ddx8019 information needed

All,

I'm considering purchasing a Kenwood Excelon DDX8019 to replace my failing Pioneer AVIC-D1.  There are some things about the Pioneer that I really didn't like, and some things about the Kenwood that I just don't know.  I'm hoping that you can help me answer some questions so I can make a good decision.

The D1 is currently installed in my 2004 F350.  I believe that I already have any of the required vehicle wires (like backup or vss) connected to the Pioneer, so the swap should be simple.

D1 Complaints:

The DDX8019 appears to have MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER iPod control.  It looks to be able to search, and looks like it will actually display information about the tracks, unlike the 8 charaters or whatever I get with the D1.

I'm excited about the Garmin NAV in the DDX.  Does it have NAG screens like the D1?  Is it easy to get updates from Garmin?  If I ground the parking brake wire, can I make NAV changes while moving, or does it monitor vehicle speed and lock you out that way?

Does the DDX allow video to play (either from the iPod or a DVD) while the vehicle is moving?  I'd like for my family to be able to watch movies on it on trips.

Has anyone had any issues with the touch screen?

Any other input from people that have used this particular head unit, particularly with the NAV add-on, is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Yes, I am aware that the Navigation requires the additional module.  At the time, I assumed that the DDX8019 was the "top of the line".  Thank you for pointing out the DNX7100, I'm looking at that unit now as well.

I am still trying to get a clear list of differences between the two units (DNX7100 and DDX8019) other than the built in Nav in the 7100.  There must be more than that that's different?  If anyone knows specifically, please let me know.  I've tried calling Kenwood but the phone just rings and rings.

BTW, the reviews of both on cnet really bashed the media selection menu and some of the other menus, are they really that bad?  The Nav is important to me and the Kenwoods use of Garmin puts them strongly in the lead as I am only moderately impressed with the Pioneer interface and didn't care for the interfaces in some of the others I've looked at.  I'm just looking for honest opinions about these units as a whole though...I want to know what I'm getting into and if there are major gripes!

OK, between the Kenwood site and finally getting them on the phone, here is what the differences are...

DNX7100 has NAV built in...you have to buy a $400 module for the DDX8019

The DDX8019 has the following items that the DNX7100 doesn't:

I personally don't care about the extra AV IN.

The extra USB would be nice because the iPod adapter will use the only USB on the 7100.  That leaves me with no place to plug in a memory stick if I want to play something that's not on the iPod, play someone elses MP3 player or load background images to the unit.

I'm not sure on the pre-out voltage if I should care.  All of my amplifiers are "old school" PPI Mosfet Series (late 80s to early 90s vintage).  I'll be using the built in crossover (headunit) with no signal processing between the headunit and the amps.  Should I care about the 2v vs 5v pre-outs?

The "skins" deal will only matter if the default skin on the 7100 is ugly.  From what I've seen, it looks OK to me...but I'll want to go look at one live in a store before making that final decision.

It looks like the only remaining issue is the single USB...I might have to put an extension so that the connection is located somewhere that is easily accessible, in case I want to disconnect the iPod adapter and connect something else.

Anyone else have any thought, opinions, etc...I sure would like some more input before spending this much $$$.

Pics of the iPod control screens would be interesting to me.

I'm leaning toward the DNX7100 due to the cost.  If the USB cable is that long, I'm sure I can get it to somewhere where I can disconnect the iPod adapter and plug something else in if necessary.