Woo Hoo Triple post.
OK so DNX8120 first impressions:
Firstly your probably not going to see many pictures and videos from me just yet as I will be funneling all my free time to tweaking this beast. 4 main factors made me choose this unit over say a Pioneer Avic Z2/3, or the new Alpine 505:
1) 2 external switches for auxiliary toys (I see a Holden or Xmitter light bar in my future )
2) Negative tilt on the screen (for the Single zone H/AC pathfinder it is the perfect viewing angle)
3) Built in Blue tooth and Nav (that’s right no aux boxes to worry about mounting and wiring)
4) Flash based GPS (faster and more reliable than HDD based setups one less POF)
The let downs:
So the built in XM receiver was a bit of a hoax or misinformation. Not that Kenwood released much info so far and a few people already have this unit. So end result you still would have to purchase a separate box/antenna for XM. For my grueling 15 min commute I can't really justify the cost or the HW and the subscription. Although the nav traffic and weather features would be super sweet.
The Ipod control is great... that is as long as you have a Nano, Touch, classic or 5th gen Ipod
I didn't think the Ipod photo was that obsolete. My Girl's Ipod works beautifully though.
The Good:
Everything, there are so many infinite sound adjustment you can make from the size of the individual speakers, to the sound positioning with SRS-WOW, to what type of vehicle you drive. This will take a while...
Navigation; is awesome. Sure it lacks the ablity to tilt the POV in 3D, but if I needed to see the horizon I'll look out the windshield. The interface is fast easy to use and there are a ton of choices for your vehicle pointer. That might seem trivial, but I currently have mine set to the Station Wagon (deluxe family truckster) from National Lampoons Vacation ( Holiday Ro-o-o-o...). Tons of POI setting and additions can be made from the built in flash drive. I'm compelled to say; too many options (just the way I like it.) and the detail of the maps is phenomenal to me so far.
Usb connector for those of you anti-Ipod folks works great (no video playback from USB... to my knowledge (haven't tried throwing a DIVX format file on the USB to test it out.) I didn't think I would ever use it but until I get a new Ipod it's a pretty acceptable fill in.
The Ipod list can bee scrolled through with a slide of the finger and when you go back from an artist or song it only goes back one level unlike my old Panasonic which puts you back to square one. I'd actually consider this a safety feature as it takes less time and attention to make the changes you would like.
Bluetooth is perfect. This thing put's my Motorola HF850 to shame. Audio is loud clear and paired with my LG9900VX on the first shot. You can do SMS messaging on supported phones with it, switch over to handset with a push of a button, and go through your entire phonebook all through the GUI.
It's not going to cost over 2k, listing at $1600 might not seem cheap but considering the factory Nav option doesn't do Vid playback and the price of other units out there with comparable features and Nav; this thing is a bargain at the $1000-1300 online.