GPS-Navigation Unit

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT Navigation Unit - Sound Check

Super Street Audio And Electronics Page

From the December, 2009 issue of Super Street

By Ben Oh

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT: Extended Review
The new AVIC-U310BT is a double-DIN navigation unit with a detachable screen. But it isn't a separate PND; it's more of a security feature. You can still use the map; however, the detachable unit doesn't have a GPS. Nonetheless, I do think this is a decent selling point, especially for an inexpensive unit.

The screen size is on the small side at 4.3 inches, but as long as you have a car that allows for mounting the unit at a decent height, it shouldn't be a problem. On my old Volvo S40 (with the double-DIN opening at the very bottom of the dash) it was a bit difficult accessing the virtual buttons and getting a comfortable view of the map. That being said, ameliorating the difficulty caused by placement was the AVIC-U310BT's touchscreen responsiveness, which was excellent.

The Flash-based nav/source unit has map data from TeleAtlas in 2 gigs of internal memory. You get the entire United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada. There are only about 400,000 points-of-interest (POIs) though. As-is, it was difficult to find much of anything, including the most basic places, such as common restaurants or major chain retailers. There's actually no restaurant category under POIs. But with the addition of an optional POI SD card, you can get over 12 million places. (Note: While you can add data via the SD card slot, you can't play music off an SD on the U310BT.) That might strike some users as being a little strange, but there are plenty of entertainment options for the unit so I don't think that's a major detraction.

Speaking of entertainment, a USB cable is included so that you can play music files off your thumb drive, but you will need a separate iPod cable to connect that device. Considering that there are inexpensive source units on the market that with iPod connectivity included, it's somewhat disappointing that you have to get another cable. But then again, the aforementioned inexpensive receivers don't offer navigation.

One feature that this unit does offer built-in is Bluetooth by preeminent Bluetooth manufacturer, Parrot, and is an absolute necessity. It took a little while to connect my iPhone, but once connected I was able to load my contact list in half a minute or so. And Bluetooth disconnect and reconnect are incredibly fast. There's no delay from turning on the car and being able to access the Bluetooth feature.

The AVIC-U310BT is satellite radio and HD Radio ready. In addition, the unit has a rear panel 3.5mm mini-jack input which can be used with auxiliary audio devices. Of course the disc slot accepts CDs (sorry, no DVD playback at this price point). While we're on the topic of price, the suggested retail on it is $699 but you'll find it widely available for far less. And in terms of the product as a value proposition, that makes it much more attractive if you can get it for around $400.

While the various illumination colors add to that attractiveness, the U310BT does have an ergonomic issue that tempers that cosmetic positive.The volume knob/toggle wheel is so smooth that it's frustrating adjusting volume while you're driving. Your fingers will slip around it. And it's far too easy to toggle when you're only trying to turn the knob.

Another minor issue is that the voice guidance volume must be adjusted from the settings window from the menu. You'll probably need passenger help to get to the secondary screen if you want to raise or lower the volume safely while driving. The rest of the navigation features were very good. I didn't have an issue navigating around Southern California. The map graphics are more on the utilitarian side, but they're clear and effective for conveying information.