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(More customer reviews)After extensive research into the best GPS double-DIN unit for my F150, I narrowed the search to the Kenwood DNX9140 and the Eclipse AVN726E. I had the AVN5500 in my old car, so I was aware of the numerous strengths and weaknesses of the Eclipse product. Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of the 5500. The video integration is great, but it leaves a LOT to be desired with regards to the GPS and iPod playback. Ergo, I was open to the AVN726E, but extremely skeptical after my previous disappointment. After reading the specs on the new unit, though, I was convinced that the 726E was exactly what I was looking for! (It should be noted that I never actually messed around with the DNX9140. It was another late-model high-end double-DIN that got equally great reviews, but I settled on the 726E after learning about the product improvements).
The following is a laundry list of reasons why I am so satisfied with this new unit (in no particular order):
1) Navigation is now a hard drive-driven application. In the 5500, a map DVD was necessary. The hard drive format works much better. First off, it is much faster to load and seems more efficient. Additionally, I don't have to worry about scratching or losing the disc (a $300 replacement). Updates to the map are performed via SD card behind the faceplate. Lastly, I now have the ability to keep a movie in the DVD slot while using the GPS.
2) The GPS is a bajillion times better in the 726E. For such a high-end product, the 5500 had some glaringly obvious flaws in the GPS platform. For instance, you weren't able to search by zip code and POI look-up was atrocious. You couldn't perform a blind search of restaurants or gas stations. Instead, you had to input the specific name of the POI and the unit would then find the closest match. It was ridiculous. The 726E has made vast improvements in this regard. Zip code search is quick and easy. The POI search is also great. It's similar to the Yelp application on my iPhone (without user reviews). I can find all of the closest restaurants, gas stations, etc in seconds. It plots them on the map close to me, close to my destination, or along my route. Phone numbers are also given. It's fantastic.
3) The GPS options are another great feature. You can choose to view the map in 2D (classic format, above-view) or in 3D. In 3D, the user can adjust the road view for a variety of angles (it looks like the default angle is around 45 degrees downward). The map will show buildings along your route in a realistic silhouette. It seems pretty cool, but I opted for 2D simply because I'm so used to it. You can also change the voice to one of 4 or 5 pre-set choices.
4) The iPod integration is unreal (with the use of IPC-709 iPod cable- $30). I use my iPhone for virtually everything media-related in the 726E. The iPhone recommends going into Airplane Mode to reduce interference, but I can't notice any discernible drop in quality (it's important to me to have access to incoming calls). Once connected, all functions of the phone are accessible through the head unit. You can search and play by artist, album, genre, playlist, etc. It's so great! Additionally, all of the video I have on my phone shows up beautifully on the 7" screen. Moreover, once connected, the system actually charges the iPhone! I couldn't be more thrilled. A few negative features I read in online user reviews and my opinions:
1) "You can't adjust display output." UNTRUE! You simply need to hold down the AV button to access the video settings.
2) "You can't adjust the GPS voice; it's too quiet." UNTRUE! You can adjust the volume quite easily. Everything is accessible via the touch screen. I will say, though, that the navigation unit will take a little getting used to. It's not completely intuitive, and the trillion features complicate things a tad.There are other minor improvements and options in the 726E, but these are the main reasons I'm so ecstatic with my purchase. All of the gripes I had with the 5500 have been thoroughly resolved. I couldn't be more happy with my purchase.
*If it's of interest, I also outfitted the set-up with the back-up camera and the Sirius tuner (you need BOTH the ECL-SC1 and the SCC1 to enable Sirius. That kind of sucks, but there you have it.) I'm in love with this set-up.
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