Wish I had not ordered factory nav. (kinda)

That is one reason that I choose not to get the Nav. I assumed that someone would be coming out with something better soon. Can you tell me the model number for the Pioneer unit?

Not sure about the DVD...

Several people have pointed out in prior posts that it's against the law in most areas to have a DVD (other than for Nav purposes) on a video unit that is visible to the driver. Obviously, a safety concern.

I've never actually done any research on the legality so can't speak from experience , but it's just common sense that you wouldn't want the driver distracted. I seen enough close calls with people on cell phones who have their eyes on the road. Personnally, I wouldn't want that feature.

That said, I do wish the maps were more up to day and consistent, and voice command would be great.

Pioneer DVD Model Number

It is the Pioneer AVIC-9DVD. You can view full details at:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/CarProducts/CarProductDetails/0,1429,2248,00.html

rvehock said:

That is one reason that I choose not to get the Nav. I assumed that someone would be coming out with something better soon. Can you tell me the model number for the Pioneer unit?

Click to expand...

Is it really only $1,200 (parts only) for a complete Nav system -- nav unit and monitor?

The Pioneer web site lists just the nav unit/player as $2,400 MSRP. It does not include a display.

Granted that you can buy it heavily discounted (I saw some sites that claim you can have it for about $1,400), but it seems like the total package price will cost some money.

Though obviously there are some nice features in it, looks like a nice unit. A setup price might be cheaper than a separate nav and entertainment system, though having the monitor in the front might complicate things for shorter outboard rear passengers.

where to mount screen?

Sounds like a nice unit.

Where would one mount a screen so the nav function is available to the driver? Also, how well would the nav function work without a screen? Seems a bit awkward...

Has anyone done this?

2002 GG Touring

ghotie -- AMEN! It would be a BIG safety concern to have video play visible to the driver, unless it was locked out so that it would only work in "Park" with the parking brake on. I get distracted enough just changing CDs or tapes!

BTW, is the pronunciation of "ghotie" a single syllable?

Probably the best way to go with an aftermarket navi system such as pioneer would be to install a DIN sized head unit with a retractable monitor. There are several models ranging up to 7" screens. The cost is around $800...so by the time you've installed the aftermarket system, you're right around the $2K mark in electronics (assuming you find the Pioneer unit for $1200) with probably another $300-500 in installation expense. Unfortunately, there are no aftermarket installation kits available for the MDX. This makes any aftermarket stereo installation (or retractible monitor installation) custom work which can be very expensive and not always satisfying result. If you want navi and don't plan on upgrading the stereo substantially, I'd go with the stock Navi unit.

Dated DVD for MDX

I suspect that Acura could obtain a "more up to date DVD" for the Acura Nav system IF THEY WANTED TO. Therefore, maybe the right to do is for some of us [lots of us] to B&C to Acura for updated media [heck, I don't abandon computers when Microsoft releases new software, I simply install the new software].

I just looked at the Pioneer AVIC-9DVD and after owning both a Acura/Honda (made by Alpine) and Lexus Denso navigation systems, I'd have to say I'm sticking with my Honda/Acura system. The primary reason is the number of Points Of Interest (POI) locations on the Alpine systems is millions more, you need to find places by store names not only by address. Systems by Pioneer, Kenwood and Denso don't have large POI databases and it's very frustrating. Sure newer 2002 maps are nice and 3d interfaces and speech recognition fantastic, but I'd rather have more POI names.

Re: Dated DVD for MDX

srpbep said:

I suspect that Acura could obtain a "more up to date DVD" for the Acura Nav system IF THEY WANTED TO. Therefore, maybe the right to do is for some of us [lots of us] to B&C to Acura for updated media [heck, I don't abandon computers when Microsoft releases new software, I simply install the new software].

Click to expand...

I thought map updates were available for about $150???

Can't say I would be too enthused about either trashing the trip computer or putting an additional screen on the dash. From what Bill pointed out, the Pioneer system would not likely to be that much cheaper installed so why bother. The voice activation would be nice but to me the integration with the trip computer and HVAC is worth more. Updates are $150 so that negates the currency issue. However, the final forum authority on navigation systems in my mind is vicpai. If he gives it a thumbs up then others should give it serious consideration. But for me, I am quite happy with the Alpine/Acura system.

Map Updates

The cost listed above, $150 per disk, is consistent with information that I have received from Acura. Acura indicated that updated disks are introduced annually in the 4th quarter.

I have accepted the information provided by mbidwell [original posting] that Acura's media is somewhat dated = "1997 on the Alpine on the MDX" [don't know if mbidwell has a 2001 or 2002, so don't know if media is 4 years or 5 years behind current information]. Why the Acura content lags so far behind is certainly a valid question [some lag must be expected].