A dash mounted GPS adds value to a car and gives it a nice smooth factory look. No cords, no worrying about battery charging, and no obstruction of your front windshield. This Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS System integrates all of the convenience of a mobile GPS with the entertainment value of adding a DVD player. This Pioneer boasts a 6.1″ screen which also offers a considerably larger viewing area then most portable units. With all these offerings can you go wrong with the Pioneer? Well I’ll let you know who should buy it and who should pass this one up. Let’s get started with the basics.
The hardware:
6.1 Touch screen operating at a resolution of 1,440 x 234
Sharp glare free screen
You can change the color of the entry panel
5 custom viewing options
Adjustable picture (think about things like contrast etc. for night time driving)
Bluetooth enabled
At about $1000 you want to make sure that you’re getting a piece of equipment that will be worth the investment. The first disappointment with the Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS System is with the DVD player. The screen resolution is quite low. You get about one half the quality of a standard digital television on this player. So if the DVD player is the primary reason you’re interested in this piece of equipment than I would consider something else.
The second thing is that is a little bit of a hassle compared to the mobile GPS systems is the DVD-ROM format that the maps are in. The portables have the maps preloaded and they’re easily upgradeable. When the maps are in this DVD format you can expect to pay a pretty penny for the newest editions of your maps. On the plus side of that the maps can often be found at your standard electronics retailer. Another nice feature about the DVD-ROM maps on the Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS System is that you have many more points of interest than in the typical mobile GPS unit. We’re talking millions more, that means more ATM’s, Gas stations, banks etc. So it’s a sliding scale of checks and balances, if the points of interests are of great importance to you than it’s something to consider.
The last feature is the enabled Bluetooth. It is a nice feature but it is common on other units. Its going to allow you to use your cell phone right there with the touch screen. You’ll be able hear your caller through your car speakers and talk using a built in microphone in the unit.
I would consider this unit if maintaining a stock look is important to you. Like I mentioned the DVD player is a nice bonus to the GPS unit but it is foremost a GPS unit. The Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS System doesn’t really bring much to the table you wouldn’t typically find in a nice portable unit for half the price so for over $1000 I would pass.
