Looking for an in car iPod/iPhone Bluetooth & media solution/headunit...

[ShaneXman]

Well, I am in the market for an iPod/iPhone capable media solution for my smart car that has superb bluetooth calling integrated. It all started when I started when I realized I was fed up with an in-ear bluetooth headset, and that I wanted a built-in/integrated solution to go through the car's speakers. From there, I came to the realization that I want a true iPod/iPhone media solution and not a simple auxiliary port. I don't really need a CD/DVD player, so a purely digital solution will do. However, it would be cool if the head unit could play the videos from my iPhone, but isn't a deal breaker.

I thought I struck gold when I discovered the Parrot RK8200 Bluetooth digital car stereo and hands-free kit, but then I found out that it was recalled/discontinued before it even had a chance to hit the market due to some design/functionality flaws. There site now says "September 2008", so maybe they are making some changes to relaunch a new and improved product.

Link: Parrot RK8200 - A complete, integrated Bluetooth car stereo

Next up was the Alpine IVA-W505 2 DIN Mobile Multimedia Station, but this unit is A) too expensive, and B) possesses a proprietary navigation doc (which I have no intention of using because Garmin makes FAR superior products).

Link: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - IVA-W505

It's starting to look like the Alpine iDA-X001 iDA-X001 Digital Media Receiver may be my best bet, even though you have to add the Alpine Bluetooth adapter (KCE-300BT)...which puts it on the pricier side.

Link: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - iDA-X001

What do you all think? Do any of you have experience with any of these products?

Are there any products I should take a gander at? Any and ALL input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[ck_az]

I am happy with my Kenwood DDX-512. There are some Youtube videos showing it control the ipod. I have not installed the Bluetooth option yet. iPod features work without any additional accessories.

[buellwinkle]

I'm happy with my Parrot CK3000 (bluetooth only) and the price is right at under $100 and 10 minutes to install. I use the AUX jack for the iPod.

[cubefx]

I will highly recommend Pioneer FH-P8000BT as head unit.
I got one from Amazon for $250 shipped and no tax.
I did not want NAV or DVD unit because I already have top end GARMIN GPS and I drive this car mostly alone and do not need DVD playback feature.



Price/features that headunit is hard to beat.

1. Seamless integration of hand free calling thru built in Bluetooth, also you can transfer your phone address book contacts, so you will see who is calling you and make calls FROM your Headunit without even touching your phone. I have it installed in my car for almost 4 month and It is working perfectly with my old Treo650.
Bluetooth can be also used to stream music from your BT enabled phones or MP3 players.

2. Full Ipod controls. My 80Gb Classic is in my glovebox all the time. I can control EVERYTHING directly from Headunit. Pioneer is using USB port for controls so it also charging Ipod.
If you do not have Ipod you can connect USB thumb drive or even external portable hard drive (you can get one pretty cheap) and listen to all your MP3s.

3. Very few buttons, so it is very easy to navigate.

4. Of course it have all the basic features as CD, AM/FM, EQ, etc.

You can also add XM, Sirius, HD Radio.



CUBE

[bjchism1]

I have to agree with cube. unless you need dvd/nav this is the most affordable, best sounding unit that will come with BT and ipod direct. Also pioneer make great durable head units and i've never had a problem with the three i've owned. i got mine from etronics.com for $255

(mind you bluetooth alone costs around $200 to add on the units that are "bluetooth ready")

[curtis]

I ordered mine direct from China and it's loaded to the brim with features like i pod in, SD slot, USB input, DVD, DIVX, AVI, CD, MP4, mp3 playback, 6.2" in dash LCD display, Bluetooth, It also has inputs for additional AV devices, rear camera display and TV tuner but i didn't connect it since it's not a digital tuner. I paid $215 for it.

[ShaneXman]

Great recommendations, although I haven't found EXACTLY what I am looking for just yet.

A few other options I have looked at...

Pioneer DEH-P7000BT: Pioneer USA - DIN

Kenwood KDC-BT838U: Kenwood - KDC-BT838U

[tsutaoka]

Originally Posted by ShaneXman

I thought I struck gold when I discovered the Parrot RK8200 Bluetooth digital car stereo and hands-free kit, but then I found out that it was recalled/discontinued before it even had a chance to hit the market due to some design/functionality flaws. There site now says "September 2008", so maybe they are making some changes to relaunch a new and improved product.

Link: Parrot RK8200 - A complete, integrated Bluetooth car stereo

The Parrot RK8200 sounds sweet. Its almost September. Are you waiting ShaneXman or did you pull the trigger on something else?

[ShaneXman]

Originally Posted by tsutaoka

The Parrot RK8200 sounds sweet. Its almost September. Are you waiting ShaneXman or did you pull the trigger on something else?

I'm waiting...

Parrot actually already released it in the UK, at which point there realized there was a firmware and slight design flaw....it has since been recalled and Parrot is working hard to fix the issues made apparent to them. This unit has been delayed nearly 6 months (if not more), and I don't have an issue waiting since I'm not on a time crunch. This unit serves EVERY purpose I need, and it definitely packs in a lot of features for the money. If I end up getting it, I will report back.

[tsutaoka]

cool...ShaneXman. I'm in no hurry either so I look foward hearing some feedback.