With INE-S900R, Alpine introduces its first handset with built-in browser double DIN.The navigation has long been on the Alpine double DIN, but with a plug as the NVE-M300P or the Blackbird. This combined all in one, as proposed in the competition, is a first for Alpine, and it was well worth a detailed test.
A remarkable feature!
The competing Japanese brands have long proposed such matters Multimedia handset, but until then, Alpine had preferred to explore other avenues. Not arriving first on the market all in one, Alpine has worked very hard to offer a combined double comprehensive, practical, efficient and very accessible. In short, Alpine has the means of its ambitions, and INE-S900R should quickly become a market reference. See it in detail!
Benefits: the double life-changing display!
INE-S900R looks like a classic double DIN motorized without front to reduce manufacturing costs.In front, it therefore has a slot for the DVD player, a high resolution touch screen 15 cm and a few buttons for quick access to key functions. Alpine has everything for it to integrate easily into cars. INE-S900R is compatible with the original steering wheel controls (classic) and displays deported home (and it is much more rare). In addition, Alpine offers integration kits for many cars (spacer, cabling, ...) to mount easily respecting the design of the dashboard. This handset is also distinguished by a new graphic interface, developed by Alpine. In fact, this handset is fully developed by Alpine, which relied on its OEM division for that. The biggest innovation of the interface is the dual display.
Alpine offers integration kits easily mount to the NCI-S900R
This dual display simultaneously displays two sources: for example browsing and music playback on iPod. This allows to easily control the car radio. The GUI is not the most beautiful in design (lack of fun to our taste), but Alpine has focused on ergonomics, which is understandable. GPS Navigator uses a gyroscope and a pulse rate to ensure navigation in areas without GPS reception. It uses Navteq European mapping, stored on an SD card 8 GB As you see in the picture gallery, the SD card slips over the side of the camera, behind a protective flap. It will therefore not forget to install it before you put the radio into the dashboard. Double map display, zoom on crossroads, assistant taxiways, POI, TMC, ..., all modern features are present. In fact, it only lacks the 3D buildings, which are certainly fun, but not essential. This handset is also the pride of connectivity with mobile sources.
Fast, easy, accurate, GPS was excellent
Displaying album covers, playlists management, video playback, control iPod / iPhone is very comprehensive. But history nitpick a little, we would have liked to see the cover-flow album covers. INE-S900R also includes a USB port that can read most common file. But that's not all, there is also an audio / video input and a front A / V input on the rear panel for connecting other sources. This unit is also equipped with Bluetooth remote microphone and download the phonebook. This is a module Alps, Alpine owned electronics industry. This handset is naturally equipped with a DivX compatible DVD player. Thanks to a function and a dual zone A / V, INE-S900R may distribute the video screens deported. We can even add an optional TV tuner and reversing camera.
Control iPod / iPhone appears comprehensive and practical
Mode reversing camera, the screen materializes small tags on the screen to better judge the position of the car from obstacles. For standard functions, it has an RDS tuner with 18 FM memory, an amplifier 4x50 Watts of output lines for power amps and a preamp with classic sound editors. Damage, Alpine has no plans to add the module (PXA-H100) so it sounds hi-fi without complicating their lives.
Discover and use: simplicity and efficiency!
If we would have preferred a cleaner interface design with small icons Smartphone so, we must recognize that the new Alpine interface is very successful in ergonomics. In use, the ability to display navigation and audio source at the same time, is very convenient. The system even allows the option to navigate the small window and the audio source in the large. Another important point, navigation and telephony can operate simultaneously without interruption of one or the other. Search function, activate a setting, everything is done very easily since the menus are logical and intuitive. In addition, the touch screen responds well to commands. Add to that the speed dial buttons on the side of the screen are also very practical. The GPS was also very satisfactory. Apart from the buildings in 3D, everything is there to navigate effectively.
With dual displays, one can follow the map and manage an audio source at the same time
It is only 6 seconds to calculate a route, its speed is remarkable, like the ignition position elsewhere. Here again, the menus are logical and practical. We especially appreciate the dual display when approaching intersections (zoom on the change of direction on the left of the screen, and complete map on the right of the screen. The POI library is very rich and can receive POI personal. The updates are done by USB support, since the SD card is inaccessible when the unit mounted. Cartography accurate information TMC navigation in tunnels, the GPS of the INE-S900R was very satisfactory . Tested with various PDAs, Bluetooth has been trouble-free. It can store more mobile phones each with their own phonebook. When a call comes in, a window opens automatically telephony. Thus, we can stay in full screen on one source if desired. Alpine recovery would have added pictures of contacts in the phonebook, it was nearly perfect.
The Bluetooth function works perfectly
Management support as a USB key is also no problem, everything is sorted by folder and playlist.As usual with Alpine DVD player uses a 24 bit converter and provides excellent playback quality, both for the image or sound. The screen provides beautiful pictures: detailed, colorful, contrasting ... Watching movies is fun, when we made a haul travel. Nothing special to say about the tuner or preamp, it's classic that is found in most new sources Alpine. Radio reception is fast and free of parasites. The 4x50 watt amp provides good momentum for a small installation to 4 HP, but a power amp is preferable to afford the great joys of sound. It remains only to add a backup camera and a digital tuner for a great multimedia installation: efficient and convenient.
The notice of caraudioinstallation
Alpine's finally catching up behind the competition by offering its first double-DIN all one. From a performance standpoint, it is relatively close to its competitors. But from a usability standpoint, INE-S900R really makes the difference by its ease of use. The management of dual display is remarkable and really changes lives. Switching from one source to another without having to open or close windows. Overall, the services are complete. Of course, we found some details, because like all fans, we are demanding. But all that is expected of a modern source is present.
Image, sound, compatibility with major formats, the DVD gives complete satisfaction
Each source is proving efficient and practical use. INE-S900R is very pleasant to use. Ultimately, whether we should retain a major shortcoming, it would be the lack of compatibility with Imprint PXA-H100. But hey, this handset is the general public, and wanted complete and simple. The mission was fully successful. We also appreciate the opportunity to resume the remote display and integration kits available as an option by Alpine. Located at 1100 Euros, INE-S900R presents excellent value for money. And more so that this price is much lower than that of a manufacturer option. In short, Alpine has perfectly caught up on all in one. Of course, we would have liked more playful design, but usability is the most important when driving. And now, thanks to his experience in OEM, Alpine mastered the subject! Briefly, NCI-S900R should quickly succeed!
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Indicative price: € 1100
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Specifications:
- Type: double DIN multimedia handset
- Touch screen: 15 cm 16:9 WVGA
- RDS Tuner FM 18 submissions
- DVD Player Compatible MP3/WMA/AAC/DivX/JPEG
- Amplifier 4x50 Watts
- Line outputs
- 1 A / V
- Dual Zone Function
- 2 Audio / Video
- USB Port
- Control iPod / iPhone
- Integrated handsfree Bluetooth
- Browser with European mapping and TMC
- a rear view camera input
- Compatible with steering wheel controls original
- Compatible with original remote display
- Code protection
- Options: backup camera, TV tuner
