Pioneer AVIC-D3 Review

The need for in-dash navigation has increasingly surpassed all previous expectations. We see this in the way automobile manufacturers begin to integrate navigation components into factory configurations, allowing consumers to purchase brand new vehicles with GPS systems. But what about the majority of consumers who could not afford new vehicles? The answer is the Pioneer AVIC-D3.

Though it first came out in early 2007, the unit is still considered to be a current model because of its capabilities, performance, and design. The AVIC-D3 gives any dashboard of any vehicle an integrated look, similar to that of pre-installed navigation systems of newer car as users will be able to adjust the AVIC-D3’s color to match the button lighting in the interior of your car.

This double DIN receiver features a 6.1” wide LCD touchscreen display that could also be adjusted to match the color scheme of your choice. It is capable of course displaying its built-in navigation, DVD movies, and any audio information on any music file you’re playing. What’s nice about the AVIC-D3 is its ability to be expandable as it is capable of receiving Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Technology, iPod, and USB inputs with additional accessories. The price is set at its base cost, which is usually under $650. Expect to spend anywhere between $50-$100 per additional add-on accessory you want to add on to your system. With any additional accessory, the AVIC-D3 will be able to fully control and access devices like the iPod and even your mobile phone. You’ll be able to use the unit’s touchscreen to select songs from your iPod and make phone calls through its Bluetooth Ready interface.

The built-in navigation requires the use of the included DVD player and is capable of receiving XM NavTraffic. It has turn-by-turn directions, voice guidance, 3D navigation zoom, and over 12 million points of interest (POI). The GPS receiver is capable of locking on to 8 different orbital GPS satellites, giving the unit the ability to use the data from one satellite if a connection is dropped. It’s always nice to have the XM NavTraffic, especially if you live in any major metropolitan areas. It gives drivers LIVE updates of traffic congestion and incidents. Avoid traffic jams and navigate around the slow-moving traffic and get to where you want faster.

In essence, the Pioneer AVIC-D3 comes with a lot of features that has, since its release, become standard. Thus, it is to no one’s surprise that the AVIC-D3 is STILL one of the most popular in-dash navigation units. It is indeed an all-in-one multimedia receiver that is sure to impress for years to come.

Garmin Nuvi 660 Review (nüvi 660)

The Garmin Nuvi 660 could be considered as one of the most popular portable GPS navigation available on the market.
Display
The Nuvi 660 features a now-becoming-standard 4.3" LCD touchscreen display. It's quite bright and easy to see in broad daylight, giving drivers highly visible on screen navigation in any lighting condition. It is also in widescreen resolution, capable of displaying 480 x 272 total pixel resolution. The unit is still considerably thin at just under an inch (0.9"). In addition, the unit weighs only 6.2 ounces so you can stick it in your pocket or take it with you wherever you go.

Navigation Features
Although Garmin claims to feature a large amount of POIs (Points-of-Interests), they never specified the exact amount of POIs it actually features. The problem here is then the difficulty you may have trying to compare and contrast between different units. Some customers have reported that to get an additional 6 million POI, users would need to purchase an additional add-on from Garmin in order to have the POI database. In addition, many have also reported that current gas stations and other points of interests have not been added to the Nuvi 660. Unfortunately, this presents a large problem for those who travel often to unfamiliar areas. But if you're just a common traveler, POIs may not even be significant for you. In addition, the Nuvi 660 could receive local traffic information and capable of displaying traffic hotspots nearby to your location. This is a great feature to have if you live in densely populated metropolitan areas, where traffic could always be a problem.

Media Compatibility
The Nuvi 660 does have a built-in MP3 player, audiobook playback, as well as a built-in picture viewer. Garmin designed the unit with purely navigation in mind, not media playback. However, the unit does feature an integrated FM transmitter that allows you to playback audio files into your existing FM radio in your vehicle. This means no messy wires connecting your GPS unit to your in dash receiver.

Built-in Bluetooth
If you live in California, this coming summer you may be in trouble. The law requires that drivers DO NOT speak on a cellular phone while operating a motor vehicle. For each offense, a driver could receive a $50 ticket, plus $100 additional fine for any repeated offense. The solution is Bluetooth interface, which is featured in the Garmin Nuvi 660. The unit is capable of displaying received call information, which may include phone numbers and phonebook names (if your phone is capable). You could speak hands-free with its integrated microphone and you could even make phone calls by using its touchscreen numbers. This is an excellent feature to have in order to maintain concentration and safety on the road. The Garmin Nuvi 660 is an excellent GPS Navigation, but some may say it's a bit overpriced at more than $320 for features that is increasingly becoming standard. But it does boast a 5-hour battery life, which is considerably longer than most GPS units out there. It does have Bluetooth and some media playback, but if you're a media junkie, you may want to pass since it only plays MP3s and audiobooks.