$1590 Navigation Radio?!!

[wayoflife]

Now I know there are a bunch of you guys out there who are just going ga-ga over this thing and hell, what can I say, I thought I wanted one too, but seriously, $1590 for a glorified radio that doubles as a GPS?!! :eek!: Even at half that cost it would still be a bit pricey for my wallet but in truth, I might have jumped on it anyway, but at $1590.... I think I'll just go out and buy a nice hand-held garmin unit that I can take with me on my hikes. :rolleyes:

[caleb]

I had the exact same discussion yesterday. Nav would be great, as well as the 20gig hard drive. But I can buy a Garmin and an iPod for less then half the cost. It still looks good though, and for those that can fork out the money, I say go for it.

The only other problem I see is that Jeeps I have owned in the past always had a problem with upgraded head units. Someone would always see it and hop in to take it for themselves.

[wayoflife]

Now that you mention it... if you have one of these things in your JK, you best leave the hard top on all the time unless you want someone with sticky fingers to nab your $1600 worth of easy to sell electronics on eBay. :naw:

[putnam dan]

yeeeesh, for $1600 I can get a fantastic laptop for DVDs, real GPS plotting and to play all my music through the aux port, with an aircard I'll also have a live data connection for email etc on the trail.

I've seen the police even have a nice mount for it and I can lock it away when not in use. Who's going to make a secure door for that cubby in the back?

[wayoflife]

No kiddin?! I hadn't even thought about all the things you could get for $1600. What I don't get is all the guys out there who are actually holding off ordering a JK because they want to make sure they can get it with this over-priced piece of electronics :naw:

[caleb]

Yeah, I was actually going to hold off and wait for one with nav, but retail price on the Garmin Nav Kit for the Wrangler isn't but 799. And I can get one at dealer cost, around 6 something I would say. And the Garmin you can take out when you're parked with the top off. My money is on the Garmin Nav and some extra money towards lift, bumpers, etc.

[CJ2a]

There is an article on Pg 44 of this week's Automotive News on this option. Chrysler is offering the MyGIG system on the Seabring, Nitro, and Wrangler. It is a Harmon Kardon developed system that uses a 20 Gigabyte hard drive to store up to 1600 songs. It can also store photos to be displayed on the screen and your address book. Includes Navigation system with 3D maps and Bluetooth connectivity for both cell phone AND computer connections. Songs can be uploaded via Bluetooth, USB, or from CD.

System is Voice activated. (love to see that work on an open top Wranger) It also appears to have an iPod connector.

http://csiano.home.comcast.net/Radio.jpg

[wayoflife]

Man, that does look and sound cool.... but I still can't get myself to drop down that much cash just for a glorified head unit. But then, that's just me :)

[caleb]

especially one I can't remove or lock up.

[putnam dan]

i'd rather spend it on beer, but that thing needs some lockable protection

[caleb]

1590 on beer :eek!: :eek!: :eek!: Please, for the love of all that is mighty, invite me to that party. :D

[Phishjeep]

When Iwas trying to find out the price, I got a phone number for information about the unit. The phone number was alpine, and they had the info. As soon as they said $1590, I said Hello six disc!

One question...are Harmon Kardon and Alpine affiliated, or did the Article get it wrong?

Also, some notes...
Only 8GB are available for Mp3.

The six disc holds six DVDRs at 4.7GB each, so about 28GB total for Mp3. They both have a Jack for an Ipod.

Now, if only they would recognize Flac so I could llisten to my Phish Shows in lossless format.

[ericdewayne]

i'd rather spend it on beer, but that thing needs some lockable protection HAHA Im with ya on that one! mmmmmm beeeer....:yup:

[SpudRacer]

The Rubicon I ordered is going to have just the stock radio, NO upgrade. I was thinking of putting a Pioneer Avic-Z1 in it. Any comments?!?!

Tom
Bryson City, NC

[billycj7]

I was thinking that this is alot of money for the mygig, b ut after that I learned that It has the ability to:

watch dvd's
usb import capabilities
Satellite radio
Uconnect hands free bluetooth
full navigation with breadcrumbing


I went out and looked at aftermarket and nothing on the market even comes close to the abilities of this radio, PLUS, since it is alpine, Ill bet that there is a way to integrate a reverse camera that would be great to mount for rearward visibility on the trail!

This is just my opinion, but it seems like a great deal, plus since I am getting the rubicon and it comes with the infinity sound system, i wont need to replace all 7 speakers by putting in an aftermarket radio / navigation.

It all depends on what you want , but I plan to take this baby out on the trails and it sure will be nice to have this expensive piece of equipment under warranty for 3 years! good luck getting that on an aftermarket Nav radio.

[SpudRacer]

I went out and looked at aftermarket and nothing on the market even comes close to the abilities of this radio, PLUS, since it is alpine, Ill bet that there is a way to integrate a reverse camera that would be great to mount for rearward visibility on the trail!

Have you even looked at the Pioneer AVIC-Z1?? It can watch DVD movies, play DVD music discs, optional back-up camerathat activates automatically when shifting into reverse, Bluetooth for Mobile phone, voice interaction/activation, Navigation that has the ability to learn favorite routes, 30GB hard drive, iPod interface, XM or Sirius satellite radio, as well as an inclination meter (does the mygig have that?!?!) and a voltmeter.


As a multimedia receiver, the AVIC Z-1 supports a broad range of formats: as well as being an FM/AM receiver, the head unit supports standard RedBook CDs; MP3- and WMA-encoded files; the aforementioned iPod input; and DVD video and -ROM, with video playback via the 7-inch display in one of three screen configurations. There is also an optional satellite radio connector and a dedicated XM NavTraffic module to provide real-time traffic data in conjunction with the navigation system.

It's a double DIN receiver which should slide right into the dash. I'll be ordering one BEFORE my JK even arrives. They can be had on-line for as little as $1514 which is even cheaper than your $1590 mygig. It's at least an option.

Tom
Bryson City, NC

[bw1128]

i will be getting the pioneer n3 for 1100 from bestbuy. my cousin works there:yup:

[DJFriar]

I picked up the Mopar Trail Guide for my TJ Rubi, and love it. Will be ordering the dock for my JK as soon as its available.

[rhodesian]

Have you even looked at the Pioneer AVIC-Z1?? It can watch DVD movies, play DVD music discs, optional back-up camerathat activates automatically when shifting into reverse, Bluetooth for Mobile phone, voice interaction/activation, Navigation that has the ability to learn favorite routes, 30GB hard drive, iPod interface, XM or Sirius satellite radio, as well as an inclination meter (does the mygig have that?!?!) and a voltmeter.


As a multimedia receiver, the AVIC Z-1 supports a broad range of formats: as well as being an FM/AM receiver, the head unit supports standard RedBook CDs; MP3- and WMA-encoded files; the aforementioned iPod input; and DVD video and -ROM, with video playback via the 7-inch display in one of three screen configurations. There is also an optional satellite radio connector and a dedicated XM NavTraffic module to provide real-time traffic data in conjunction with the navigation system.

It's a double DIN receiver which should slide right into the dash. I'll be ordering one BEFORE my JK even arrives. They can be had on-line for as little as $1514 which is even cheaper than your $1590 mygig. It's at least an option.

Tom
Bryson City, NC



Curious, did you get the unit yet? I'm always a little hesitant about places that sell the same thing for so much less money. You can search it on Froogle and one comes up at the price you mentioned. Just curious...

[SpudRacer]

No, I haven't ordered it yet. I'll post pictures as soon as I do and take lots of pics as I install it?

Tom
Bryson City, NC

[crwood1]

Most of the nav units available are only useful for major and minor roads. Off-road trails, sometimes are shown. However, you will never get reliable topo from these units. I use maps from USAPhoto Maps which are the coast and geodedic from the Microsoft net. I now have all the 250 and 500's loaded and all the areas I have traveled to and from in the 7x7 mile format. I have an acer tablet with bluetooth and an itec GPS receiver which sends the GPS data to the computer. U have 35000 map files stored. You can go anywhere you want to with full tracking regardless of where you are so long as you have downloaded the required files. The cost is very reasonable and I use the computer for storing data anyway. With this system you will always know where you are within 20 feet, know your elevation, and the form of surrounding topography. Absolutely the very best system if you are off-road much. I have been places where, without an accurate map, you cannot get out. $1,595.00 is way too much for inaccurate data. Check out USAPhotomaps on the net.

[papabear]

After alot of consideration about the Nav Radio my wife and i decided that we just get the 6 CD/DVD sterio and buy o Loranze Baja GBS. alot cheeper than the Nav Radio and you can take it on hikes with you. Papabear:yup:

[Sniper]

I purchased one of these and perma mounted it in my JK. http://www.dualav.com/portablenav/xnav3550.html I likes it because of price and the size of it. Very Slim.

[SeeJeepGo]

We installed an Alpine IVAW200 double din touch screen/dvd/nav/etc etc in a JK already and it worked nice.... EXCEPT, the stock radio is WIDDER than a normal double din, so since there was no dash kit avail, we had to make some filler pieces and it looked ok, but not as nice as the factory fit. And for the price, the alpine stuff is more expensive than the factory system. With all the built in features, i thing the mygig is a great deal for a factory integrated system.

[biglynny]

Pics?:thinking:

[fathomgreencamaro]

The capablilities and storage capacity of the MyGig option
will seem archaic in a couple of years.

The Aux In port is all that's necessary for future devices.

In the meantime, I like the beer idea.

[pileosnafu]

PLUS, since it is alpine, Ill bet that there is a way to integrate a reverse camera that would be great to mount for rearward visibility on the trail!

I have navigation in my accord which is also made by Alpine, The A-BUS is not included nor integrated. ON the BMW Navi (also made by Alpine) has some A-BUS abilities however not all features can/will work, and I believe (don't quote me on this) that it is slightly different from their standard.
I Have not looked into the ability for this system yet as I want to see if there would be a way that I can secure (and waterproof) this device. AVelectronics make a device that plug into (most) navigation systems without cutting any wires. It also can output the navi screen (great if the navi is playing a dvd) to other monitors. And takes the sound from any source and can play it through the jeeps' radio (*with some minor mods.) This is how I get a backup (and front and side cameras) on my accord, I will look to do this on my JK after I order one.

ALSO on a side note: I had a '97 (Sorry its a been a while and i'm still catching up on my abv. ) Wrangler Sport. That got totaled in a hurricane. But after a short stint in a Lemoned Honda Accord I'm looking at the new JK.

--Jamin

[CHOPPER]

The capablilities and storage capacity of the MyGig option
will seem archaic in a couple of years.

The Aux In port is all that's necessary for future devices.

In the meantime, I like the beer idea.

Archaic in a couple of years? It all ready is.

I read somewhere that the MYGig's 20 gig hard drive gets used up mostly by the music program and map files that it runs on
leaving only about 6 or 8 gig of usable space to actually add your own files to!
6 or 8 gig!!! Out of 20?!?!?
That really sucks!

I know that the 6-disk changer will play DVD's with music burned onto them. One DVD will hold 4.7 gig of info on it alone.
And "if"the 6-disk changer will play dual layer DVD's then that would be 8.5 gig on 1 disk!

Do the math...If one of the reasons your getting the MYGig is because of the music storage capability,
you may want to think about it a little bit more.

Oh and another thing...I'm also told that you can NOT add your own maps to the MYGig.
And the voice command and the bluetooth are not going to be enabled either.

If anybody has any info to dispute what I have writen here, please let me know because I'm no expert.
I just happen to be someone that was intrested in getting the MYGig unit at one time.
I like music more than maps :rock:
And when the time comes that I do get a Nav system...It's gonna be portable.:yup:

[fathomgreencamaro]

That's a great point that Chopper and PhishJeep made
about the DVD memory capacity on the 6 disk.
I should have got that for now.
I went with the single CD.

I figure that external devices will keep growing in capacity,
shrinking in size and be portable(maybe less likely to be stolen).

I went with Jeep for their 4x4 vehicle expertise, not
their hifi offerings. Just my take on it.
Everybody's needs are different and for some, money
is not a factor.

[RLandis]

.........and the Wrangler WON'T get the bluetooth connectivity, even though the buttons make it look like you will.:mad:

[JeeperTJ]

:) I had an order in for a flame red rubi unlimited with 6 speed and My Gig. There wasn't that much info available on the specs for the my gig at the dealer, but I was able to order it....After reading this thread, I'm glad I didn't waste the $1600. Sounds similar to the 1st ipod I bought, 1 year later the price dropped and the GB went way up. Well it’s a long story but I couldn't wait for the rubi (sound familiar?) and I purchased a Rescue Green Unlimited X with an auto, hardtop and the single disc stock stereo, without the bass tube 385 Watt option. I must say, it is a decent quality head unit, with an iPod aux jack right on the front. Also I have to report I love the auto trans as well, and I’m a std guy…

The radio sounds great, functions great and I am very happy with it overall. It has U-Connect ports, but I'm not really sure what they are for, maybe the Sirius connectivity? One thing I found was I had to switch to the Aux port cable input from the Belkin FM transmitter for my rescue green ipod mini. The FM transmitter was unable to maintain a clean signal for the FM stereo to pick up, that is the only issue I have had with the stock head unit, FM reception for radio stations otherwise is fine. It could be the location of the antenna and the FM transmitter, there is a lot of dashboard in the way....

I am interested in getting the factory Sirius module for $195 if it is compatible with the low end radio. Does anyone know the answer to this question? I have a external Sirius head unit, but I figure integrated with the factory radio would be the way to go, hides all the wires and controls in the factory setup.

Ciao!
Ted

[RLandis]

:) One thing I found was I had to switch to the Aux port cable input from the Belkin FM transmitter for my rescue green ipod mini.

Every head unit I've had which had an aux input jack just required a mini to mini cable, which you can get at Radio Shack, Best Buy, etc. Just plug into the mini jack on the head unit, and the mini jack on top of the ipod, and you're good to go WITHOUT FM modulation, and it'll sound 10 times better, and no interferance....then you can add the Belkin car charger to the bottom connector on the Ipod for charging

[ZachMan]

Thats jsut what I need in a trail driven soft top Jeep a $1600 toy to get stolen.

I see a lift and tires as a better use.

[JeeperTJ]

Yep that's what I had to use a mini to mini cable=hardwired. It would always sound better hardwired. My point was the FM transmitter is a much cleaner look and it does not work with the stock FM radio in my JK. It used to work fine with the Pioneer Supertuner III in my '99 TJ.

Ciao! Ted

[john wall]

I was thinking that this is alot of money for the mygig, b ut after that I learned that It has the ability to:

watch dvd's
usb import capabilities
Satellite radio
Uconnect hands free bluetooth
full navigation with breadcrumbing


I went out and looked at aftermarket and nothing on the market even comes close to the abilities of this radio, PLUS, since it is alpine, Ill bet that there is a way to integrate a reverse camera that would be great to mount for rearward visibility on the trail!

This is just my opinion, but it seems like a great deal, plus since I am getting the rubicon and it comes with the infinity sound system, i wont need to replace all 7 speakers by putting in an aftermarket radio / navigation.

It all depends on what you want , but I plan to take this baby out on the trails and it sure will be nice to have this expensive piece of equipment under warranty for 3 years! good luck getting that on an aftermarket Nav radio.
The unit is not designed or developed by Alpine. It is developed by Harman Becker (part of Harman International). My team (QNX OS, part of Harman International as well) worked on the development of the myGig in conjunction with Harman Becker in Farmington Hills MI.

Cheers

--
John

[inajeep]

Archaic in a couple of years? It all ready is.

I read somewhere that the MYGig's 20 gig hard drive gets used up mostly by the music program and map files that it runs on
leaving only about 6 or 8 gig of usable space to actually add your own files to!
6 or 8 gig!!! Out of 20?!?!?
That really sucks!

I know that the 6-disk changer will play DVD's with music burned onto them. One DVD will hold 4.7 gig of info on it alone.
And "if"the 6-disk changer will play dual layer DVD's then that would be 8.5 gig on 1 disk!

Do the math...If one of the reasons your getting the MYGig is because of the music storage capability,
you may want to think about it a little bit more.

Oh and another thing...I'm also told that you can NOT add your own maps to the MYGig.
And the voice command and the bluetooth are not going to be enabled either.

If anybody has any info to dispute what I have writen here, please let me know because I'm no expert.
I just happen to be someone that was intrested in getting the MYGig unit at one time.
I like music more than maps :rock:
And when the time comes that I do get a Nav system...It's gonna be portable.:yup:

Do you know how much music is in 6-8 gigs? My iPod has about 4 gigs of music that I have ripped out of my cds and dll since napster.

You can buy a portable nav now for $200 or less depending on which sale you hit. I like the myGig so far, it's missing video inputs and I'm waiting on the update so I can watch a movie in park but other than those little bugs it's a nice update to the blah radio/cd player.

[putnam dan]

do you know how much beer $1600 is :)

[yetibear]

do you know how much beer $1600 is :)

In todays dollars? Or 2006, which is when this thread is from, dollars?:eek2:

[Littlejon]

[QUOTE=inajeep;242920]Do you know how much music is in 6-8 gigs? My iPod has about 4 gigs of music that I have ripped out of my cds and dll since napster.QUOTE]

I believe that the hard drive has been upgraded to a 30 gig on the 08, and so now you have 16 - 18 gigs of music. That is enough to store thousands of songs.

[wayland1985]

1600 is real steep. The only reason I'd ever pay that, is if I bought it from the factory (still a rip off, but at least it's warranted). Otherwise, I wouldn't pay a lick over 800 for it.

1600 can get you a lot. Aftermarket units are real nice these days, and do twice as much as the mygig.

Or, you can make your own setup with a Carputer, for a little less, and the possibilites are endless! It'll take a little more time, but the results are more satisfying.

OR, keep the stock unit and add a laptop as said before.

One of the coolest setups I saw is here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9123849408465773510&q=dell%2C+carputer&total=5&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

Touchscreen PDA... Wireless hard drive. Bluetooth GPS. Today's PDA's or (Micro PC's too now) are probably more powerful than the mygig. Set up that HD in your rear cargo area, and you're good to roll



I personally bought a kenwood DVD player.... $999.... thing rocks though...

[horwitzs]

I wouldn't have paid the money for the MyGig if I had ordered my JK, but I bought one off a dealer's lot that had it installed already. 2dr Rubicons were hard to find in my area so I didn't have a lot of choice.

I do love having it, but I agree it is a lot of money!

[inajeep]

Just to clarify the cost and I haven't read the entire thread but in '08 the cost went down to $1200.

Oh and I have much more than 6-8 gigs free and I have the 20 gig version.