Hey R3V, I have been thinking about building a kit to put the Asteroid Smart in the E30. I had a Pioneer AVIC F500BT in my last car, it was great in some ways, but the unit was discontinued and was not replaced in Pioneers lineup.
This would still be an option, but it is Windows CE based and basically dead-ended.
I want to have proper GPS, like modern cars. Purely web-based nav is inadequate for my needs, so first, I am looking for 7"ish tablets that have a GPS antenna in them. I don't even know for certain with tablets being such a web-centric item if they do, in fact come with proper antennas, or better yet, something that can be used with an outboard antenna.
Audio could be controlled through a JL Audio CL-RLC or whatever pre-amp/front end desired and used with an inexpensive USB DAC, could be quite impressive, up to 24 bit and basically, the performance would be as good as some high-end home systems. However, no matter what you do, it won't be as slick and smooth from what I have seen. None do proper day/night illumination, doing a rear view/backup camera input would be a PITA, on and on.
The Parrot Asteroid Smart is a typical double DIN deck, but it is only 4" or so deep. It has no Disk slot: it is mechless. It has a plethora of features and seems to be a great option, even compared to Kenwood/Pioneer/Alpine in the Double DIN world. Sound quality is adequate and it does have all of the automotive functions already built-in, and can easily do steering wheel controls.
So, what would you do? The tablet is cheaper, but there will be a lot of futzing. The Asteroid is solid and fairly inexpensive, can be had for around $450 all over the place:
I am fairly certain I can fit it where my Pioneer was, but I would have to cut open the center console for sure. no way will it be that flush, but I am certain I can make it look nice.
Anyone care to discuss?
Luke
This would still be an option, but it is Windows CE based and basically dead-ended.
I want to have proper GPS, like modern cars. Purely web-based nav is inadequate for my needs, so first, I am looking for 7"ish tablets that have a GPS antenna in them. I don't even know for certain with tablets being such a web-centric item if they do, in fact come with proper antennas, or better yet, something that can be used with an outboard antenna.
Audio could be controlled through a JL Audio CL-RLC or whatever pre-amp/front end desired and used with an inexpensive USB DAC, could be quite impressive, up to 24 bit and basically, the performance would be as good as some high-end home systems. However, no matter what you do, it won't be as slick and smooth from what I have seen. None do proper day/night illumination, doing a rear view/backup camera input would be a PITA, on and on.
The Parrot Asteroid Smart is a typical double DIN deck, but it is only 4" or so deep. It has no Disk slot: it is mechless. It has a plethora of features and seems to be a great option, even compared to Kenwood/Pioneer/Alpine in the Double DIN world. Sound quality is adequate and it does have all of the automotive functions already built-in, and can easily do steering wheel controls.
So, what would you do? The tablet is cheaper, but there will be a lot of futzing. The Asteroid is solid and fairly inexpensive, can be had for around $450 all over the place:
I am fairly certain I can fit it where my Pioneer was, but I would have to cut open the center console for sure. no way will it be that flush, but I am certain I can make it look nice.
Anyone care to discuss?
Luke
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