Home > Consumer Reviews > Alpine Blackbird II PMD-B200 - GPS receiver - automotive

I too bought this GPS unit about 14 months ago to use with the IVA-W205. First off everything worked fine ( dock and roll), Bluetooth link with my blackberry were great. After about a year ( when warranty was done) I started having problems. I checked Alpines site for firmware updates and or map updates --- Nothing. I have gotten all problems listed by others in their reviews. After having unit fixed by Alpine for an additional [...] bucks ( still no map updates). So every time I turn the unit on I get prompted to "update my maps". I really believe Alpine has no plans to provide an update. After spending over [...] bucks total for this unit i have to say I made a mistake. Alpine cost so much compared to other brands and I must say that I am not pleased with after purchase support. Alpine states on their web-site that this units maps are upgradable via a USB port. So i just have to wonder whats wrong as they continue to put out new more expensive products and wont support something just over a year old. So plan to get this unit in hope of finding places close to you and you do a search for the closest "Starbucks" be prepaid to get one in another state.

After two years of owning this I am more than ready to move on. The idea is outstanding, being able to have your incar GPS be your on the go gps without having to invest in multiple devices. Unfortunately Alpine really failed to full execute their idea.

First, the system simply gave up on me after about two years, just gets stuck in a permenant reboot cycle and alpine wants more money than it would cost me to buy a new one of a different brand to replace it.

Second, no updates. Two years later, not a single map update for this device, further if you go to their site the information they have to offer is very rudimentary. Makes me wonder if Alipne really supports this product or is just out there to milk as much money out of the GPS market as they can leaving their customers high and dry.

For the price of this product it is a huge disappointment for what should have been one of the best GPS devices out there.

Ok, the gps works fine in my car, I rarely have to reboot and it's really no big deal when I do. I really like it when it can find where I want to go.

The problem is the attributes and features are way out of date (as of 5/13/09). There are so many times when I want it to take me somewhere and it's not in the database. I've called Alpine customer support to ask about an update and they keep telling me that "there is one coming". They sound a little agitated. I think they've given up on this product.

Update 11/22/09 - Nothings changed from my May review. Bummer.

Installed mine in a 2001 Toyota sequoia with a IVA-W205 April 2009. Bluetooth works great with my Verizon Samsung phone with people telling me they can hear me clearly and I can hear them clearly also. I have never had it reboot nor have I had to reboot it. The trips I have made with it were great, put in a destination and it took me right to it with clear turn by turn directions, of course I updated the database before inserting it so routing was current. The SD card plays beautifully through the W205 along with the FM modulator being a great feature to use it in another car. My Mother is thinking about having me install the same system in her 2003 Mazda van.

Got it when it first came out last summer, so far ive had to reboot it maybe 5x in the last year. never had it reboot by itself. Works great in the alpine reciever, BT works good with my samsung phone(sucked with my LG). Have not tried the FM TX, or the SD music.
It seems to be using the Navtec 05 maps, I wish I could update that. And the traffic I had major issue with since it could not get a good signal with the HD radio module installed, so it was pretty much worthless if you use HD, unless you want to add another ant.