NAV/computer system
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NAV/computer system
Hello all....I'm looking to add a navigation unit with integrated touch screen that can play DVD's/CD's and navigate on the move. I would like it to also be satellite radio ready.
Also, is there a computer like unit w/CD drive & hard drive for holding music similar to a desk top unit w/JukeBox? It would be nice to have for accessing music.
I do not care if it has a radio as I am looking to hook it up as an aux. to my Nakamichi MB100. Mainly I am looking for a display unit to hook the "computer" up to and manage my Sat, Nav and music CD's.
I am wanting the screen to pop into the dash when not in use as I am trying to not clutter the truck all up....in other words, I am looking for a little stealth.
Any suggestions on what to look for? Does something like this exist?
Thanks in advance.
Also, is there a computer like unit w/CD drive & hard drive for holding music similar to a desk top unit w/JukeBox? It would be nice to have for accessing music.
I do not care if it has a radio as I am looking to hook it up as an aux. to my Nakamichi MB100. Mainly I am looking for a display unit to hook the "computer" up to and manage my Sat, Nav and music CD's.
I am wanting the screen to pop into the dash when not in use as I am trying to not clutter the truck all up....in other words, I am looking for a little stealth.
Any suggestions on what to look for? Does something like this exist?
Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Independence, Missouri
Xenarc is a nice place to start. www.xenarc.com Last year I was setup to sell Xenarc but have yet to move any of their product. They have pretty much everything you are looking for. I have lately been receiving quite a few questions from people about the mobile computing systems due to the fact that Ford is slow with releasing the Mobile Office. I have just this weekend put in a request for an intelligent sales guy to contact me. Last time I requested more information for thier product they just sent me more literature and brochures of thier product. No detailed information.
As for the touch screen they have a few touch screen monitors even one that folds out of the dash.
For mobile PC units they offer quite a few
For software they offer the I-Mobile system
As for the touch screen they have a few touch screen monitors even one that folds out of the dash.
For mobile PC units they offer quite a few
For software they offer the I-Mobile system
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They make good stuff. I have used several Xenarc screens without a problem. A little pricey.
Another option you should consider is the Clarion NICE. It does everything you listed in your initial post, except for sliding out of the dash. It is a fixed monitor. The upside is that it can be moved from vehicle to vehicle in just a couple minutes. Also, depending on your vehicle, you could come up with a permanent mount that flush mounts it into the dash or console for just a couple hundred dollars.
The Xenarc solution is good, but you would probably have to remove the factory radio to make room for it.
Another option you should consider is the Clarion NICE. It does everything you listed in your initial post, except for sliding out of the dash. It is a fixed monitor. The upside is that it can be moved from vehicle to vehicle in just a couple minutes. Also, depending on your vehicle, you could come up with a permanent mount that flush mounts it into the dash or console for just a couple hundred dollars.
The Xenarc solution is good, but you would probably have to remove the factory radio to make room for it.
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I am replacing the factory unit with a Nakamichi MB100 single DIN, and want to put the monitor unit in the remaining DIN opening.
I am then planing on relocating the A/C controls to an overhead console unit from an Excursion and putting the computer CD drive/hard drive in that opening.
I am then planing on relocating the A/C controls to an overhead console unit from an Excursion and putting the computer CD drive/hard drive in that opening.
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Originally Posted by beemr
I am replacing the factory unit with a Nakamichi MB100 single DIN, and want to put the monitor unit in the remaining DIN opening.
I am then planing on relocating the A/C controls to an overhead console unit from an Excursion and putting the computer CD drive/hard drive in that opening.
I am then planing on relocating the A/C controls to an overhead console unit from an Excursion and putting the computer CD drive/hard drive in that opening.
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Unless you want to do email and will pay to have the mobile internet connection, I think you would be better off with a Clarion NICE than a computer. It does everything you requested and you can have it flush mounted for a VERY sweet look. I had a monitor flush mounted into my Avalanche and the labor was only $250 and I did not even have it done locally. A shop on the east coast did it and shipped it to me.
I have had computers installed in my last three vehicles. All custom done with Nav, EMail, Internet, etc. They just did not get used as much as the Clarion, Alpine or Pioneer did.
IMHO
I have had computers installed in my last three vehicles. All custom done with Nav, EMail, Internet, etc. They just did not get used as much as the Clarion, Alpine or Pioneer did.
IMHO
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The Clarion seems to fit the bill except for a few areas:
1) When mounted in the dash, it is alway seen--theft alert
2) The advantage of a unit that slides into the dash is that when open, the screen is about 6" higher-better viewing for other passengers
3) No DVD player
1) When mounted in the dash, it is alway seen--theft alert
2) The advantage of a unit that slides into the dash is that when open, the screen is about 6" higher-better viewing for other passengers
3) No DVD player
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I am basically wanting the computer w/built in CD/DVD slot for watching movies & holding the Nav software and music Jukebox.
The Xenarc computer, Xenarc monitor & Imobile software would do everything I want (plus) and at a cost of about $ 1,250.00. The Clarion NICE is $ 1,300 plus you still need a DVD player.
The Xenarc computer, Xenarc monitor & Imobile software would do everything I want (plus) and at a cost of about $ 1,250.00. The Clarion NICE is $ 1,300 plus you still need a DVD player.
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From: Independence, Missouri
They emailed my pricing today and tomarrow their top tech is supposed to call me to give me more in-depth info on certain units.
I myself am interrested because I want a system that will hold all my install data and print invoices and such while I'm on the dealer lot or performing an onsite resedential install for a customer.
I myself am interrested because I want a system that will hold all my install data and print invoices and such while I'm on the dealer lot or performing an onsite resedential install for a customer.
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True about needing the DVD Player. But, they only cost about $50 and fit in most glove compartments.
Not so true about viewing angle. I don't know your truck, but most vehicles I have installed in-dash monitors in, are angled ever so slightly to the drivers view. That makes viewing worse for passenger, unless you are talking back seat. Also, higher up can have more sun glare than lower down.
I am sure you will be happy with whatever you put together. I have just found that many people are disapointed when putting a PC in the vehicle. It is not as easy to use or as fast to navigate as an integrated system. Plus, it has Windows, so you get those issues as well.
What I like about the Clarion and other systems is how easy they are to flush mount. Sure, they are always visible, but they do not look easy to just grab, because of the permanent mount. Besides, any real thief knows what a slide in monitor looks like, even when it is slid in.
Not trying to convince you, just playing devils advocate.
Not so true about viewing angle. I don't know your truck, but most vehicles I have installed in-dash monitors in, are angled ever so slightly to the drivers view. That makes viewing worse for passenger, unless you are talking back seat. Also, higher up can have more sun glare than lower down.
I am sure you will be happy with whatever you put together. I have just found that many people are disapointed when putting a PC in the vehicle. It is not as easy to use or as fast to navigate as an integrated system. Plus, it has Windows, so you get those issues as well.
What I like about the Clarion and other systems is how easy they are to flush mount. Sure, they are always visible, but they do not look easy to just grab, because of the permanent mount. Besides, any real thief knows what a slide in monitor looks like, even when it is slid in.
Not trying to convince you, just playing devils advocate.
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