Well guys...I am happy to say that the search for the right All-in-One DDIN NAV unit is over. I returned my AVIC-F90BT (read my previous post and you'll understand why) and I got the AVIC-Z3. This unit is AMAZING! Here are the most noticable features that sold me on the unit:
1) Large 7 inch display, with EXCELLENT visibility in sunlight and any lighting environment.
2) FAST! This unit loads up in seconds! I counted 10 seconds at most for this unit to startup and get to my last place before last shutdown.
3) Responsive! Very responsive! You point, aim, touch, and it will take you there. No need to double tap/touch again...although, i do recommend to be somewhat close to the option you want to select, as it sometimes cannot pick-up taps on the corner of the icon or option. Yet, very rare that it wont respond...
4) GPS is detailed and has excellent views. You even get a second window on the left always displaying a 2D map, even though your in the Drivers View mode or 3D Mode. You have a choice of four different views. Not to mention, the route calculation is quick and rarely gives false directions. You'll love this NAV, I can promise you that!
5) Bluetooth, although an additional adapter required, works well! No more "built in Parrot" to screw things up! (im sorry, but Parrot has never really done a great job with their standalone Bluetooth units anyhow). The Pioneer Bluetooth unit picks up my phone all the time, and keeps the connection locked until I turn the car off. Not to mention, phone book transfer is soooo easy, you'll wonder why no other company incorporates this method.
6) Voice Recognition/Guidance is good, not great, but good enough....much better than the F90BT for sure. I think this was mostly due on my part, when I fiddled with the bypass wires and disconnected the voice guidance wire or something...it worked great at first, i dunno, i gotta recheck this...yet not too important. It will pick up most commands, yet, volume is kinda low.
7) Fit and Finish is great on the Z3! High quality materials that feel sturdy to the touch.
Overall, I am very happy with the performance of this unit. The 30GB hard has plenty of "known hacks" to literally allow you to customize it in any way you like. The only problems ive run across are the Metra dash kits dont fit well with the 7 inch display and need cutting, and the fact that you cannot change the lighting on the Z3 to match interior theme. Oh well, i guess those are the least of my worries.
CHECK OUT MY POST ON THE UPCOMING SCOSCHE KIT FOR THE LIMITED 4RUNNER's WITH RDS/JBL SETUP! Here are some pics:
1) Large 7 inch display, with EXCELLENT visibility in sunlight and any lighting environment.
2) FAST! This unit loads up in seconds! I counted 10 seconds at most for this unit to startup and get to my last place before last shutdown.
3) Responsive! Very responsive! You point, aim, touch, and it will take you there. No need to double tap/touch again...although, i do recommend to be somewhat close to the option you want to select, as it sometimes cannot pick-up taps on the corner of the icon or option. Yet, very rare that it wont respond...
4) GPS is detailed and has excellent views. You even get a second window on the left always displaying a 2D map, even though your in the Drivers View mode or 3D Mode. You have a choice of four different views. Not to mention, the route calculation is quick and rarely gives false directions. You'll love this NAV, I can promise you that!
5) Bluetooth, although an additional adapter required, works well! No more "built in Parrot" to screw things up! (im sorry, but Parrot has never really done a great job with their standalone Bluetooth units anyhow). The Pioneer Bluetooth unit picks up my phone all the time, and keeps the connection locked until I turn the car off. Not to mention, phone book transfer is soooo easy, you'll wonder why no other company incorporates this method.
6) Voice Recognition/Guidance is good, not great, but good enough....much better than the F90BT for sure. I think this was mostly due on my part, when I fiddled with the bypass wires and disconnected the voice guidance wire or something...it worked great at first, i dunno, i gotta recheck this...yet not too important. It will pick up most commands, yet, volume is kinda low.
7) Fit and Finish is great on the Z3! High quality materials that feel sturdy to the touch.
Overall, I am very happy with the performance of this unit. The 30GB hard has plenty of "known hacks" to literally allow you to customize it in any way you like. The only problems ive run across are the Metra dash kits dont fit well with the 7 inch display and need cutting, and the fact that you cannot change the lighting on the Z3 to match interior theme. Oh well, i guess those are the least of my worries.
CHECK OUT MY POST ON THE UPCOMING SCOSCHE KIT FOR THE LIMITED 4RUNNER's WITH RDS/JBL SETUP! Here are some pics:
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