Kenwood DNX7100 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor and radio

Amazon Customer Reviews

(4 out of 5)

Excellent, highly functional head unit, iPod controller, and navigation system - some UI quirks

I purchased this item about a week ago and have had a chance to use it extensively.

Pros:

* Immensely robust feature set that integrates well with even the most complex factory setups; my vehicle has a rear DVD player and audio system. I was able to install this unit so that the rear DVD player can operate at the same time as the stereo for occupants in front. This unit has a wealth of features that, while challenging to figure out at times, give you incredible flexibility for configuration.
* Very, very good iPod control capable of easily navigating huge libraries (tens of thousands of songs); gives you access to songs, albums, and playlists quickly
* Excellent built-in Garmin navigation.
* Big, beautiful, highly functional touch screen that looks very clean in the dash; no cluttered buttons or knobs
* Lots of expansion options like satellite radio and bluetooth. I installed a rear camera and it is amazingly useful for trailer hitching and even for everyday backing up.

Cons:

* Like so many electronics products that are reaching nearly into PC space in terms of functionality, this unit suffers from a deep, wide, and complex navigational structure. There are all kinds of buttons that you have to hit in order to reveal other hidden buttons, with little consistency in navigational conventions. Sometimes to see more buttons you have to click a little green one. Other times you need to click one of the few physical buttons on the unit. Sometimes there's a "back" button; sometimes not.
* Button for random (shuffle) iPod playback difficult to find (see bullet above).

I don't want to overstate the cons. I would just love to see the electronics manufacturers pay attention to human interface and really get some expert designers. Maybe Apple could help them out.

All of that aside, this is a fantastic unit, a lot of fun to use, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a strong iPod controller and in-dash navigation system.

(5 out of 5)

Out of this world

I had this product installed professionally and everything works just like i thought plus more. i ordered it from globazar and got it in 2 days. i can call anyone using the touch screen interface with blue touch. i went with sirius cause i like their channels better. but had it installed in a 2007 dodge magnum that didnt even come with a navigation system. THE GUYS AT STEREO ADVANTAGE HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS ROCK. I AM THE ONLY ONE IN INDIANAPOLIS SO FAR WITH IT SO IM LOVING it

(4 out of 5)

Kenwood 7100 pretty good deal

Kenwood DNX7100 - Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor and radio My husband has a Kenwood NAV 6019 and I went with the Kenwood DNX7100. The 7100 is a little easier to use as it will take you to a main function screen where you choose tv, DVD, IPOD, etc. BUT, compared to Pioneer models, the Kenwood is still lacking in ease of use. My 7100 does offer the ability to use the IPOD playlist and choose songs where the 6019 does not, that is a better feature. The sound of my bluetooth is worse than my husband's bluetooth sound with his 6019 though. We have even upgraded the speakers and wiring in my car, not much help. One thing I really hate about the Kenwood products is that there is not a MUTE feature; you are constantly going up and down with volume controls. The screen is clear and looks really nice. The back up camera and tv tuner accessories work good too. I wish someone would come out with a tuner/GPS system that is so simple to use, my mother could do it. Our installers even had trouble finding set up items with the 6019 and 7100. I found it almost impossible to quiet the navigation when someone else in my car rec'd a phone call and needed to hear on their phone. Too many steps needed. Also, the GPS does not show the next road you are looking for which is common for most GPS units. Again, not as easy as the Magellan unit we had. All in all, the Kenwood is a good deal for the cost but I wish these guys could make an easier model to use for all of us.

(5 out of 5)

SOOO Easy to by-pass! Sounds awesome! Looks Stunning!

After much deliberation and debate over which 2Din navigation receiver to purchase and install, I went with the Kenwood DNX-7100, and I'm so glad I did!

First off, the Pioneer Avic products are difficult to by-pass, have mediocre iPod integration at best and cost quite a bit more. I have 13 speakers in my Volvo and the Kenwood rocks 'em all! Whether its music from my iPod, a DVD or XM radio this unit switches between sources flawlessly, quickly and without much pause and the sound quality is first rate. It does take about 8 seconds to load up, due likely to the navigation data being stored internally. Without the need for discs, it's WELL worth the wait.

On the topic of navigation...the interface and display is a bit quirky looking, but its GARMIN! So it'll get you there quickly and efficiently without sending you out of the way. It also has an SD slot to update the software or install custom POIs.

Another major point that made the decision easy was the available USB port for an external device. Obviously having an iPod makes more sense for music, but if you want to load pictures, custom backgrounds or other files it's a snap! Can't use a hub, but just run the cable to your glove box and switch devices easily.

Overall I'm extremely pleased with this product from Kenwood!

(5 out of 5)

Kenwood DNX7100 - Excellent product!

I researched a lot of in-dash navagation systems and read a lot of reviews. I am completely satisfied with this system. The GPS is very easy to use. It is much easier to use than the navagation system in my wife's Lexus. Great picture quality in the DVD player. I purchased the IPOD connection and it works great. Great sound! Overall, a very good product!