Hello guys,

I've got my 2004 coupe a couple of weeks ago. I've joined this
forum today and this is my first post. I've read many threads in the A/V and
Electronics forum. I know these are common problems all over again. But here it goes anyway.

What I want:

1. Keep the factory look as much as possible (High priority).
2. Minimum level of tearing parts away. i.e. not to take of the door panel.
3. No cables around whatsoever (i.e. for iPod).
4. Bluetooth capability for phone.
5. Navigation.
6. An USB and/or SD card socket.
7. And a Windows Mobile/Media Center/Ce operating system would be cool so that I could develop some apps for it.

Given that first requirement is important Kenwood's KVT-M700 seems fine.

q 1) But I'm not sure how the optional components will be connected with the stereo ?
I suppose there's no space in the dash for it. Is there cables beneath the passenger's foot which is connected to the stereo already and I put and connect the components there and I'm all set ?

For instance assume that I'd like to put bluetooth and navigation components to KVT-M700 what would I do ?

Do these components have standard hardware interfaces so that we can connect different compatible brands with each other. I mean, for instance, if a Bluetooth component requires a special cable we'd need to install that cable from stereo to whatever the bluetooth component is located. Are these components use a standard 2-pin cables or how do we handle components which require their own special cables.

And can the GPS receiver also be hidden away ? For instance under the passenger again ? Would it be able to acquire signals from satellites ?

q 2) Most of the forum folks think FM transmitters are not a good choice for iPod due to low sound quality. Is that really ? Who'd want a cable dangling around ? I suppose it's only OK to have a cable inside the box under our elbow, but even if that was possible, it will probably require many parts of the car to be taken off. How do you guys managed the iPod connection problem ? Where does you put your iPod in ?

q 3) In pimp my ride I saw them installing multimedia center components with Windows inside. Do you guys know anything about it ?

Kind regards.