VMS X-Series

[rwo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close rwo]

VMS are listing a new and updated version of their in-dash navigation solution, the X-series. Just wondering if anyone has had a play with one of these and know what/if any improvements have been made over their older version?

The three main things I have noticed from looking at the units on their webpage:
1. Much cheaper price, the new style Toyota double din X523 (Prado 120, FJ, 150 GX) is listed as $895.00, they have customised solutions for some models (including 200 Sahara) for about the same price (but not 150 GXL/VX/Kakadu which is still their old "Chinese Knockoff whatever setup" that seems to be the same hardware as available on ebay for about $800 but at a $2k premium through VMS)
2. Icon's and background look very "Iphone", curious to know if the software is just a new front-end for their old system or a complete re-write, either way I'm sure their is some Apple IP violation going on here!
3. The writeup under Street Navigation reads as follows: blah blah blah Utilising the latest NAVTEQ mapping and HemaŽ 4WD track data for Australia, so does this mean VMS are now using Hema maps which are supposed to be better than VMS?

I emailed them to find out if the new X-Series was coming to the 150 GXL, and they said they are working on it but is 3-6 months away (probably so they can clear out their old overpriced Chinese knock off Prado 150 hardware).

Either way, 120, 150 GX and 150 GXL owners (with GX conversion) might be interested in the X523 (http://www.vms4x4.com/collections/in...500-double-din).

If anyone gets a chance to play with one of these, I would be interested in how it pans out and what your impressions are as I still haven't found a 150 Navigation solution that I am willing to hand over hard-earned for!

[outback7 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close outback7]

Mate I have an IPad loaded with Hema maps.......There is a thread that you can get all kinds of idea's how to mount it. I thought of an in dash system but chose this instead, very happy with it. Just another option.

[Craigo72 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Craigo72]

Just hope if you buy one that you don't have any issues with it.

[Bogged Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bogged]

Has anyone installed one of these VMS X523 Units?? What is the difference between the X253 and the 7523?? Thinking about buying one, any feedeback, comments would be appreciated.

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

I have a Clarion system fitted with the Hema maps, and the maps have shown me outback roads that I did not know existed. Appears to be a detailed recording of roads and tracks.

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

looks like the price has gone up. Now listed at $995

Anyone have any feedback on the units?

[fatboydave Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close fatboydave]

Anyone??
Read plenty of bad things about the earlier VMS models but not much about the x523 or x series. Wondering if people are having better experiences with these.
My OEM stereo is no longer reading CD's and the inline plug died a while ago, so looking for an in dash replacement that looks reasonably factory.

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Go iPad and Hema maps. VMS and Mud Maps have screwed me once, never again.

[RanJ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close RanJ]

For what it's worth... I spend my days fitting car audio and all the goodies. Vms and dig options are all the same ebay crap to me.

They use the same hardware even the same connectors. The only that differs is the gui. Although it's still the same WinCE OS underneath.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

So what do you recommend Ranj?

Reasonably priced of course :-)

[RanJ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close RanJ]

Define reasonably priced lol.

There is two ways you can go these days... Inbuilt nav or phone based nav.

If inbuilt nav is prefered then the Kenwood DNX4150BT can be snagged for about 1100-1300. Comes with built in Garmin maps. Reason I recommend this unit is because of the Garmin maps... You can remove the SD Card and insert your Garmin Offroad maps SD Card and it works perfectly.
http://www.kenwood.com/au/car/visual...ion/dnx4150bt/


Another option is a beauty for us Toyota guys... Kenwood designed a unit that takes advantage of the 200mm space in the dash. It doesn't have inbuilt nav but dependant upon your phone you have a few options. Android users can purchase a WiFi dongle that streams their display over to the Kenwoods screen and allows two way control. iPhone users will be allowed this option later in the year, currently an iPhone can use the HDMI input and at least have mirroring available.

This unit is using a new OS from Kenwood and is still a little on the pricey side $1100-1300 as well. But having the nice large 7" display plus the physical buttons on the RIGHT hand side of the radio is a major drawcard for it. To add inbuilt in nav will set you back a cool $800

http://www.kenwood.com/au/car/visual...ion/dnr935wbt/


If you don't need fancy smart phone intergration... just bluetooth calls and streaming, then check out the Clarion and or Sony line up, with Nav for about $1k mark or lower

Pioneer have some great options that enable Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Starting at around $1k and will blow your mind. The AVH-X8750BT is what I now use and I'm a happy man.

http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/product...50BT/page.html

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

I have earmarked one of the Pioneer units already. Good to see someone that knows also has one. Now Ranj, do you have a spare room where I can stay overnight while you fit it up for me? I also need the rear camera upgraded and a line put in to a rear camera on the T-Van which I believe is do-able with this unit.

[RanJ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close RanJ]

Lol... I have several. Question is... can you afford me? These nylon and vinyl don't come cheap you know?

[MidLifeCrisis Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close MidLifeCrisis]

Only the best for me. I have an IKEA loyalty card and KFC fine dining membership. I am very modern and also share a passion for Nylon, Vinyl and even Rayon! No old fashioned wool or cotton or wood here.

On a slightly more serious note:
1. is there any benefit of Air mirroring over Car Play?
2. how many children must I sell to get a discount on these types of units?

[RanJ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close RanJ]

1, not really. Seeing that you said carplay, I'm going to assume you're an iPhone user. Currently, air mirroring is not available with iPhone. Expected release is later this year. When available it allows for wireless interactivity so no need to plug your phone in to charge. Given that it's quite heavy on resources this can he a downfall on longer trips. But the biggest difference is that air mirror will allow complete access to your entire phone. Airplay locks you out of some features.

2, only your first born. Most places will offer fairly good discounts if you push for it. Which unit are you looking at? If you're looking at an avic unit with apple car play then you might be able to save a few con by buying the previous model... the F60 or F960. Virtually same unit but no Android Auto. That was introduced in the F70 and F970.

If non gps... the avh 8650bt has apple carplay but you need the 8750bt for android auto.