car dvd players (in dash type )

[tomm]

hi all.
Am looking for opinions and /or expertise please.

I am considering buying car ,in dash type ,dvd/ cd / radio etc player. The type with the mechanised 6" + tft screen. Single DIN . A Couple of bits of info wouldnt go wrong for me though.So any experts around please ??

My preference is to have the gadget GPS "capable " . But am looking at the cost options between fully gps integrated "in the gadget " ,,,Or having the GPS control box as a separate unit . Which then means fitting the gps box in the footwell or under the dash or under a seat etc.


Question,,,are these separate gps control boxes /antennae /cabling etc a sod to rig up ,or relatively easy ?? And my simple reason for the question is that the cost differential between fully integrated gps type player and the separate control box type gps is quite significant ,so maybe the labour and faffing around with the separate "bits " is worthwhile in terms of cash savings .


Any views opinions etc most welcome .

thanks folks

tomm
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[jthspace]

Nice units, these. I personally would not have the GPS as I only use it occasionally and the cost / benefit case would not justify it.

However, if you drive a lot and need the bigger screen / fitted unit, then it offers a lot.

If you do fit it, then wiring / fitting may make it impracticable to remove if you sell the car

Just my point-of-view

Jeff

[tomm]

Hi Jeff
My thoughts on this type of unit are more or less the same as you .They are a handy bit of kit ,with the + s and -s of course .De - rigging if selling the car on etc .

As far as the gps facility on them is concerned ,my thinking is basically ,just to have ALL in car entertainment /contact needs in one "box" instead of bits lying around and the car interior looking like a demented wiring loom.

tomm

[jthspace]

Hear what you are saying . . .

The actual unit can cost, what, anything between £200 to £500 depending on "sexy-ness" of the unit. Often dedicated GPS software has to be purchased which can be expensive.

I have a friend who paid £1000 for a BMW fitted unit, the maps are way out of date and updates cost a fortune (100's).

He saw my TT running on my HTC pocket phone and was amazed how good it was in comparison to his. And mine cost (cough) not a lot. The added benefit is the phone has a built in sat receiver, so there are no wires except the phone charger, when needed.

To be honest, I rarely look at the unit, it is clipped to the cupholder on the centre console of my C8 and I rely on voice / "ping" noise prompts. FOr me, personally, I dont need much else.

I do like the idea of a "wireless" (invisable) wires set-up though.

Jeff

[tomm]

The "hiding "of wires is the bit that appealed to me with these units.However doing the cost against "really" needed bit ,then common sense kicks in .I dont actually need the thing .A passing flight of fancy I think.

Unlike your friend ,no way I would (or could ) pay 1k for a unit .Never mind the crazy cash for upgrades.

For the moment ,will stick with the radio and the A2B .Being adequate for my needs....Unless of course I come across a good supplier with irresistable costs for these gizzmos (dream on he says ) .

tomm