Hello everybody, Just got brand new Prius Two 2011 and immediately started thinking about aftermarket HU with navigation. MY installer suggested a ECLIPSE AVN-726E which I can get for $600. This is significantly less than Kenwood DNX6960, 6980, 9960 or newest 9980. Any thoughts?
If I remember, Eclipse is out aftermarket. They won't make or update the units anymore. That means no map update, etc...
The Sony is in that range too - has TomTom maps. I almost swapped my Pioneer Z120BT for it (the Pioneer does poorly on BT voice calls). Glad I kept mine (nicer GUI - slightly worse GPS). It's kinda a toss up for me - since I've already got lifetime XM, and everything dialed in, I decided to tough it out...
I have that unit for my 4runner. It is cheap but you will get annoyed with Nav software - when you click "I agree" with the disclaimer, then the map software starts to load. Doesnt matter if you were driving for 1 hr or 1 min, the software boots up when you press the NAV button and I agree. Doesnt find SAT signal and the voice prompt will say "Signal Lost" or something. SOmetimes it takes 1-3 minutes to load up. So annoying. Get something better if you are looking for a good Nav unit. Rest of the multimedia function works very well though.
My old HU in my Ford SUV was Eclipse AVN7000 and the maps were available instantly after I tap "I agree"... never had a problem with signal, the unit gets my location almost instantly after I turn the navigation "On"... The main problem with AVN7000 navi was that it uses old ugly maps that you cannot update yourself - you should send the unit to Fujitsu so they can put the only available map update on it (since 2005 when the unit was produced) for a $330... I just decided not to install AVN7000 in my Prius and just get a new HU that I can update without sending it to manufacturer. I've ordered Kenwood DNX-9980HD.
