There are obviously a lot of unhappy F series nav system owners on this forum. I've been seriously considering purchasing the F90BT, but after all that I've read, I'm a little confused what to do especially since I haven't seen another unit that doesn't have it's fair share of shortcomings/problems as well. Therefore, I'm left with the following question: if the F series is not the unit to buy, what is and why?

For those of you who are not happy with your F90BT and could turn back the clock and install another unit in its place, what would you choose?

Kenwood DNX-5120 if you want similar form factor, 8120 if you want high quality.

Kenwood DNX-5120 if you want similar form factor, 8120 if you want high quality.

Based on the inital thread, I assume you own an F series nav system, correct? If so, then what you are saying is that you would rather have the Kenwood unit than what you currently own? The reason I ask is that it's easy for people to jump ship but sometimes by doing so, we only jump into yet another (and sometimes worse) mess. One thing that I've read in a Cnet editor review that concerned me about the 5120 is that it is VERY slow accessing ipod tracks. Have you checked out Kenwood forums to make sure they too don't have a host of issues with their deck?

I hope you understand that I don't mean to challenge your opinion; I'm just trying to get as much information as I can before I make the plunge, which I'm hoping will be soon.

I went w/the F900 over the kenwood as the iPod integration kicks ass. I'm very happy with the F Series.

I think the F series has amazing potential as long as this 'update' comes our way.

the ipod selection is fast. infact, i had the d3 and its faster than that but believe what you want. there is no issues with the unit it is flawless every function works just like its suppose to.

I prefer the f series, the voice control is handy even if it doesnt work 100% of the time. Its pretty accurate, just some of the albums it gets confused on cause they are weird titles. The boot time is not bad at all, i mean who starts their car and goes right away anyway. The only time that could be a problem is if you stop off to a store on your way then after restarting you have to wait a minute or so before it boots again. My only complaint is the voice control is only 95% accurate and maybe that is nitpicking but it would be nice to have it work everytime

who starts their car and goes right away anyway

I'm always late, every morning, I'm not gonna sit tight and wait for my avic to get started at 07 AM when I should have been at my desk already..

ADG

I don't know why there are all of these complaints about these headunits. I have had mine about a month and I love this thing (F90BT). So what it takes a whole minute or so to start up. Is is really that bad? I don't think so.

I have had my f90BT for about a month and have had no problems at all. I love this thing. Putting in the back up camera so I can back right up to all the trailers I pull tomorrow. I cannot complain about it at all.

I cannot complain about it at all.

Not to rain on your parade, but you are one of the few.

there is no issues with the unit it is flawless every function works just like its suppose to.

And you must believe John Parker Wilson will lead the Tide to the Championship....

no not just john parker wilson, the whole team!!

and you must believe that the pac 10 or big 12 is the best conference!

I find it interesting that while there are obviously a lot of issues with this unit (at least for some), I have heard very few alternatives voiced from the folks on this forum. A couple of people have mentioned the Kenwood DNX-5120, but is this unit REALLY better? One thing I've heard about this unit is that the ipod connection is very slow. It also doesn't have the voice command. I'm just wondering (and starting to doubt) whether a unit exists that doesn't have it's fair share of issues.

That's a good point. If people didn't want the F series they wouldn't be here either, so it can't be that bad.

Mine arives this week and going to review it in full, I hope it's good.

I'm just wondering (and starting to doubt) whether a unit exists that doesn't have it's fair share of issues.

No kidding. The Kenwood unit looks perfect until you realize that there is no ability for it to play divx or xvid avi files and naviation with bt are about $350 extra. They have a more functional interface though and a fast start up. You have to decide for yourself, what's more important for you. I for one don't have an extra $350 laying around so my choice is clear.

i will try to post a video tomorrow and show that the ipod selection is not slow, its faster than the d3. the bluetooth box is about $114 online and lower on ebay im not sure where you are getting 350 from and the dnx5120 comes with the built in garmin nav which i paid 619.99 shipped.

im not sure where you are getting 350 from and the dnx5120 comes with the built in garmin nav which i paid 619.99 shipped.

I was getting that number from ddx512 with accessories. Using DNX5120 it's actually a more cost effective solution, but the only reputable store I was able to find dnx5120 on was Abe's of Maine for $698. The others if you check resellerratings.com are a hit or miss if you're actually going to get a retail unit, not some grey market bubble wrapped brick. The bluetooth unit is $130. Avic F700BT is $570. So $570 vs. $830, maybe not $350 but at $260 is still not a chump change.

got mine off ebay brand new 2008 model for 619.99 (ebay ID megafii) and the bluetooth about 94.00 (ebay ID electrokingdeals) total cost $713.00 and its worth every penny

djhuab, you are on a Pioneer forum but never really have anything but negative to say about them and you own a Kenwood. You promote the Kenwood at any given chance and take every opportunity to sway people from buying a F-Series... don't get me wrong, I think it is great that you give an honest opinion to people questioning buying a unit, but I do feel it is slightly biased considering you have such strong feelings about it. Makes me wonder if you are regretting getting rid of yours for some reason or another. I promise I am not trying to be a jerk by any means so please do not take it that way; I am simply making an observation.

no not just john parker wilson, the whole team!!

 

and you must believe that the pac 10 or big 12 is the best conference!

BIG 12 is.

Hook 'em

lol i really like my kenwood but i did have a avic d3 for about a year. the d3 work perfect for my use but the biggest was really just those nav disk. i planned on getting a 90bt after playing with the unit at shop and i will admit that the UI looks better (a more factory look) than the kenwood but honestly if pioneer could fix their problems mainly the boot time i without hesitation would have gotten it but as many others said its a great concept that was released to soon. so im kinda in the middle a "ken-o-neer" fan

no not just john parker wilson, the whole team!!

 

and you must believe that the pac 10 or big 12 is the best conference!

 

BIG 12 is.

 

Hook 'em

"defense wins championships"

SEC

no not just john parker wilson, the whole team!!

 

and you must believe that the pac 10 or big 12 is the best conference!

No...actually my family is from Alabama. My dad and my uncle both played for the Tide...my uncle played for the Bear. But if you think Wilson can lead this team to a National Championship, then you are drinking the Kool-Aid. I can't believe this kid is from Hoover. He just doesn't get it. But that's ok...Nick will have them there soon enough. He already has the defense back to where it needs to be. We've been missing that for quite some time.

Now, if he can figure out a way to beat Auburn...

Oh yea...I wouldn't be bad mouthing the Big 12 quite yet. Pretty impressive so far. But the SEC seems to be better balanced top to bottom. You gotta love what Vandy is doing this year.

so im kinda in the middle a "ken-o-neer" fan

LOL Right on!