Alpine BlackBird PMD-B200
Alpine has a new portable GPS which can be docked with one of their other devices to provide an in-dash experience with a portable PND. The Alpine PMD-B200 is a portable GPS device which looks similar to some of their older Blackbird PNDs. This device is designed to be used with the Alpine IVA-W205 device whereby the PMD-B200 will “dock” into the IVA-W205 to provide an integrated Audio, Visual, and Navigation system. Want to use the navigation system in another vehicle? Just un-dock the device and and take it with you.
Is there a GPS that works on rural roads in the U.S.?
Nearly all GPS devices designed for auto navigation work on rural roads.
How about a release date for the PMD-B200?
i want to know if there are argentinas maps for this product. thnakssssss…
Pros:
Qualifier: I have only used the Blackbird II in it’s docked mode with the IVA-W205.
Portable, concealable w/in the Alpine IVA-W205; decent day and night screens; controls the built-in music mode when giving verbal commands.
Cons:
Expends but doesn’t recharge mobile battery when docked w/in IVA-W205; IVA-W205 is located central to dash heating and cooling which often affects the operation of the concealed mobile unit; does not allow mix/combination of path algorithims; no clear method of updating software or database to date,
Comments:
On trip from point A to B, with waypoints and 1, 2, & 3, only one path algorithim may be used (i.e. Quickest w/Freeway, Quickest w/o Freeway, or shortest for entire trip calculation). Perhaps allowing differentiation between path algorithims from point A to way point 1 and way point 1 to 2, etc., through the Maneuver List would be better. Now that requires redirect/alternate choice and recalculation.
Need shielding kit for the IVA-W205 to prevent automotive heating and cooling from affecting the mobile unit.
IVA-W200 or mobile unit(s) should have electronic capacity for recharging mobile unit when docked within IVA-W200. Currently, you will have to remove mobile unit from docking station and recharge prior to any mobile use.
Better/any instructions for obtaining software and database updates should be included.