DJ 2.7T

How much did you pay for the unit & installation?

DWC_2.7T

My first GPS (another Rand McNally/Talon unit) could be used with a laptop (R/M Streetfinder software), but my older Gateway didn't have a bright enough screen for good visibility in bright daylight. And it was almost impossible to change settings etc. while moving. I use Delorme's Solus in the Palm and its very handy; I can even load topo maps.

Quattro_Marin

According to Avalon, the Euro AM radio band uses different intervals when you tune, so there are some stations you will just not be able to tune-in in the US. Also, for some unknown reason, the FM Search feature will not work here. They may be fixing these, but last month these were issues that would keep me from getting it. Check with Avalon -may have been resolved by now?

Nitin

I have done extensive research on this. I will NOT recommend any pre-programmed GPS(I am highly biased in that because I dont live in US)

If budget is loose, go for a cheap notebook(250$ on ebay), GPS mouse($50) and a VGA screen($400 for 7" though u can assemble from other sources for $300) and a BASIC STAMP(to switch off the notebook so that it doesnt kill the battery). SW is usually free.

Besides this, you will get MP3 player etc(use $20 FM transmitter) and of course since it will be PC, your imagination can do anything. You can even put a reverse video camera!!

BUT, it wont be easy. If you are those who need everything the way that they want - this is the soln.

I am ready to share the experiences of my first generation(non fixed notebook with Lowrance)(though my GPS got stolen at the AUDI service-they said sorry).

kalex

DJ2.7t and Bdhugo,

I didn't get a chance to take pictures yet. Nav consists of two parts

AVIC-9DVD
AWD-6010 Screen

I got them both from ebay for $1350 shipped and i paid $300 for installation. which comes out to me almost a $1k less than avalonmotorsports. I'll take pictures later tonight and post them here. Overall i'm very happy and installation was done very clean. nothing is sticking out or out of place. i had a chance to see Euro Nav at avalon and wasn't impressed except for the fact that it intergrates into the car. AM band problem as well as loss of my steering wheel controls as well as high price pushed me away from it and towards the Pioneer setup. its also cool to watch movies when i'm waiting for someone or on long drives.

Nitin

I remeber 9khz and 10khz steps. You americans have non standard steps of 10khz. All world uses 9khz.
Do you listen to AM?
i havent for last 4-5 years.
The 9-10khz is a very small issue and can be modified(if not programmed) for less than 50$ labor

Finman

go to Avalon...real friendly, real professional...I'm sure they back up their work really well too if you have a problem...I don't know how old or experienced they are but they seem like punk kids who thought it would be a cool idea to start selling auto parts for nice cars...they've missed the idea of politeness and professionalism.

RickS

far far superior to the POS in our '02 745i

MJ-bos

<center><img src="http://www.destinator1.com/images/iPAQondashboard.jpg"></center><p>
I hate Audi's built-in N.American "nav" -- where's the map, where are the points of interest?

The Euro-version is wonderful, but trying to get it here in the states is $$.

I opted for a compromise ... I use my handheld (Compaq iPAQ) with a GPS add-on and an excellent software package called Destinator.

What this gives me:

- Navtech (same as Acura/Lexus/etc.) maps - in color, with street names... automatically zooming &amp; rotating as you drive

- "Points of Interest" - gas stations, restaurants, airports, hotels, ATM, etc... enter zip code or city, pick what you want to go to, click "Navagate"

- Voice directionals when navagating

It's a great solution, and since I went with a Navman sleeve (slip-on expansion for Compaq), it's extremely portable and I take it with me when I travel (like Hertz's EverLost, without the $14/day charge).

A complete "solution" is...

1. iPAQ (as low as $315 for a 3760... make sure it has 64Mb, 3600 and higher-- new 3900 is expensive but the screen is knock-your-socks off bright)

http://www2.compu-america.com/prodLG.jsp?fap=pricescan&amp;prodId=ec8b08ab38.1

2. GPS (I like Destinator the best, but you can get more info on various GPS at
http://www.pocketpcpassion.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&amp;forumid=39

Destinator link: http://www.destinator1.com/products.emb?id=

3. Mounting bracket

Personal taste and risk- AC vent mounts are OK, other more permanent ones are better (imho). Destinator site has a few in the "accessories" part of their store.


All together, it cost me about $700... and as an added bonus I get a pocket-PC that is quite cool on it's own.

Good luck-
mj

PS: the pix is obviously not mine - it's from Destinator's site but you get the general idea. It's also nice to remind us of how ugly other car interiors can be!

zaremski

How easily does the unit fit in your glove box?