So Pioneer just released the Avic Z3 into the world... which surprisingly enough has absolutely ZERO hardware changes, except a small 3 printed where the 2 used to be... the only change is some updated maps (probably STILL crappy) and thats ABOUT it..

so that means the only difference between a Z1 for 1100 bucks and a Z3 for 1800+ besides the release date, is a map upgrade.. and maybe some other insignificant software changes.. and you can upgrade it with a disc you buy from pioneer for 250 bucks (at least thats what the Z1 to Z2 upgrade disc cost)

am I the only one having trouble understanding this?

Well I heard on Avic411.com that they spent all their actual brainpower developing the new F series.. which will be coming out in June or July



it has a smaller screen than even the d3 BUT Supposed to have Flash based nav memory, no HD like the Z series, better speech software than microsoft sync, have built in bluetooth, connection for USB devices and memory sticks a SD slot. and do things like play DivX movies.. and on top of all that the most expensive version will only be 1200 MSRP

most if this info i got http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9926207-1.html

and the tiny fact that is going to make me switch is that the most expensive verion of that will have high voltage pre outs - I am SICK of having 2.2v pre outs on my Z2.. yeah i know I could put a line driver or something on there to boost that but why should i have to?!


Anyways for those thinking about getting a 2 din corksport or something similar.. just something to think about. I will definetly be switching as soon as i can get my grubby little paws on one..

 

The Units will release on June 08....i think I may hold off on my unit and get one of these when they come in.
Link: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...+AVIC-F+Series

Enjoy!

UPDATE: heres a link to a site with a video demonstration....kind of
http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messag...81/474822.html

 

Sweet!!

 

Thanks, I think I might of found my new head unit

 

meh, pass

 

Hey Wikked- what's your take on the current Pioneer lineup now that the F series is on the street? The upcoming Metra $195 double-DIN dash kit has me thinking. I've seen some folks on the AVIC411 forum giving love to the Kenwood and Eclipse models, particularly with some of the reported issues with the F series. Perhaps they're hard to compare though given the price differentials.

 

pass

 

honestly, I haven't seen an F series in person yet. and I also haven't been keeping up on the Avic411 forum either.. but I am counting the days till I can afford one. Just from looking at the pictures posted on pioneerelectronics.com I can tell the map is better and the entire OS is generally more user friendly than my Z2 - and the fact it has 4 volt pre out instead of the 2 volt my Z2 has is a HUGE selling point for me.

I'll do some more research before I actually buy, but for now I still want one BAD!

 

Seems a lot of people are having some serious issues with the F series on the avic411 forums. If you're looking at getting one you might want to hold off till some of those things are sorted out.

 

Noted - Thanks guys.. but I also see on there there is talks of a re-release after they fix the problems..

My Z2 had a bunch of problems for a long time and I had to wait till they released a firmware upgrade for it..

Man I like Pioneer's stuff - it seems like they try the hardest to put the latest and greatest stuff into what they do, but they don't test ANYTHING apparently.

*waiting for better news on the F-Series stuff*

 

For $1,800
I rather buy a carputer bcoz I am computer geek.

 

Carputers are nice... especially when you are parked and have a wireless connect card from your cell phone service of choice.. but they aren't very user friendly while driving.. or at least I haven't seen one that I would like to use while I'm driving..

and only chumps ACTUALLY pay 1800 for stuff like that.. and the best F series MSRP is 1200 - not too bad considering...

 

yeah show me an $1800 carputer.