Upgrading head unit

[Spinrite]

Hi Guys

I’m tossing around the idea that I want to get more functions out of media centre then my stock limited use 7” head unit. Doing a bit of research on what the choice could be and I almost have it finalized to this unit here…

https://autotecpro.com/product/jeep...ndroid-11-gps-bt-wifi-carplay/?v=e4b09f3f8402

I like abilities of this android unit and the screen I’m so-so on the fence with how it looks like a tablet is pasted onto my dash. What do you all think of this size and look? Does it look out of place? Does it take away from the experience for use? I’m wrestling in my mind with the thoughts of too many touch controls and maybe the hard buttons currently in my JL are better, I feel might regret going to this. What do you all think? Is this a good look?

I respect the input and feedback here from the members.

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[jludave]

What do you all think of this size and look? Does it look out of place? Does it take away from the experience for use? I’m wrestling in my mind with the thoughts of too many touch controls and maybe the hard buttons currently in my JL are better, I feel might regret going to this. What do you all think? Is this a good look?

Not a fan, but that is not what matters. What matters is whether or not you like the head unit. It's going into you vehicle so don't let the opinions of others sway you one way or the other.

 

[OminousSkitter]

It honestly looks better than I expected based on the description, but I am not and have never been a fan of large touch screens in cars. I see a reduction of physical buttons, which in my opinion is a step in the wrong direction. For me, it is significantly easier to press a physical button while driving—especially on bumpy roads—than hunt and peck for a digital button on a large screen where there are next to no standard UI elements between apps.

As an Android developer, I can say at least it is Android 10+. A couple years ago, all the Android head units I found (including ones like Insane Audio) were all back in Android 8 or 9, which is atrocious for security- and privacy-conscious people. Android 11—while old—is a significant improvement on this front.

Edit: If it's a custom build of Android, security and privacy concerns still exist.

P.S. If you end up replacing your 7", I'm in the market for one...

 

[JEEP4U]

Just know the existing sound quality will be retained.........

 

[Spinrite]

It honestly looks better than I expected based on the description, but I am not and have never been a fan of large touch screens in cars. I see a reduction of physical buttons, which in my opinion is a step in the wrong direction. For me, it is significantly easier to press a physical button while driving—especially on bumpy roads—than hunt and peck for a digital button on a large screen where there are next to no standard UI elements between apps.

As an Android developer, I can say at least it is Android 10+. A couple years ago, all the Android head units I found (including ones like Insane Audio) were all back in Android 8 or 9, which is atrocious for security- and privacy-conscious people. Android 11—while old—is a significant improvement on this front.

P.S. If you end up replacing your 7", I'm in the market for one...

I share the same brain with you about physical touch buttons. The more I think about touch screens might get glitchy specially where I’m from in the Canada, North the winters here can get past negative 25 celuis and not for a day or two but for months ? and overtime have screen issues and who knows about these Asian android head units long term, I’m not sure. Lots of questions I have about reliability and durability. Personally I love the pioneer head unit for the JL but the cost for me is outrageously high for my budget. I’ll never appreciate the audio performance in the JL with everything else around for noise intrusions unless it’s cranked to the max ?

I might take you up on your offer selling my stock has unit soon if I go this way ? be prepared for my message on it’s availability

 

[OminousSkitter]

Yeah, I'm coastal Alaska, and we still hit -30C this past winter. A lot of these screens aren't designed to operate or even survive these temperatures without damage.

 

[swampflyer]

Hi Guys

I’m tossing around the idea that I want to get more functions out of media centre then my stock limited use 7” head unit. Doing a bit of research on what the choice could be and I almost have it finalized to this unit here…

https://autotecpro.com/product/jeep...ndroid-11-gps-bt-wifi-carplay/?v=e4b09f3f8402

I like abilities of this android unit and the screen I’m so-so on the fence with how it looks like a tablet is pasted onto my dash. What do you all think of this size and look? Does it look out of place? Does it take away from the experience for use? I’m wrestling in my mind with the thoughts of too many touch controls and maybe the hard buttons currently in my JL are better, I feel might regret going to this. What do you all think? Is this a good look?

I respect the input and feedback here from the members.

Not a fan. All that matters is what you like and want.
We are all different. I personally would not put that in my jeep if you gave it to me.
Just do it, if it’s right for you.

 

[BeachNJeep]

There are several other options out there that have a more "stock" look from Alpine to other brands. I saw this one on YouTube that reminds me of the RAM 5G screen. It has physical buttons and you can permanently leave auto stop/start disengaged (it retains the last setting).

While I have a JLUR 4xe with the 8.4" and off road pages and built in nav, I, for one, am a huge fan of more screen real estate, but the look of the system you are considering, as you say, looks like someone planted a tablet on the dash.

Check this one out:

 

[Terpsmandan]

Personally I love the pioneer head unit for the JL but the cost for me is outrageously high for my budget.

What Pioneer HU for the JL or are you thinking of the Alpine?

 

[OminousSkitter]

Side Note: The alpine 9" seems to have decreased from > 3000USD to 2400USD (MSRP), and not sure when but they released a 7" with fewer features (does not state wireless carplay, for example) for a thousand less.

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