Avic d2/d3 comparisons?

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xtcbct

Junior Member
Hello all, I am trying to find the differences between the d2/d3. It seems the d2 has the awesome feature of having 2 disc bays whereas the d3 doesnt. Is the gps feature the same between the 2? I like the d3's features, but dont like the fact that you must have the dvd in the drive to use the gps feature.

The other option would be to go with the z2, but that seems so pricey and i dont quite understand what all the extra money is for. The unit seems identical to the d3 other than it has a hdd. which is a nice feature. Im trying to find something to put in my car, and i like these dvd/gpd/sirius combos. It is less clutter on my dash. But i also want to make sure i am getting one of the better ones out there, I dont want a piece of junk! :)
 
Well, I can't tell you anything about the D2. I can, however, tell you about the D3. I had the same thought you did, wanting a free disc holder at all times. But, you know what, I have yet to complain about it. I have my iPod hooked up and in the glove box, in addition to the satellite radio and the regular am/fm. I don't carry any cds in my car anymore. I don't need to. I still have not tried the dvd player yet. So, for me at least, this unit is perfect. And lets say you DO want to put something in, say a new CD or a movie. You are most likely going to be near home, and not requiring navigational help. I likey the D3;)
 
Here is a posting of mine from John's forum:
one review from Amazon...
Price:$979.95

stars-5-0.gif
AVIC-D2, January 9, 2007
Reviewer:Ryan R. Schram (Fairbanks, Alaska) - See all my reviews
Easiest navigational unit I have ever installed. There is NOT a hideaway "brain" on this unit. Total install time was 90 minutes. I am not a certified installer, but I have installed numerous complete systems.

The unit itself is very easy to use. I actually didn't even have to use the manual to figure out how to get places. The EQ system is one of the best I have ever seen; it is comparable to a separate EQ system.

Overall, besides the inability to play DVD's without a separate player / changer, this is the best navigation unit on the market in it's pricerange.

Date first available at Amazon.com: September 19, 2006
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I like my D2, and highly recommend the backup camera and 12 disc changer. The updated Nav. Discs are expensive. Mine are from 2005, I guess, but they do work very well.

I would seriously consider trying a GPS receiver that plugs into a (Windows based) laptop. It makes your laptop into a big-screen GPS. I'm told Microsoft Streets & Trips works well:

Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Str...bs_4?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1199026843&sr=8-4













 
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The basics:

D2 and Z2 are motorized face.
D3 is not motorized face.
D3 plays DVD's. D2 does not. Z2 does. All need to be 'hacked'. Z2 is hardest to hack.
D3 fits best and loks best in the car. Period. Looks OEM with John's kit.
Z2 adds voice recognition. Has Bluetooth built in. Has HD with nav. Plays DVD's. Has some space left on HD for music, but music must be loaded disc by disc. Not worth the extra cash, IMO.
For less money, do D3 with XM, Bluetooth module (if you need it) and a changer or an ipod. With some creative installation, A Pioneer 12 disc will FIT where the stock 6 disc was. Also, Pioneer has a USB module to let you use your USB key full of music.

I have a D1, upgraded to D2. If I could do it over again (3 years later, as technology has marched on...) I'd go to a D3 with Bluetooth, USB module, XM and a XDVP6 DVD changer. I'd put the USB receptacle and the changer in the armrest.

For our cars I truly feel the D3 is the absolute best option. As Ryan said, it is truly rare to need to access the disc slot when using sat or ipod. Further, as much as people demand in car entertainment, it is actually rare to play DVD movies while driving. Maybe if you were in a boring SUV, you'd need the additional entertainment, but our cars are entertaining in themselves!!!

BTW, XM is better integrated with Pioneer than Sirius, though Sirius does have more programming....

There you have it.
 
That Z2 looks beautiful. I cant wait to install mine this sunday, Thanks again JOHN:beer:
 
Do these D3's offer the same features as a regular GPS? Like the ability to store locations in memory. Im talking like a small database of addresses.
Everytime i try one of these in a store, they never have all the features working, its annoying when you want to experience things before you buy.
 
Yes they do have all of that. The problem with the store Demos is no outside antenna so they can not do a lot of functions. I have the D3 for 750.00 plus you get a remote, Bluetooth adaptor at no charge. These are nice units. PM Killjoy and get his phone number and talk to him as he has one.

John
 
xtcbct said:
Do these D3's offer the same features as a regular GPS? Like the ability to store locations in memory. Im talking like a small database of addresses.
Everytime i try one of these in a store, they never have all the features working, its annoying when you want to experience things before you buy.
Click to expand...

YES! It keeps a list of 'recently used locations' in a list going from most recent
 
Got a Z2 a couple of weeks ago. I love it. You get 10 gigs of hard drive to store music. It records a cd as you play it or you choose indvidual tracks. While this may take a little time you only need to take a cd with you once.
 
I know im beating the bush here with this topic, but I am really trying to make sure that I can eliminate my current plunger mounted gps on my windshield, and there are a few features im wondering if the d3 will have..

Is the ability there to create multiple groups in the address book and store say 50 addresses in one group in the address book?
 
OK, so I purchased the AVIC D3.....does anyone know for Sirius Satellite if the following kit will work with it?

Directed Electronics - SIRIUSConnect Digital Universal Satellite Tuner for Most Vehicles Model SC-C1

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8300705&type=product&id=1174091944200

The bestbuy install techs told me it will work with my D3. this is a new kit that is supposed to work with all Satellite Radio ready tuners....does anyone have experience with it?
 
Dir Elec is good if you're trying to keep your OEM radio, but I'd go with a Pioneer module. You'll get the best sound using the Pioneer module also.
 
Alright, Well thank you all for your answers...I am going to go with the Pioneer unit i guess. I was trying to save money and this one seemed cheaper....oh well, i guess you get what you pay for.
 
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