I bought this unit when it first came out, so I paid more than the current price of ~$250. While I would still buy it at the higher price if I had it to do over again, the ~$250 price is a steal if you want to get both a decent head unit AND integrated bluetooth.

Some other reviewers seem unhappy with the performance, I can’t agree with them. While I haven’t done an extensive amount of music listening via bluetooth, I use the speakerphone option every single day. It never disappoints. I have never had any problems with echo and every one I talk to claims they can hear me perfectly well.

I have tried dozens of in-car phone solutions, from plug-into-the-phone headsets, bluetooth headsets, cigarette-lighter speakerphone contraptions- I’ve tried them all, twice. I am so happy with the phone capabilities that I will almost definitely pull this head unit and transfer it to my next vehicle.

On the downside, I can confirm that the glare issue exists. During daytime driving the polished, convex surface of the faceplate catches wicked glare. The glare does NOT blind me or in any way hinder my driving, it just makes it difficult to read the display on low brightness settings. When set to maximum brightness, it seems to do alright so I don’t consider it to be all that much of a hassle.

The joystick control makes menu navigation very easy, but it can be a pain when you hit a bump while trying to adjust volume. I therefore stick to the remote for volume and only use the joystick for menu nav.

The device is pretty intuitive and easy to use. Pairing to my phones was simple and straightforward. Another reviewer remarked that the bluetooth has trouble with newer phones, but I recently switched from an old HP iPaq 6315 to a Blackberry Curve 8320 and had no trouble whatsoever. With ANY bluetooth solution I would still agree that you should check compatibility lists before buying. That has less to do with this head unit and more to do with Bluetooth’s inherent flaws.

All in all, I have to say I love this unit and would absolutely recommend it. In fact, I’m thinking about giving one as a gift this holiday season!

Rating: 5 / 5

Rating: 3 / 5

My new Sony w850i Walkman Phone paired with this beautiful head unit within seconds. It pairs with the unit every time I start up my vehicle. The quality of the sound (streaming mp3 music) from my phone to the head unit is unsurpassed…even better than the XM tuner and that is saying a lot.

The hands free phone system works like a charm without any echo and there is noise canceling available. You can upload up to 50 contacts and dial from presets on the head unit.

I can even watch and listen to a movie over the system in my truck and it sounds as good as my Porsche.

If you want a great tool, toy or whatever….spend the dough and get this great sounding head unit. I’ll be glad you did.

Warren

Rating: 5 / 5

Rating: 5 / 5

Rating: 4 / 5