Check my thread for the Kenwood in-dash and Pioneer Avic-N1.

Kenwood thread

Pioneer Avic-N1

 

i've been a long time Escort/Passport user, but just got the V1 and love it. yes it detects laser as well as the new POP mode on the radars.

 

Thanks for the info fellas.

V1 it is.

Any one else on the GPS stuff?

 

i almost bought the AVIC - N1 off of some on the board, but bought wheels and new DP instead.

so for indash, i like the AVIC-N1
for standalone/handheld, the Streetpilots are nice, but haven't looked at these types of GPS' in a while.

 

GPS, when using a handheld device is not as accurate as a Vehicle mounted item. Reason being that the handheld device uses direct line of sight, and calibrates itself periodically to re-position itself, as it uses an internal gyro. Vehicle mounted items such as the Kenwood, Pioneer, are not only doing the above, but also connect to the vehicle speed sensor, meaning that if you slowly accelerate or deccelerate, at a rate that will not be detected by the gyro, such as when coasting, you will still get an accurate reading. Handheld devices are also usually less capable of storing information, meaning fewer options, locations, POI's and routes and such. Their benefit is cost, and ease of installation.

 

Seriously consider the new Escort Passport 8500 X50. It is awesome. It now picks up POP and supposedly gives alot less false hits then the V1. Also, the Passport have a voltage meter that can be displayed all the time so you can monitor it. Its like getting a free gauge along with it.

I got the blue one but I know that there is a red one available for about 30 bucks less. I have never used a V1 and they seem to be just as good but I have never had a problem with Escort so I will continue to buy they're products.

 

Garmin

Garmin makes some of the best GPS units on the market. My father just got a 2620 StreetFinder. Color touch screen, full US Map loaded into internal hard drive, responds to voice commands - it has the best GPS interface of anything I've ever used. Around 1000-1300 depending on where you buy it.
It's not as slick as the headunit replacements, but it works very well and he is able to transfer it from one car to another, and takes it with him when he travels and rents a car. Throw it in the glovebox when you are done, and theives won't know you have good stuff to steal
The Magellan RoadMate is another good product, but I don't like the mounts it comes with and find the interface is only 80% as good as the one on the Garmin.
If you do want to go with the in-dash units, I'm partial to the pioneer AVIC-N1. TONS of features for the $$$. I have no experience with the Kenwood.

 

i got a v1 but i've never detected a cop (so far)


i've passed alot, is my radar suppose to go off when just driving by them (they're also driving...)?

 

i got a v1 but i've never detected a cop (so far)


i've passed alot, is my radar suppose to go off when just driving by them (they're also driving...)?

uh, no.

it's a RADAR detector, not a COP detector. so if unless they have their radar on, you won't get any signals.

 

on the subject of the avcn-1 pioneer unit i would suggest not to buy it. My rfriend has that particular unit in his 2004 ford f-150 and in my opinion it is terrible. The navi on it is so inaccurate even when drving on clear, open roads. For a good unit i would go witht e alpine. The alpine in known for the quickest speed, but differs from the avcn-1 only in graphics. So if u can trade inaccuaracy for some graphics get the avcn-1. but if u want the quickest navi unit i would say get the alpine.

 

so i am interested in a valentine1 but i cant find it cheaper than $600 any good site to buy from?

 

so i am interested in a valentine1 but i cant find it cheaper than $600 any good site to buy from?

the only place to buy a NEW V1 is from them at www.valentine1.com $400

 

the only place to buy a NEW V1 is from them at www.valentine1.com $400

no point in going anywhere else!