I recently ran across these guys. Limited applicability at this point, but maybe a good way to not only add functionality, but to update old systems. I've always resisted buying cars with navigation in them because it always struck me as putting non-upgradeable short-term technology into a long-term asset. I don't know about all makes, but at least some of the Lexus vehicles can't accept aftermarket stereos, etc., because HVAC controls are integrated into everything else. Grom seems to have found a way around that.
In reply to Basil Exposition:
Grom?
I have a grom Bluetooth hands free add on in our 2005 Odyssey. It's only OK. Often call quality is noisy for the other end. Dunno if it's a bad mic or what, but it seems an intermittent problem. Also it seems to interact weirdly with phones (calls answered not in BT mode inconsistently, etc).
Does it work, yes. Is it great, no.
In reply to Flight Service:
I have a Nook from a year or so ago that is basically a Galaxy Tab 7. At the time, B&N ran a trade-in program where you could trade in an old e-reader and get between $40-$100 off....I traded in the original Nook color I had from 2009 and got $50 off on the new tab. I hadn't booted it up in years. The new Nook is totally just a Galaxy Tab with some very basic bloatware (don't even really notice it, it's just a couple of "undeleteable" apps).
Basil Exposition wrote:
I recently ran across these guys. Limited applicability at this point, but maybe a good way to not only add functionality, but to update old systems. I've always resisted buying cars with navigation in them because it always struck me as putting non-upgradeable short-term technology into a long-term asset. I don't know about all makes, but at least some of the Lexus vehicles can't accept aftermarket stereos, etc., because HVAC controls are integrated into everything else. Grom seems to have found a way around that.
There are many companies that sell these kits. They usually work pretty well, but may have a somewhat goofy control depending on age/car. In our 1g prius IIRC you had to switch to the "CD changer" and put it on disc 4 (cd changer was disconnected and replaced with one of these things).
About to install one in the 07 Odyssey. The huge issue I have with them is that the way bluetooth is handled
But, in a vehicle like the Odyssey with so much integrated - nav, rear DVD player, rear volume controls, xm, steering wheel controls, etc.... its pretty much impossible to replace with an aftermarket head unit.
