I wanna add a Navigation system to my 350z. Should I get a standard Navigation system or should i go for a LCD monitor and computer? Which navigation system do you recommend? Or which LCD/Computer combo do you recommend and where is the best place to get it? Thanks

 

https://my350z.com/forum/audio-video-and-electronics-diy-461/

https://my350z.com/forum/search.php

 

Those links dont' seem to answer anything...I'll take a stab at this for you. It is kind of hard at times to get fresh opinions out of people in 2 year old posts. I don't think I've ever seen this question asked, maybe a sticky should be made if someone can give up some good answers.

I'd say go with a regular navigation/dvd screen combo. Some units go for around $1,500 I think and look pretty cool when installed. I really think that the Garmin Street Pilot C330 is an amazing unit and can be moved from car to car and hid easily. It is updatable via usb and works great.

 

For about the same price as a navigation/dvd combo unit you can build a car pc. The downside is it is a more complicated install. However, with a car pc your options are pretty much limitless. You can have your entire music collection loaded on it. You can get a GPS program and reciever for about $200. Also it is always upgradeable allowing you to add things in the future if you want. I am in the process of building my car computer right now. check out www.mp3car.com for more information about car pc's.

 

The thing I don't like about car computers is that you have to install a lot of equipment and it seems like it would be a pain to turn on and use. I am usually in my car for brief periods and wouldn't want to spend a few minutes each time to boot up a computer.

 

I am currently running a carpc in my Z and would hate to go back to a lesser system. It does not take even a minute to boot and start working, usually by the time I am backing out of the driveway.

My whole system cost under 1k and does quite a bit more than any over the counter system.

There are few prebuilt carPCs out there so you either have to fork over lots of cash (too much in my opinion) or build it yourself. mp3car.com does have all the info you need, you just have to be willing to look for it. Keep in mind that even if you get a prebuilt, you probably still wont leave it alone, to me it is the ultimate mod because there are always things you can do to it. For instance, I was waiting for my boss at the airport, I just pulled out my keyboard and started working on adding some functionality for MAME so I can use my Joystick to drop quarters and select players.

Power switching is handled by a special automotive DC/DC power supply so there is no need to turn it on an off, it does this on its own.

Anyway, if you are not really comfortable messing with computers I would recommend going with a nice nav system. It may be limited but probably less frustrating.

Chris

 

I installed a Pioneer AVEC-Z1 with XM Navtraffic, Ipod adapter and Bluetooth. The Z1 is an awesome system and everything works perfectly, I've never had a gps nav system in a car before as I figured I can navigate well enough but this thing is good. The sound output is way better than the bose that I had. I'd considered building a car PC but I can't see one working better than a dedicated unit.