How often would you use the Eclipse's detachable GPS module on foot or in another car?
Design
The AVN2210p is a different take on the double-DIN stereo head-unit with GPS idea. It features a detachable unique-to-Eclipse TomTom GPS unit on the right, which functions as both a navigation display and as a touchscreen interface for the stereo. There's also a slimline dot matrix display on the left for displaying basic track and station information.
You control the functions of the Eclipse either via the TomTom's touchscreen or through the AVN2210p's main control stack, which consists of a five-way directional pad with a ring dial for volume control, flanked by a group of buttons for source/power, band, mute and mode. It looks eerily reminiscent of the MMI (multimedia interface) control system used on many Audi vehicles.
Skipping tracks on a CD, or on an MP3 player, is simply a matter of clicking left or right on the directional pad. However, using the physical controls to change preset radio stations -- up to 18 FM and six AM stations can be stored -- is a less than intuitive process. Clicking left and right on the directional pad changes frequencies or -- if you hold down for a bit -- searches for the next strong signal, while clicking up and down yields nothing. To change presets, you need to tap the Mode button, scroll left or right using the volume dial and then click centre button. It's all too involved and distracting if you, say, happen to be driving along and are assaulted with another long block of non-stop, umm, ads and wish to escape quickly to another station. It's easier via the TomTom's touchscreen -- assuming that it's plugged in and not doing duty elsewhere -- although you'll need to temporarily switch out of navigation mode.
There are six, mechanically-driven angles of tilt available for the AVN2210p's front faceplate. Given the slightly shallow viewing angles offered by the TomTom's 3.5-inch LCD screen, it might be useful depending on the driver's position in relation to the head unit -- this will naturally vary from driver to driver, and from car to car.
Features
In addition to the AM/FM radio tuner and single CD player, the AVN2210p supports MP3 players. Out the back there's a port for an iPod connector, although the cable is an optional extra. Thankfully, for tightwads like us, there's a single USB slot hiding on the front underneath a rubber cover. To this we successfully attached a number of players, including the Sony NWZ-A816 Walkman and 2nd generation iPod nano; the Eclipse failed to play ball with our Sony NW-A806 Walkman and iPod Touch. Despite the manual's claims, we were unable to successfully play music from a number of USB keys on the AVN2210p.
Pairing up our Nokia 6110 Navigator with the Eclipse via Bluetooth was a snap; it was all done and dusted in around a minute. Calls made or taken through the AVN2210p came through loud and clear on our end. However our fellow chit-chatters complained that, although they could understand us, we sounded very scratchy.
Performance
When we detached the TomTom GPS navigator out of its cubby hole and made use of the supplied windshield mount and in-car charger, it functioned just like an entry-level TomTom One. That means that the graphics were simple, functional and clear, guidance was OK -- less than optimal in most situations but it will get you from A to B -- and the menus simple to use. Those using the TomTom as an independent module will have to live without MP3 playback -- although that's not really that much of a loss considering the limitations of the mono speaker -- as well as Bluetooth hands-free. Whether docked or undocked, there's no text-to-speech on offer.
With the GPS unit docked, music sources are silenced whenever navigation instructions are read out. Unfortunately, the TomTom's instruction volume is controlled independently of the Eclipse's settings. It's a bit disconcerting the first time you twiddle the volume dial yet the nav instructions are still as loud, or as soft, as ever -- to change the TomTom's volume, you have to click on the box containing the next turn instructions, and then move the volume slider. We did like the fact that the TomTom's screen will dim itself when you turn your headlights on, though.
Is the Eclipse AVN2210p a brilliant piece of innovation, allowing you to have both a portable and in-dash sat nav, or a marketing gimmick? The case for the latter is pretty strong because we're not sure how many owners will use the AVN2210p's TomTom GPS on foot or in another vehicle. And if do you lend the TomTom to your better half and she suddenly comes to the realisation that she cannot live without an electronic voice guiding her around town, what do you do? Sacrifice your own navigation needs -- not to mention iPod connectivity, because using the Eclipse sans GPS means the USB port is disabled -- or shell out more dosh for another GPS? We suspect it will be the latter.
Gimmicks and design foibles aside, the Eclipse is a good value unit -- there's probably no cheaper way to get an integrated GPS and car stereo unit. We just wish that the TomTom navigator was built-in -- this probably would have given the Eclipse a more integrated look, more consistent interface and a bigger screen.
Derek Fung
02/10/2007, 10:54 AM
Hi DJ55,
You won't be able to plug in your existing TomTom into the Eclipse. The Eclipse comes with a TomTom GPS that's specifically designed for it, however you can remove it and mount it in another car if you so wish.
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DJ55
29/09/2007, 05:41 AM
rating
10/10
That looks really cool! I would love to have something like this for my ONE XL!
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