Sat Nav Reviews Pioneer AVIC-910BT

Having just splashed out on a new car - a Subaru Forester - I decided to protect my driving license by buying a satellite navigation system. Not because I cannot read a map, but because the entire world seems to be filling up with "safety cameras," for my safety of course. i.e. to tax me for exceeding the nonsensical, just reduced by 20 kph for no reason on this flat open, downhill stretch of road, speed limit. As most of the Government Inc measures to "protect," me invariably end with me paying more money to exist, I decided this was a good investment.

I then spent some considerable time checking out the various sat nav systems and testing them - as best I could without actually installing one, when I compare prices for the latest models, I decided that a just-replaced model was my best option and went for the pioneer AVIC-910BT, which Amazon have just reduced in price from $1200 to less than $600. The 5.8 inch screen is adequate, and I cannot see the difference between this and the latest AVIC-X920BT as being worth paying an extra $800 for. The only real difference I could see was a slightly bigger 6.1 inch screen. So - last years model it was.

With 7 speakers fitted, the sound system is incredible, but the main reason I wanted it was to warn me of approaching cameras which it does nicely thank you. A visual and audible warning sounds from about 800 meters out, and continues to warn you until the threat is passed. It also does a reasonably good job of providing directions to anywhere on the planet. As I am in France, I have the European model and maps fitted, but the US model looks much the same and includes a free one-year subscription to a warning service. Next year - we will see.

It also recognizes almost any phone and has a very useful bluetooth headset facility, but if you are planning on using your ipod, be sure and order the optional CD-IU230V cable or it ain't going to work. Don't get me started on the dishonestly involved by the electronic makers in advertising a product as "iPod compatible," and you need to spend $50 on a friggin' cable. And - of course - the cables are all different so make sure you buy the right one if you opt for the newer 920BT which need a a different cable.

You can also watch DVDs or movies from your iPod, although I question the sense of fitting a television screen within eye sight of a driver - this is what this does.

So far - love it! Great sound, excellent directions and warnings. The only real issue I have is the voices. There are three annoying women's voices available and listening to the Australian version mangling French is hilarious for about three minutes, then just fucking annoying. Why on earth they set the Aussie one to attempt to pronounce the street names is beyond me. The English version just calls it a "main road" and the American version uses the road number.

Either way - not a good enough reason to not recommend this system. If you value your driving license and want a kick ass stereo - buy this system.