Hello everyone:

Im new to AVIC411 and wanted some unbiased opinions on what f-series unit to install on my Saturn. I've heard mixed reviews on several of the units and my main purpose for one would be CD, IPod and navigation, every other addition to the unit would be a plus but not highly needed for me. I have narrowed it down to three models: f700bt, f900bt and the f90bt.

This would be my very first navigation system and my cross over into the car stereo world (since I dont tend to modify my factory installed stereos). Though I am new to the stereo world, I am a huge "gadget" and "electronics" loving gal so I am looking for something thats functional, appealing, and fun to use.

Thanks in adavance for any input.

~D

F90BT. You get the Ipod cable and a 2 year warranty...

I would go with the F700. It will do everything you want and it's a lot cheaper than the F90 & F900. I bought my new F700 for $390 with shipping and no tax. Seems to be the going rate for it. I just bought mine about 2 months ago and the only compaints is the startup time.

Thanks for the input. I've heard many complaints on the startup time, is it that big of a problem to where I should look into other systems?

~D

Thanks for the input. I've heard many complaints on the startup time, is it that big of a problem to where I should look into other systems?

 

~D

Depends on who you ask.

it will start playing the last source after about 20 seconds (except for music on SD, that takes a lot longer) but you cant change what you are listening to for about 40 seconds

i remote start my car every time i walk out to it, to let it warm up just a bit, so i never have to deal with it

Hello everyone:

Im new to AVIC411 and wanted some unbiased opinions on what f-series unit to install on my Saturn. I've heard mixed reviews on several of the units and my main purpose for one would be CD, IPod and navigation, every other addition to the unit would be a plus but not highly needed for me. I have narrowed it down to three models: f700bt, f900bt and the f90bt.

 

This would be my very first navigation system and my cross over into the car stereo world (since I dont tend to modify my factory installed stereos). Though I am new to the stereo world, I am a huge "gadget" and "electronics" loving gal so I am looking for something thats functional, appealing, and fun to use.

 

Thanks in adavance for any input.

 

~D

2008 Saturn Vue (Redline) and an F90BT owner here, so I can speak from personal experience on the F90BT. It feels right at home with my Vue, and I've had nothing but complements from its performance (since the 2.0 firmware) from anyone riding in the passenger seats. Start-up time is fine. When you have it on terrestrial radio/CD, playback is immediate. iPod/iPhone playback takes a 20-30 seconds, but is hardly noticeable (leave the VR catalog off after sync'ing your iPod library once and it'll shave off response time significantly). Bluetooth connection to my phone is quick (under a minute), and maps appear within 40 seconds or less.

I'd go with the F90BT again seeing as how it's their premium line and can do DVD playback as well as iPod/iPhone video playback (and comes with the proper cable to do so). It works fine with both iPhone 2G/3G, although you need an aftermarket dongle to charge the 3G properly. I use it with my iPod Classic 160Gig though, and only sparingly charge my 3G iPhone when in a crunch.

Bluetooth works like a charm with it, as well. I mounted my mic on the steering column and have it pointed at my face's direction. Sound quality is good. The GPS antennae is mounted under the dash for a complete factory look. I always have a strong signal in the metro-Detroit-suburbs and northern Michigan area.

Frankly I couldn't imagine having any other head unit in my Vue; it's simply a match made in heaven. I'd be happy to post some pic's/video if you're interested.

Cheers!

Hello everyone:

Im new to AVIC411 and wanted some unbiased opinions on what f-series unit to install on my Saturn. I've heard mixed reviews on several of the units and my main purpose for one would be CD, IPod and navigation, every other addition to the unit would be a plus but not highly needed for me. I have narrowed it down to three models: f700bt, f900bt and the f90bt.

 

This would be my very first navigation system and my cross over into the car stereo world (since I dont tend to modify my factory installed stereos). Though I am new to the stereo world, I am a huge "gadget" and "electronics" loving gal so I am looking for something thats functional, appealing, and fun to use.

 

Thanks in adavance for any input.

 

~D

 

2008 Saturn Vue (Redline) and an F90BT owner here, so I can speak from personal experience on the F90BT. It feels right at home with my Vue, and I've had nothing but complements from its performance (since the 2.0 firmware) from anyone riding in the passenger seats. Start-up time is fine. When you have it on terrestrial radio/CD, playback is immediate. iPod/iPhone playback takes a 20-30 seconds, but is hardly noticeable (leave the VR catalog off after sync'ing your iPod library once and it'll shave off response time significantly). Bluetooth connection to my phone is quick (under a minute), and maps appear within 40 seconds or less.

 

I'd go with the F90BT again seeing as how it's their premium line and can do DVD playback as well as iPod/iPhone video playback (and comes with the proper cable to do so). It works fine with both iPhone 2G/3G, although you need an aftermarket dongle to charge the 3G properly. I use it with my iPod Classic 160Gig though, and only sparingly charge my 3G iPhone when in a crunch.

 

Bluetooth works like a charm with it, as well. I mounted my mic on the steering column and have it pointed at my face's direction. Sound quality is good. The GPS antennae is mounted under the dash for a complete factory look. I always have a strong signal in the metro-Detroit-suburbs and northern Michigan area.

 

Frankly I couldn't imagine having any other head unit in my Vue; it's simply a match made in heaven. I'd be happy to post some pic's/video if you're interested.

 

Cheers!

Hey EnochLight:

Thanks so much for the detailed opinion. It's great to get the point of view from someone with the same vehicle. Would you mind posting pictures/video for me? Id love to see how it looks!

I know most people may mind the delay but I dont think it would be a big bother for me at all.

Again thank you I look forward to seeing your system!

~D

Would you mind posting pictures/video for me? Id love to see how it looks!

No problem. Let me slap something together this weekend; should have something up by Sunday afternoon.

Cheers!

Hey EnochLight:

Thanks so much for the detailed opinion. It's great to get the point of view from someone with the same vehicle. Would you mind posting pictures/video for me? Id love to see how it looks!

I know most people may mind the delay but I dont think it would be a big bother for me at all.

Again thank you I look forward to seeing your system!

You can see a video of my system, plus a completely unscientific test of boot-up times to iPod playback, maps, and bluetooth sync right here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQegFagVpOc&fmt=22

I found my earlier statements to be a tad on the hopeful side, at best. I tried to time it with my iPhone timer to get a better idea of response times. iPod playback and maps didn't occur until (less than) 48 seconds from ignition. My iPhone sync'd via Bluetooth a little less than 35 seconds *AFTER* that.

Still, I'm quite happy with my system. Cheers!

Hey EnochLight:

Regardless of the hopeful statements about the times it didn't break my hopes of gettin the F90. It looks sharp on the Saturn, and I think it would work like a charm for my intended uses. Again THANK YOU so much for providing that video and time detail, you have sealed the deal for me on this system. It would have a perfect fit on my Saturn!

Thanks again!

~D

Thanks again!

No problem! Glad to see it helped. I think you'll be very happy with the F90BT.

Cheers!