So I stopped by a car audio shop today to check out head units/GPS setups.

I prefer Alpline, but I'm open to other units that fit my needs (read: I'm picky as hell).

Anyway, I played around with the Alpine iva-w205 and liked it as far as I could tell.

features:
-a decent sized screen
-tactile feedback when you pressed "buttons" on the screen
-iPod control
-when you hit "next track" in shuffle/random mode, it actually goes to the next RANDOM track (rather than simply the next track). <3 Alpine
-Supposedly impressive audio specs
-You can optionally buy a nav unit that you can quickly install/remove by folding the screen down. I didn't catch the model number of the nav unit, but they wanted $700 for it in-store at which point I promptly ROFL'd.

As usual, there's a 120% markup in the store, which kind of makes me just want to ebay it. A few dollars is one thing, but man...that markup is nuts.

Anyway, here's the unit on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPINE-IVA-W205-W205-TOUCH-DVD-MP3-DOUBLE-DIN-TOUCH-NEW_W0QQitemZ150246381225QQihZ005QQcategoryZ32825QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVi ewItem

Here's the iPod cable I'll need:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Alpine-KCE-422i-iPod-Ready-Cable-fit-IVA-W205-IVA-D105_W0QQitemZ130221349341QQihZ003QQcategoryZ60208QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZV iewItem

And here's some TR-7 module I need to bypass the :ghey: thing that prevents it from playing any type of video input while rolling.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PAC-TR-7-Alpine-Video-Bypass-IVA-D310-IVA-D300-IVA-W205_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38636QQihZ009QQitemZ190221002314QQrdZ1QQsspagena meZWDVW

I still need to find the nav unit, but I'll post it when I do.

So does anyone have any input on this? Or is there something nicer out there in an affordable price range?

The GPS unit is $500 even online. Ouch.

Alpine Blackbird II PMD-B200 GPS Receiver
http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/alpine-blackbird-2.jpg



I'll probably get the HU first and then get this later when the price comes down so I can just plug it in and go.

I'll also need a wiring harness and a double din kit.

I think it would look good in the console

ok - Ive never seen that model before, Ill look closer @ the specs but it looks like a really nice unit.

the fact that the GPS docks INSIDE and displays/operates on the main touchscreen is awesome.

wiring harness/double din kit might be a problem. Ill ask @ CCity since I have to make a call back to one of the roadshop crew anyway (looking for an '86 RX-7 convert. top oddly enough).

We might get lucky because the 08 Lancer has been out for quite a while.

See what you can find, bigham!

Here's the head unit on alpine's site:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/images/products/images/iva-w205.jpg
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=IVA-W205




And here's the new IVA-W505 (I guess to replace it) on their site as well:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/images/products/images/iva-w505.jpg

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=IVA-W505

They look pretty similar. The newer one obviously looks a little nicer, and has a nicer looking interface.

HOWEVER, it appears to lack the Pulse technology that I like about the 205. It basically gives you tactile feedback when you touch "buttons" and things on the screen.

I have the w205 and the blackbird II in my 350z (evo x soon to come). It's a great nav unit. The only gripes I have are:

- when you turn on the shuffle mode when your Ipod is connected, you can't access the playlists for some reason. I think this might actually be an Ipod problem as turning off shuffle actually toggles the shuffle setting on the ipod itself.

- you need to toggle between audio inputs and the navigation using the visual button. Once you get the hang of it, it's not a big problem but it's just not the most intuitive thing. There is also a slight delay when switching modes.

I'm sure most units have these minor annoyances but in the grand scheme of things it's an awesome navigation. The video bypass, if you are into such things, does require some wiring. You can find it (PAC TR-7)here:

http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Trigger%20Modules (http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Trigger%20Modules)

Also, was able to hook the steering wheel audio controls up to the w205 using a PAC Swi-jack found here:

http://www.pac-audio.com/products/productsCatagory.asp?mmSearch=Trigger%20Modules

(not sure if evo has steering wheel audio controls but just thought I'd mention it)

Thanks for the input! How do you like the blackbird II?

Also, do you have the KCE-300BT bluetooth module? Looks cool, but seems a bit pricey.

Honestly, I've never actually pulled the blackbird out and used it by itself. If it's anything like the system navigation I'm gonna say it's pretty intuitive. A couple of times it was missing POI's but there might be some sort of map update out there to fix that.

The blackbird actually includes bluetooth. The w205 includes a mic that plugs into the back that you can mount in your car. When you dock the blackbird, the deck automatically uses the bluetooth feature of the blackbird. I've tried it a couple of times for fun but I don't use it a normal basis. The mic tends to pick up my exhaust note even thought my exhaust isn't all that loud.

The blackbird has built in bluetooth to work with my phone? ORLY?

The blackbird has built in bluetooth to work with my phone? ORLY?


yup yup...

when docked - it syncs with the A/V unit... and when you use it in the MP3 (I think thats your plan here, to be able to transfer back and forth) youll also have blue tooth... but the built in speakers arent that awesome...