Cool Stuff You Can't Have: Panasonic F-Class Nav

Those wacky Japanese are at it again. The new Panasonic Strada F-Class navigation line, the CN-HX1000D and CN-HW1000D, offers all the coolness that the US Strada line has, but seriously takes it to an entirely new level of gadget geekery. First off, the F-Class features LCD from Panasonic's amazing high-end VIERA line, so the image quality should be pretty outstanding compared to standard Strada models. Of course, they also feature navigation, a built-in 40GB hard drive, Bluetooth, iPod control, SD card reader, and a built-in 1-Seg digital TV tuner. So what makes this over the top?

"Most impressive, though, is Panasonic’s “From Home to Car” system: that uses a Bluetooth cellphone to link up with a networked home. The (optional) service allow drivers to remotely operate lighting and air conditioners, and view still images captured with a network camera.  You can also record TV programs by controlling a Panasonic DIGA DVD recorder from the car.  Impressive stuff, though not something to be playing with when cruising down the freeway; save it for the traffic lights."

I can honestly say I never saw this coming. I'm not sure how useful it actually is, but it's definitely cool to see an aftermarket manufacturer taking mobile products to the next level. Two units are available, the stacked double-DIN with flip-out screen CN-HX1000D and the double-DIN CN-HW1000D.

in the forums!

Source: Slashgear
Source: Panasonic of Japan
Source: Product Page

Who Remembers Their First System?

Back before I knew what imaging was, what staging meant, or anything else, I knew I wanted realistic sound. My first system reminds me of my first car. It had moments when it was awesome, but there were some moments you wished the stupid thing would just work. But then again, as frustrating as both the first car and the first system were, you always have a soft spot for both of them.

My first "real" car was a 1985 Audi 4000, which lived for over 320k miles despite my abuses to it. And throughout it's life, it had no less than a half dozen totally different installs before finally ending up with one I was proud of. So proud, in fact, that the amps in my current Audi are the same amps from my 4000's final system! The first install took place in my parents driveway over a weekend, and with absolutely NO clue what I was doing. There's a fear in the back of mind that one day somebody will find pictures of the head unit wiring job I did in the 4000. Not a pretty sight.

Here's what I was rocking back-in-the-day.

• 2 Pyle Drivers (The Ones with the Gold Lettering...)
• 1 AutoTek Mean Machine 100. (A 100 Watt Amp!!!!)
• 1 Panasonic Head Unit
• 1 Pair of Boston Acoustic Speakers.

So what was your first system?

in the forums!