I move the Alpine from the number three position in the best of the best list to the number one position in the best buy list for the reason that it is the only unit that can combine superior audio and video performance with portability of its navigation system.
When this docking system was introduced, it changed the way that navigation could be purchased and used. Previously, a consumer had to choose between complete integration or the mounting of a portable unit in the vehicle. While a portable unit offers flexibility, it is not the best integration within an automobile. Additionally, a portable cannot integrate with the features of an audio system and therefore directions can be missed or misunderstood.
As an overall system the Alpine IVA-W205/Blackbird combo offers all of the best compromise, with all of the best flexibility.
