Alpine announces in-car AV unit / GPS docking station

Alpine has more on its plate at CES than the iPod-friendly iDA-X001, of course, also taking the opportunity to introduce a range of other in-car units, including this AV head unit with a docking station for its also-announced Bluetooth-equipped GPS device. The main IVA-W205 unit packs a relatively spacious 6.5-inch touchscreen, along with a CD/DVD slot and support for a range of other non-disc-based media, including XM or Sirius satellite radio with the appropriate tuner, iPod connectivity with full on-screen display, and USB connectivity for other MP3/WMA players. Pop in Alpine's latest Blackbird GPS unit, the PMD-B200, and the built-in Bluetooth will work its magic to transfer the device's GPS functions to the main unit, letting you swap the device between vehicles if you choose. Look for the IVA-W205 head unit to land in May for $1,000, with the PMD-B200 GPS unit also set to drop sometime in the spring, but for a yet to be determined price.

[Via Autoblog]

[TheCash @ Jan 9th 2007 9:30PM]

Look at that face unit... just how far out of the dash is that thing going to stick?
I am a huge fan of Alpine, and my last three head units have been Alpines, but the 2007 lineup looks like complete crap. The IDA-x001 looks interesting, but why in god's name did they mount the screen on the passenger side of the huge center button instead of... I dunno... the drivers side? I'm sure this has to do with European drivers being on that side, but is it too much to ask for them to make two variations of the model, one lefty and one righty, to please everyone?

[Steve @ May 21st 2007 6:31PM]

They put the display on the passenger side because if they had put it on the driver’s side, they would have had to mount the control buttons on the passenger’s side; further away from the driver by 4-5". It doesn't seem like much but is actually a fairly significant when you consider the fact that you would have to move your entire torso to reach that extra distance if your hand is already fully outstretched. True, there is a remote that would make button placement irrelevant if it were the sole means of input, but rarely will any user utilize the remote 100% of the time for input to the head unit. Also, moving the screen that same 4-5” has very little visual impact to the driver. Changing the viewing angle by only one degree or so would only make the display appear about 0.5-0.6% smaller, a change that is almost imperceptible to all but the most visually acute.

The factors I have just described are referred to as “Ergonomics” or “Human Factors Engineering”. It seems that Alpine is actually very good at this aspect of the design process; a fact reinforced by the award of two “Innovations Awards” at the 2007 CES, one specifically for the iDA-X001.

I am considering purchasing a new Alpine head unit but would like input from people who have owned their products before making such a substantial purchase. How is their 2007 line-up so drastically different from the Alpine products you “loved” in the past to “complete crap” this year? Thanks for the input.

[Michael @ Jan 10th 2007 11:48AM]

It's not going to stick out any farther than normal, double-dins are always really deep.

[kevin @ Jan 11th 2007 10:29AM]

The blackbird is $499 on Alpine's website and in my local car audio shops, I don't know why all the blogs say otherwise

[Wayne @ Feb 4th 2007 10:56PM]

TheCash - I dont have the exact specs but I would think it will probably only stick out 2-3"...not bad at all.

Kevin - the $499 price tag for the Blackbird only applies to the PMD-B100 and PMD-B100T. The PMD-B100T is the same thing as the B100 but has an integrated Traffic FM tuner. It was available at large electronic stores in the beginning/middle of January 2007 but has not yet showed up on Alpine's website.

The price for the PMD-B200 is yet to be determine, yet will probably cost at least $599 due to its larger screen and BT. It also sports a slimmer profile then the 100 series models and is made specifically to fit in the IVA-W205.

[Mark @ May 31st 2007 11:26PM]

Which Sirius tuner should I buy for this? There are two or three they sell, but I want the one that goes with this unit. Is it the sir-alp1? I notice on one of the descriptions it says it is steering wheel remote ready. Do I still need to buy the swi-alp or is something included? I am seriously thinking about buying the w205, but haven't found many reviews on it yet. Seems pretty cool though.

[MValpreda @ Jun 4th 2007 2:39PM]

I got the W205 and love it. Great unit. Read a few write-ups that says it plays DivX, but it doesn't. I wish the Blackbird would come out. Sad that they announced it in January and it's now June with no release date in sight. Ready to get my dash cleaned up!

[MValpreda @ Jun 4th 2007 2:46PM]

I also wonder if there is going to be some sort of external antenna for this thing. Since it's buried in the dash...it's going to have a hard time picking up GPS signals. I just know it will be nice to have a big touch screen, Bluetooth, iPod, Sirius and GPS in an OEM looking unit in the dash. :)

[balistikboy @ Jul 24th 2007 10:50PM]

The w205 has a connection on the back for an external gps antenna. It will most likely be necessary to get an antenna if you have the blackbird in the w205. And the w205 does not stick out of the dash at all. I was able to recess it completely flush with the dash and it looks factory. It is an amazing unit, and my 4th Alpine stereo. Can't wait for the b200!