[MrHunter602]

Im possibly looking for a unit that can do the GPS and play CD's and DVD's in dash. Im not looking for anything too fancy but I dont want it to break after having it for a week either. I have an 07 crew cab XE with the regular double din cd player.

I was thinking about just getting the portable units and mounting it on the truck, but I figured I might as well spend a few more bucks and get one that plays DVD's too. Im not a huge sound person, so I dont need anything too crazy. And as weird as it probably sounds, I really dont mind the sound quality that comes out of my stock unit as it is now. Haha.

I also take the truck onto dirt and washboard roads quite often, so I need it to be pretty durable. Not sure if the ones that flip out are going to be heavy duty enough.... But maybe they are?

Any suggestions, links, prices, and reasons would be great.

 

[MrHunter602]

And when you buy a specific brand unit, do you have to buy a specific brand CD with the maps on there, or are they all compatible? Im pretty new to this and my handheld GPS is just not cutting it anymore.

 

[R1max]

Well I can only talk about what I have delt with and it has only been the Kenwood DNX-7100. I like this unit a lot and you don't need CD's with it to use the nav system. If you have any questions about this unit let me know.

 

[ecrawford]

There have been a few threads on this topic latley that can give you some good advice. I just put in the Pioneer AVIC Z2 but it sounds like it may be a little more expensive than what you are looking for. The Kenwood would be my next choice if you have to have an internal hard drive.

One piece of advice. What ever you put in make sure to get the OEM factory Bezel. I purchased the metra bezel for my application a week ago and hate it. It scraches easy and does not fit flush on all sides. The material also is more thin than the factory piece. Best Kits also has a Bezel that will fit but I haven't heard much of these.

Good luck.

 

[WhiteBoy]

Kenwood DNX7100 period

Absolutely no problems. Does everything I wanted it to do and has more upgrades available. It kicks the Avic's *** and is less expensive. Navigation is already pre-loaded but updates can be done through USB.

As far as the bezel goes. I've had no problems with mine and I know its not OEM. Not sure who makes it though.

 

[cohee3]

... The Kenwood would be my next choice if you have to have an internal hard drive. ...

The Kenwood does not use an internal hard drive. It is flash memory, thus it may be more durable for off-road purposes.

 

[ecrawford]

Kenwood DNX7100 period

Absolutely no problems. Does everything I wanted it to do and has more upgrades available. It kicks the Avic's *** and is less expensive. Navigation is already pre-loaded but updates can be done through USB.

As far as the bezel goes. I've had no problems with mine and I know its not OEM. Not sure who makes it though.

If you figure out the name of your bezel is shoot me a PM. I am going to replace the one I have within the next couple of weeks.

 

[tech12volt]

If you like looking at navigation that looks like someone drew it with colored pencils than the 7100 is great. Avic has an available USB adaptor also and already load with twice as many POI's as the Kenwood.

Personally i like the colored pencil nav. Its very easy to read and thats the point I thought. In Japan pioneer has actually caught alot of gripes about their navigatin screens. I still like them both for different reasons . But i would have to say the kenwood is little more user friendly. Avic is more High tech with gadgets.

 

[ecrawford]

The Kenwood does not use an internal hard drive. It is flash memory, thus it may be more durable for off-road purposes.

Just check and you are right. It is flash memory that uses the Nav.

 

[MrHunter602]

Kenwood DNX7100 period

Absolutely no problems. Does everything I wanted it to do and has more upgrades available. It kicks the Avic's *** and is less expensive. Navigation is already pre-loaded but updates can be done through USB.

As far as the bezel goes. I've had no problems with mine and I know its not OEM. Not sure who makes it though.

Where did you find it for a decent price? Seems to me like the D3 is a lot less expensive from what Ive been finding.

The best price Im seeming to find is about $700 for the D3.

 

[f00dstamps]

where do the navigation map updates come from? Do they come from Kenwood or a map provider?

 

[t22a80]

I recomend the 7100 too, with the flash based nav you dont have to worry about a sensitive HD or a skipping nav dvd. Also it has all the features you need and then some so you CAN upgrade later if you want.

PM Tech12volts for a good price on either the Kenwood or Pioneer, he is an authorized dealer and can get you everything you need.

 

[tech12volt]

where do the navigation map updates come from? Do they come from Kenwood or a map provider?

they come from garmin. If i am not mistaken i believe you can download them form garmins website

 

[t22a80]

In my opinion Garmin is #1 when it comes to GPS. My friend does a lot of marine electronics and so I've played with a few of the different systems on boats and in that case its the easiest to use. I dont have a nav in my truck yet but when I get it I'm sure it will probably be a Kenwood with the Garmin technology.