Hello everyone. I'm glad I found this site before I purchased this unit. It seems as though there are some negative things about it that I read on the amazon.com reviews. But since being here it seems as though you guys seem to really like this HU. Well, I would like to know if there is anything I need to know before I start installing it this weekend. It seems as though I am getting conflicting thoughts on what to update and what not to. I would like to bypass the parking brake and I think I can handle that. I would like to apply the caution nag hack, too. Should I see if there is an firmware update before doing any of these hacks/mods? Should I even try to update the firmware?

I apologize if these have been posted elsewhere. But like I said I seem to think I am reading different things from different users and I am not quite sure how best to proceed. Thanks in advance and this forum RAWKS!

The hack, updates etc you can do after the install. Beforehand I would concentrate on the connections, make sure you have all the adaptors for the steering wheel buttons, aerial etc as required. Also get a reverse camera, they're great - you will need to wire this to the head unit and run the cables back but can connect it up at a later date. It's a great unit (I have one in both cars), everyone has their own opinion though.

Make sure you put the GPS aerial in a good spot, mine was mounted too low in the dash so kept getting GPS errors. Fine now after I moving it.

i'm looking into buying this same HU... pxpx have you installed it?

and what is this aerial GPS...

i am coming from an Avic-Z2 with my antenna mounted in the corner on the dashboard. are there options for antennas to use on this HU?

My GPS antenna is mounted on the center of the dash. On my car, there is a steel "mesh" vent that the magnet works fine on. Obviously you can see it (the antenna is black and the dash is gray) but I don't consider it obtrusive at all. Occasionally, it takes a few minutes to get all the satellites it needs, but it locks on within a mile from when I drive off.

I considered the bypass but so far I'm not sorry I haven't done it. Without the bypass, you can't change display settings, type in anything (nav address or phone number), etc. without setting the parking brake. You can, however, choose a location (POI or previously entered location) or a phone number from your contact list when you are driving. It's pretty small inconvenience to me.

I don't have a lot of experience with units like this but I'm not as disappointed as some people seem to be. Some like to complain about the nav - I'm happy with it. IMHO, overall, it's pretty much on par with a Garmin. Some things are better; some not as good. I don't find the interface to be as bad as some say. The only thing I am disappointed about is that I can't call out from the screen where you play music or radio. You have to go to the map or the home screen. A minor annoyance for me. Other than that, the interface makes sense to me. Maybe some are better... I'd bet some are worse.

sounds good! i'll be getting the x940 then today!