In-dash GPS units

Windows Mobile and CE 5 are very similar. Have you tried to install it on your CE device?

I would never buy another integrated GPS system in a car. They cost too much and are not very good!

With the portable GPS you can move from car to car and even use them in rental cars on a trip!

That's for sure. Your better off with a hand held gps. That way you can upgrade without bying a new car.

ohwogo nuvi 750

Yeah, I'd def go for a car without the GPS. Garmin upgrades for maps are cheap, car manufacturers want like $300-500 every year for a new map!

Where did you get the chinese gps device from? And it's integrated and not a mobile unit?

In dash unit is large and easy to see. Don't have to take it out when park a the mall.

I recently convoyed with a bunch of company vehicles that had in dash units. I found that the sound levels were too low and more importantly that when any kind of alert or turn was announced that I had to take my eyes off the road to see what was being directed. I MUCH prefer my beanbag unit that I can position as a heads up unit. I will never buy an in dash unless they incorporate a heads up display that is also updatable.

While the average in dash GPS may cost up to 2 grand per vehicle, it also has either a flash card or a nav DVD in the car that needs to be replaced every year if you want to keep the maps up to date.
And dealers sell them which seems the only source unless you get lucky and find a copy of it on eBay.

Although it does have some pro's and cons, I feel it's up to the owner's preferences.

For me, I'd stick to the portable GPS since I switch cars sometimes and use rentals when traveling.
And I like the fact I can keep my portable GPS up to date by downloading updates of new places from here or using the Garmin web updater.

You evidently have never used a good in dash unit...there is no comparison between a good in dash unit and a portable. I have a built in unit in a Lexus and a Garmin 750 for my other car and for vacations. And guess what I just upgraded my Lexus unit for $50 and didn't have to buy a new car. I like my Garmin also but doesn't come close to the built in unit. The built in unit is much more sophisticated and easier to use. Never had to have an update on the built in unit...works perfectly. The Garmin unit has had 13 updates trying to fix issues. Just look at all the problems people are having with the portable units. And I don't have to worry about battery life.

I think it is an individuals preference what they want, but I would never try to persuade someone not to get a built in unit, especially if they have two cars and can afford to have both. My personal opinions of course.

Yes, portable units can't compare. Portable units are very handy, affordable and the major manufacturers do a good job packing them with the right stuff. I loved my Magellan T2200 converted to crossover. That said, it is hard to compare one with in-dash units that have large touch screens, bluetooth, DVD, Satellite radio, i-pod, bla bla bla... I have a Kenwood DNX 8120 that I am very happy with. Bought it for the navigation system (Garmin) and bluetooth. Don't care about the other features. I wouldn't go back to a portable if I had the choice. Again, if you can spring for the bucks, a quality in-dash unit is well worth the investment. By the way, whey I get rid of my Tacoma I will pull the Kenwood out for installation in whatever other car I buy.

Several months ago, I saw something about a TomTom after market in dash unit. I can't find the article again.

Any help would be appreciated.

Now that is a unit I would be interested in!

Thanks

I bought a Chinese aftermarket in dash for my 2009 Jetta TDI. Looks OEM and was $488 shipped.

The GPS runs off a SD card (IGO8) and can be modded to suit your needs for zero cost.

Absolutely, no cost to upgrade maps, custom cars, POI's and other items that I used to have to pay.

Is it a TT unit?

What is the brand name and model number?

Thanks

That sounds good, but color me skeptical. I suppose the "lifetime" map subscription could be included in the price, but $488 seems kinda low to include lifetime maps. Good luck.

I have a DNX8120 and I love it. I bought it to have a nice radio as well - XM Nav, HDRadio, iPod, along with the Garmin and all integrated, able to provide navigation while serving as a handsfree phone while playing your choice of music and the passengers are watching a DVD or iPod video. The DNX9140 also provides navigation voice control and scheduled maintenance reminders. The only other consideration is that DNX9140 supports MSN Direct while the DNX8120 supports only XM Nav. Of course either of these along with the Pioneer units will be quite a bit more expensive than the mobile units. It will only fit in cars with double din openings and if being able to install an aftermarket in-dash is important I would reccomend the opening to be high up on the dash and recessed to minimize washout.

I have a TOMTOM go720 and the Kenwood DNX7100.

The TOTOM has great navigation, its accurate and smoothe, but its really just a nav unit. It has handsfree capability, but its average.

The DNX on the otherhand, is a great sound system, fantastic handsfree, and a huge display. BUT the nav is to say the best average, and mapupdates are really expensive and very late to market.

So if you're just looking for great nav, go mobile. But if you want something more out of the unit, go indash