Agreed.

But a navigation device doesn’t need this level of device since it’s not “mission critical.” For a navigation device you have a digital map and application software. If all that is lost, no problem since you can do a simple reinstall without losing any critical data (except maybe the user’s POI‘s).

That means you can use a simple memory chip (I guess we are calling this a flash drive for purposes of this thread). In this case, an 8 gigabyte chip costs less than $100 US at the current manufacturer’s level, and much less for 4 gigs (and 4 gigs is more than enough for a navigation product).

--Spike

 

It definitely sounds like a real simple to do task and I'm not an electrical or anything, but my guess would be that electrical interference from other components could cause problems. Moving forward, I'm sure we will see more of these flash based navi systems available, but as you mentioned early, it could probably just be market timing. I, for one, would love to have a flash based navi system.

 

Re> ...but my guess would be that electrical interference from other components could cause problems..."

Not to worry about this. In fact these devices use low voltage and are very safe from electical interference.

--Spike

 

This is a very good question. I wondered myself when I first started looking at after market navigation systems. Especially odd since hand held units are flash based and integrating these units into a head unit shouldn't be that difficult.

I'm thinking because right now with the competition there is no company really doing this in the after market so no real push for them to do this. Their current manufacturing / software processes can be easily reused saving them money.

Plus large amounts of flash memory are still somewhat expensive. They might be waiting so they can store all maps on the unit itself. This will solve the problem of people needing the DVDs handy to change them out. If not then you will still have to use DVD's or SD cards to load new maps. This is probably one of the biggest gripes by users of the systems not so much speed / noise and least of all power consumption. Speed is def a major concern to people but as long as the system is working at an acceptable speed and telling people to make the turn at the right time and recalculating routes fast enough most will not complain.

** Just noticed the Kenwood DDX7019 does not come with navigation. It has a Solid State add on for navigation, **

I'd like to see if any companies look into adding 802.16e (WiMAX) into some headunits basically opening the door for many more features especially with navigation. This is all dependent of pricing and availability of these services obviously

 

Hmmm...anyone know anything more about this unit? I would like to find some more info... i.e. release date, etc.

 

^^ It does appear to be a quality DD device with a very attractive price. Looks as though it has a 6.5” LCD touch-screen as well as some manual controls. The “flash drive” (ROM/RAM chips connected to a device bus if you prefer) for navigation along with a traditional DVD/CD drive for A/V entertainment makes it even better.

I’ll bet this becomes a very popular unit. Thanks to THEDUKE for the preview.

--Spike

 

Release date will be end of February start of March. There will also be the same unit without the built in Navigation for $600.00 retail.

 

Are you guys talking about the Kenwood DNX8120 ? I was just researching it online and it looks fantastic. I also like the fact that the bluetooth will be built into the unit itself.

 

It's not the DNX8120... anyone know what the model # is?

 

Model number is DNX5120. There will also be a replacement for the popular DNX7100 which is going to be DNX7120 and there will be an Excelon version with navigation built in this year DNX8120. The DNX8120 will also have built in Bluetooth. All these units use a flash drive navigation sytem.

 

I plan on keeping my $1400 investment. The DVD is a simple up grade/up date. The model I have is able to store the local area in RAM even if the DVD is out. I have pulled the DVD out a few times in the last three years - once for the update and a couple of times to change my menu backgrounds. I've got a 6-CD player in the map pocket for music along with a couple of iPods.

Three years ago when I bought my DVD based GPS they were $1000 cheaper than the couple of hard drive bases ones. No way worth the extra cost.

Since I moved out of my mom's house I've got a 61" HD screen and real speakers in a real viewing room to watch movies so I don't watch them in the car.

 

^^ …I may be missing the point here. Certainly if you have a navigation device that is working satisfactorily, there is no reason to swap out for anything newer.

But, it you’re making an initial purchase or experiencing dissatisfaction with your current device, why not go with the most advanced technology (which is not DVD or HDD)?

--Spike

 

I was looking to buy my nav system this spring. Because of this thread, the DNX8120 has moved up to the top of my wish list. Any word on voice recognition being included?

 

The only popular navigation device I know of that supports voice commands is the Alpine NVE-N872A



This is a very feature-rich device that does just about everything, including voice recognition that you can use to operate the device using voice commands. That sounds very cool, but there are some problems. It’s DVD-based, and hence sometimes slow loading application software and data. Like any voice recognition device, it suffers from “misunderstanding” a command and then asks you to repeat your command. That becomes very annoying, especially when it repeatedly requests the last command, or even worse, mistakes the voice command and does something entirely wrong.

Consider the fact that the Z is not a quiet car (love that great exhaust sound). But, that means voice recognition may be compromised when you press down hard on the accelerator and hear the roar (that unfortunately your voice guidance hears as well and maybe becomes confused). Of course, in a roadster (Z convertible), it gets even worse if useable at all.

The great thing about Kenwood navigation devices is the superior application software (from Gamin) that sets your route (and does things like auto-zoom for best viewing), anticipates route changes (when you need to do this) and quickly creates a new “re-route.” Once you set the route, you rarely need to do anything more except follow the devices directions.

--Spike

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the Pioneer AVIC-Z2 had voice recognition. Even if it does though, I don't like the trade off. The DNX8120 I believe is still the better deal, especially if the price is as mentioned above.

 

Any update/news on this model??
Im looking for a piece -- I was thinking of the Avic-D3 for its price/simplicity, but I do like the ROM feature. But do not like some other parts of the Kenwood's. This piece looks perfect!!! ETA?

 

You are correct. The Pioneer AVIC-Z2 does have voice recognition.

--Spike

 

^^ I would also mention that attempting to use voice commands to control any device in the Z's noisy interior is probably "an exercise in frustration."

--Spike

 

^^ That's another reason I'll be getting the DNX8120.

Thanks for all the posts you have been putting up recently Spike. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has benefitted from them.