More to the question for me was, how was the support? I have owned many Alpine products over the years. With the sophistication f these units, software updates and map updates are a must. This is easy to screw up, as FCA has shown time and time again. I don't know what the track record of the company behind Insane JL is.
I use plenty of electronics that are "outdated"... I keep my laptops for 5-6 years with no issues. At these price points, I expect support and updates from my vendor. That is how you keep from replacing your equipment every year.
I live in the area as well. What place did your install? I've been looking around and don't really want to go to Car Toys.I live in the Seattle area, so I really cannot comment on the effects of sunlight and glare on the screen! If you are not familiar with the area, we don't get a lot of sun this time of year..
So far, I like it. It works well with Carplay. I have not tried it with Android Auto yet.
The only nitpick I have is that I do like the way that XM Radio is treated as another "Radio Band" with AM and FM on the 7" Unconnect. Makes switching around radio stations rather seamless. I am either in Radio mode, or I am using Waze and listening to Podcasts on Carplay.
The Alpine treats XM radio as a separate application, which means I now have three User Interfaces (UI's) to deal with.. one for AM/FM Radio, one for XM, and one for Carplay... minor nitpick as things go. I can select AM, FM, and XM stations as "favorites".. the "Favorites items appear off the hotkey that looks like a star.
The other minor nitpick is that you have one USB port to work with for Carplay. Some folks have routed that to the console between the front seats. Keeps the phone hidden. I stuck with the default, and use the port in the center console. I replaced one of the silver screws on the passenger grab handle with a CMM "Ram Ball", and use the Ram Mount X Grip to hold my phone. The photo shows an Iphone 11 Max
Here is the parts list:
CMM JL Grab Bar Ball Mount: https://www.carolinametalmasters.com/products/jl-grab-bar-ball-mount
RAM Double Socket ARM (short) - https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-201U-A
RAM X Grip Large - https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-UN10BU
12" USB to lightening cable.
I have the same reservations about Car Toys. That being said, I used Car Toys in Bellevue over on NE 20th St. They did a good job. I also had them install a Blackvue dash cam at the same time.
You could say the same thing about the stock head units. My Acura from 4 years ago, fresh from a mid-cycle redesign, was fine when I bought it, feels extremely dated now. If you always wait for "The Next Big Thing", you never get anything. This unit isn't for me, but for those who want an upgrade, eventually they need to purchase something, they can't just sit around waiting for whats next.
I got 95% through the install ( so I thought) until the part where they say to plug in the USB. For the life of me I cant figure out when and where that was installed. I didnt even see it listed on the accessories pages in the instructions, nor did I see it addressed in the Quadratec video. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciatedI live in the Seattle area, so I really cannot comment on the effects of sunlight and glare on the screen! If you are not familiar with the area, we don't get a lot of sun this time of year..
So far, I like it. It works well with Carplay. I have not tried it with Android Auto yet.
The only nitpick I have is that I do like the way that XM Radio is treated as another "Radio Band" with AM and FM on the 7" Unconnect. Makes switching around radio stations rather seamless. I am either in Radio mode, or I am using Waze and listening to Podcasts on Carplay.
The Alpine treats XM radio as a separate application, which means I now have three User Interfaces (UI's) to deal with.. one for AM/FM Radio, one for XM, and one for Carplay... minor nitpick as things go. I can select AM, FM, and XM stations as "favorites".. the "Favorites items appear off the hotkey that looks like a star.
The other minor nitpick is that you have one USB port to work with for Carplay. Some folks have routed that to the console between the front seats. Keeps the phone hidden. I stuck with the default, and use the port in the center console. I replaced one of the silver screws on the passenger grab handle with a CMM "Ram Ball", and use the Ram Mount X Grip to hold my phone. The photo shows an Iphone 11 Max
Here is the parts list:
CMM JL Grab Bar Ball Mount: https://www.carolinametalmasters.com/products/jl-grab-bar-ball-mount
RAM Double Socket ARM (short) - https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-201U-A
RAM X Grip Large - https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-UN10BU
12" USB to lightening cable.
I do and agree , you helped make my point. I avoid all fancy car electronics and instead have a current phone. Someday we will look back at these vehicles and wonder why they put old style console televisions built into the dash with heavy home theater 15 speakers big amps and woofers. Silly
Someday...Until then, for those of us who appreciate higher-end music systems and large easy to read integrated touchscreens, it is awesome that we have lots of options!
The Quadratec video show one end plugging into the box under the steering wheel. I didn't catch the dash media center install, so I'm not sure of that end.I got 95% through the install ( so I thought) until the part where they say to plug in the USB. For the life of me I cant figure out when and where that was installed. I didnt even see it listed on the accessories pages in the instructions, nor did I see it addressed in the Quadratec video. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated
