I started this process thinking I'd get a Garmin 650 or the like and mount it in the cubby (there's a thread on this). Simple, straightforward, affordable.

But reading thru a lot of other threads on Nav solutions, I gravitated toward a more elaborate solution: the Kenwood DNX7100.

Long story short, I went w/ the Kenwood and am VERY happy I did.

I bought the unit from cartronixplus for $925, incl an iPod adapter and shipping. Some risk, as others have mentioned, since you don't have the factory warranty. But a savings of $400 over some other vendors clinched it. As it turned out, they were great to deal with, and the unit arrived as promised.

For the install, I went to Street Sound Plus in the L.A. area, per the suggestion of someone on this board. Price: $200, incl whatever harness and mounting adapters were required for the 350Z. No fuss installation and they set up the nav and took time to walk me thru the system's features. Plan to go back to them for a speaker upgrade in the near future. Highly recommended for those who don't feel qualified to do installs themselves.

The system looks great and works flawlessly. My only criticism is the menus/command organization. It's pretty badly designed, making it a PITA to access some functions. But I'll figure it out in time.

Special thanks to Spike. His info and recommendations in a number of separate threads got me pointed in the right direction. Much appreciated since I'm not real savvy with CE and this is my first nav system.