Shiny! Shiny!

I started out looking at simple keyless entry systems to install onto my car.

That turned into iPod integration.

That turned into me wanting this. The Pioneer AVIC-D3 not only has the iPod integration I am looking for but also has Bluetooth integration for my phone and PDA as well as a GPS system that works in Canada. The DVD player plays DivX videos as well. I also like the clean touch-screen interface as opposed to the horde of buttons on other devices, and the muted color of the trim (the last aftermarket radio I owned had this odd fluorescent glow that would not mute at night and is very distracting when driving long distances).

What I like most about Pioneer is its interface. The problem with purchasing products like this is that it is next to impossible to see the interfaces used on the systems. Not so with Pioneer; click on the upper right corner of that link and it will take you to a Flash version. This is what has made Apple so successful: the plebeians love Apple interfaces for their simplicity of use and immediate access to services. Motorola could learn a lot from the importance of a good user interface.

For me, it would be a long-term investment. My car has 30K miles on it and I plan to drive it into at least 120K (that is, through medical school, residency, and a few years of practice). So, if I were to install an audio system such as this, I would be using it for a while. I would also have to install a security system for my car, because there is no way in hell I am putting something like this in my vehicle and parking it streetside on the Ohio State campus without one.

But I have MANY MANY MANY better things to do with $1000. Like ... oh, I don't know ... my apartment rent. I suppose I should wait until I am actually a doctor or have save up the money before I start considering something like this.

Le sigh.