Clarion's double-DIN MAX685BT head unit sports Bluetooth, iPod controls

We've oh-so-little to go on right now, but initial impressions of the double-DIN MAX685BT are underwhelming at best. This in-dash AV center looks to sport a relatively ho hum display, integrated cellphone / navigation support and Bluetooth connectivity, but none of these totally expected features are likely to drop any jaws. Additionally, it plays nice with your dock-connecting iPod and offers up a built-in USB port, but unless Clarion reveals some earth-shattering addition that we're not yet aware of, we'll probably pass on this one.

[Pitta @ Nov 14th 2007 2:23AM]

Is there really a market for this stuff? I used to think they were cool, but if you hav ethe cash for crap like this?

FOrd with the Sync integration... in cheap cars... comon...

[Jona @ Nov 14th 2007 3:43AM]

Why is the user interface on these things always so horrid?

[Don @ Nov 14th 2007 9:15AM]

Because they're designed by the same engineer idiots that think people LOVE tiny little buttons.

[scolen2 @ Nov 14th 2007 4:48AM]

I totaly agree. Head Units always look like they run on Commador 64 OS.

Thing is, Clarion made a OEM unit for japan VW last year on this same model, and its not only a much more beautiful case (not flashy and or looks like a transformer), but hte UI is also awesome and looked like a nice flahs website.

So, the qusetion is.. why wont they make that for customers.

[iczer2 @ Nov 14th 2007 8:43AM]

Com'on people. It's a head unit. The display doesn't need to be beautiful per say, just readable and accessible *while you're driving*.

I have a Clarion MAX675vd and while it is definitely not the most pretty display, it is really easy to see and makes changing stations and other functions simple to do with just a glance.

Now granted, I would like to see prettier displays, but just as long as they stay readable and easy to navigate. That should always stay first and foremost in designer's minds.

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Nov 14th 2007 10:26AM]

yeah, sure, but look at the example picture: not only does it look bad it doesn't even look clear. their attempt to add a "flashy" background image only obfuscates the important text when viewed in a quick glance.

def idiot engineers... bring back big buttons.

[matthew @ Nov 14th 2007 6:12PM]

when are they going to make a detachable face dual din nav unit? the only thing close is that horrid eclipse/tom tom unit which looks like an 80's reject. Or have thieves stopped stealing car stereo's when i was asleep