on the eyes than nearly every higher end factory nav systems that I have seen...the best would probably be Lexus/Toyota and the current Acura stuff...not even MB or BMW is as nice...But there also seems to be complaints on the nav from some...I don't personally have any...but there are a couple on this forum that have issues with it...

 

The Ipod interface is not all that good...dependant on what you do as far as your Ipod music collection...personally...I put my Ipod into random mode, and just hit my steering wheel button to jump playlist until I find a good song to listen to...again...I always have the HDD stored music to listen to as well...

 

Despite the handful of complaints on the voice recognition...mine works awesome...maybe my redneck accent help in this favor...I dunno...I don't mumble, and I'm fairly loud spoken...most people hear and understand me when I talk...

 

I can't tell you if the Z2 is for you or not, but that's some of my thoughts...there are far too many variables....like what car/truck...what phone...what Ipod version...what YOU want....But IMO...it's about the best as it comes...there's not much, if anything that can compete for the price...

 

this is how I acquired mine...

http://cgi.ebay.com/PIONEER-AVIC-Z2-ALL ... dZViewItem

 

[edit]the bypass is super easy, given you follow the instructions on this site...it works with zero hickups, and with current Pioneer firmware....just ground two wires...that is all...

Im a little confused about why you said you don't like the D3, something about flip down operation. The D3 doesn't flip down though

 

Sorry, I was typing ahead of myself. I meant to iterate that I don't like the non flip down nature of the D3. It costs screen size. Doesn't seem like much until you see the larger one to me.

 

I suppose that al the complaints about the nav system are what is throwing me off a bit, otherwise it would be a no-brainer. Truth be told, the DVD based nav in my BMW has not ever failed me, though it pales in comparison with my Nuvi. I had hoped to get the performance of the Nuvi, with all of my stereo needs at the same time and the reviews on this site are kind of all over the place.

 

I use the nav very heavily. I'm a real estate investor and hate flying if I can drive, so I end up driving up and down the west coast quite a bit. How does the traffic service work with the nav system? Well? I haven't subscribed to it yet on the Nuvi.

 

I still like the hard drive option as well. Keep em' coming though guys.

The navigation is much more easy on the eyes than nearly every higher end factory nav systems that I have seen...the best would probably be Lexus/Toyota and the current Acura stuff...not even MB or BMW is as nice..

 

I agree, the OEM navs on the Acuras are nice.

 

 

 

Now, I can point out the HDD is nice. I do not worry about carrying CD's in the car anymore which saves space.

 

Navigating through the songs in your HDD is so easy too.

Like "Microsoft Sync" , you can pull up songs or artists by Voice command which I probably use everytime I get in the car.

 

For the navigation, I think you should check it out in person if at all possible to see how you like it.

I've heard of some complants about the Z2's nav on here, but haven't had one of my customers complain yet. The Z2 may be a little too much radio for you if you're not going to use the nav. I love mine, but maybe I'm just smart enough to know it's telling me the wrong directions. 2% rule.

 

Look at the VMOD from Vizualogic. It can be added to any A/V radio or monitor. 40 gig harddirve, wi-fi, audio, video, pics and nav w/ a seperate module.

 

http://www.vizualogic.com/vmod.html

Just ordered a refurb unit off of ebay, I'm pretty excited about it. Looking forward to the install.

 

Thanks for the help and this forum has been tremendously helpful.