Eclipse AVN726E DVD/GPS receiver

Summary: This product is excellent. It has all the features you could want/need in a modestly priced unit. While having the extras plus installation will cost you a pretty penny upfront (though not as much as some other equivalent namebrand GPS units), they are well worth it in the end. I put a rearview camera, sirius radio, bluetooth microphone, and ipod adapter in my truck and I absolutely love it. I don't know if the people who give this bad ratings just didn't try or just aren't savvy enough to operate this wonderfully simple and user-friendly system. You get all the luxuries of a limited edition vehicle for $3000-$5000 cheaper than if you were to buy them already installed on a vehicle.

The touch screen takes about 5 or 6 trips to get the hang of what you need to do with it. *Side Note: I purchased a cheap screen protector (like you would on a phone screen) knowing how much you would be touching a touch screen and I must say that was a great purchase. I highly recommend doing the same for safety and peace of mind.

The EQ and Balance/Fade Controls allow for maximum customization of sound. The GPS has had a few addresses we couldn't locate, but the dozens we have found have directed us just as a Garmin would. In fact we've had just as many addresses we couldn't find with our Garmin. Every GPS will have its flaws. I was concerned at first with the GPS about how user-friendly it would be coming from a Garmin unit. However this has been proven to be extremely easy to use and store addresses in. The 3D mode is what we use the most and pretty neat when you get into big cities with large buildings. There is also a traditional 2D mode if you prefer. I haven't had the need to update the maps, but I also haven't seen an update for this system either.

DVDs and movies off of your iPod play beautifully and in great quality. It's like having a mini-tv in your vehicle (just don't watch while driving, although you can get a bypass done on this system). The only piece I haven't gotten yet is the remote control which I think should have come with it, but it's really not that much of a necessity.

The rearview camera is great and the picture is crystal clear. The only downside (as with any backup camera) is dirt or water on the screen, but that is simple enough to fix. The camera is adjustable and a great upgrade without paying a dealer $2000 for a limited package.

All in all this is a great unit and a sound investment. I will definitely have this unit for a long time. The sheer convenience of the unit should sell itself. You get everything you want/need in one central location. It's like having a central command computer in your vehicle. Easy to read display (both in day and night mode), easy to understand interface, and easy to press buttons (even on the fly) make this unit a must have for anyone looking to take their vehicle to the next level without buying a whole new car. Take this review as "two thumbs, way up!"

Summary: Some more cons, there is only one cross-over for the non-fading out and it is on or off. Cut off at 80 Hz. The unit has an SD slot but you can't use it, so putting that ON A SPEC SHEET IS WORTHLESS. Tech support at Eclipse is also lacking. They have no interest in helping you get this unit sounding good and I wanted to spend more money with them. There is no dual Zone. The unit scrolling through an Ipod or Flash stick is slow. The flash stick or hard drive does not have a search feature. The sound is what it is you will need a EQ or sound Proc for the quality audio heads are looking for. So for the money you just spent go get a car PC. I am returning this unit and getting a car PC.