How do you guys like your iPOD interface? What are the Pro's and Con's?

I'm in the market for an iPOD adapter for my Carrera S, and trying to choose between Dension or Nav-TV.

Also, if you know of any good Dension installers in the Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek/Concord Area), please let me know.

Thanks

 

There are several threads on this board about the 500.

I've had it installed for 3000 miles now on my '06 S and absolutely love it. I would say that for the entire 3000 miles, I've had my ipod 30 gig unit running through the 500 - nary a flaw or glitch.

I just upgraded with latest software, and it's better than ever - artist search is a huge upgrade.

This is totally easy to install, taking my time, I did it in 1 hour with nothing but a screwdriver and flashlight - total piece of cake.

Go for it - Eric is a solid, reliable source for this product, and I'd recommend you buy from him, as his support of the board and Porsche owners in general is quite high.

Cheers,
Gundo

 

We have installers in the bay area. Just ask when you place your order.

 

Thanks for responding. I've read many of the threads here, but wanted an updated response since the Bluetooth option is now available also.

When researching at two of the local stereo shops, they both spoke highly of the nav-tv product, usually because of being unfamiliar with the Dension product.

Good to know that there are satisfied customers of the Gateway 500. I'll contact Eric once my mind is made up.

Thanks again.

 

I am also extremely interested in getting the ipod adapter and bluetooth adapter. Any chance we can find enough people to get a group buy again?

 

I posted my thoughts here.

I had a lot of issues running the older v1.x firmware, the iPod would frequently disappear and I'd have to uplug it and plug it back in to get it to work. Since upgrading to the 2.02 firmware I've been much, much happier with it. The PCM interface is awful, but that's not really the Denison's fault.

I'd buy it again in a heartbeat and I'd absolutely buy from Eric @ BumperPlugs again. If you're not interested in cabling up into the passenger compartment it's an approachable self-install for anyone with basic screwdriver skills.

 

Great review site! Thank you! Are you planning to buy the bluetooth adapter?

BTW, welcome to the forum. I've been a long-time lurker, but I really wanted to get some opinions on this product. Thanks again for posting a helpful response (what a great first post!).

 

With the newest update, the system works great. Very user friendly and it seems that Dension is set on making it better with each update. I would certainly recommend.

 

intead of creating a new thread, I figure I ask the question here. Does anyone know if the 500 will display asian characters on the nav as part of the song list, etc.? Most of my song collection are in Chinese.

 

500 will not display Chinese characters. The 500 will convert them into a dot '.', whereas Nav-TV will show strange symbols.

 

I really like mine especially with the new FW and you get used to it.

 

I have no plans to buy the bluetooth adapter, it's not really something I have any use for. Thanks for the kind words!

 

I bought the unit in the group buy some months ago but just had it installed because I've been very busy with work. We tested it out with a drive from OC to Santa Barbara (Four Seasons Biltmore) and loved it all the way.

I had it installed next to the CD changer. The installer crafted a box that gives me access to everything I need very easily, like the USB port. I don't mind it in the trunk because the controls are so good from the Bose system. I upgraded the software the day of installation.

I can't compare it against any other product, but I am very happy.

 

I have had mine for a few months. The older 1.x Firmware was kind of kludgy and often hung. But I still liked it. The 2.x firmware is a HUGE improvement both in functionality and reliability. I had an MB with the built in iPOD interface and frankly the Dension 2.x firmware combo is much better. Plus you can add an external USB drive if you want. The PCM display is kind of slow and there isn't much they can do about it, but I am able to zero in on music that I want with an 80GB iPOD full of music.

 

I upgraded to the 2.x as well with an 80GB attached - can finally access everything, but with 506 pages of "artists" it takes 10 minutes of scrolling and pushing to page through just to get to (Ps) The Police (and sometimes it won't remember the last place when I turn off the car, so I have to do it again if I want to go back!)

I'm not big on playlists, but think I'll have to go there soon to deal with this.

Unless of course you can offer some other hint or tip? I have "heard" there is a search feature, but haven't found it.

Have you had any luck with the other "Tracks" listed under CD5? I click on them an nothing happens <genre> for instance....

Thanks - T