iPhones, iPods, and iPads forum: Parrot MKi9200 reviews?- iPhone Car Integration

Bought one of these a couple of weeks ago from Halfords (in the UK), and had it fitted in store to the stereo already in the car - cheaper than fitting a new bluetooth head unit + CAN-BUS wiring. I'm not sure about it yet - it seems like a great solution, but the wireless remote seems to frequently have problems connecting to the display unit, leaving me without any control over its functions. Which is irritating to say the least. Not sure what is causing the problem so got to go back to Halfords to check. When it works it is great - has an ipod, an SD card AND a USB stick plugged in via the glovebox - you can select the source using the remote. Bluetooth phone connection is great and very simple - once set up you only need to activate BT on your phone and it automatically pairs. Not used an iPhone, but should be just the same. Mics and speaker system work well. My major reservation would be this problem connecting the remote - I don't know if this is a common issue or an installation problem.

C

I am an installer in Nashville, TN. I just bought one and installed it in my vehicle after updating the software. I love it. It sounds great and plays the slacker and pandora radio from my Blackberry perfectly. Every once in a while the ipod connection has a bug, but now a big deal. What does not have bugs these days. I drive a lot and I adore the product and love the steering wheel remote. I had a ck3100 before this one and was always reaching the the buttons, but not anymore. Oh and I have never used voice activation because it sucks, until now. I have yet to call someone via voice activation and it not work! It works flawlessly! The text to speech is awesome. I do not use the products amp for audio. I use the line out into my line input for the audio and is sounds great. I can barely tell the difference between listening to it via ipod, usb, bluetooth and a cd. Love, love it.

spkrpro,

I am also in Nashville and looking to consult with an installer in my area before purchasing this unit. Can you provide me with some additional contact info? I can be reached directly at eriklevin@gmail.com

Thanks!

You may want to check my review here: http://www.andrestorrubia.com/2009/05/parrot-mki-9200-review-emphasis-on.html

My overall recommendation? If you are in the market for an iPhone car adapter, I'd research more & more to make a decision, I would not be inclined to buy the Parrot 9200 with its current software.

Hi - I am thinking of buying a Parrot MKi9200. I have an iPhone 3GS. In case it matters, I am in London in the UK.

Following this thread, I have a few questions to see if someone can help me to decide.

1. I read that some problems were solved with updating iPhone software to 3.0. Anyone has had any problems with iPhone software version 3.x?

2. Also, it seems I have to connect my iPhone using the cable (as opposed to a BlueTooth A2DP slot). Will this charge my iPhone too?

3. Has anyone bought a A2DP slot for iPhone/iPod and use it instead of the cable? if so, feedback please?

4. Reviews are a bit mixed, but I do cannot find any alternative to this product (IO Play, but I have a Peugeot-JBL 8 speaker + subwoofer system in my car, and so IO Play is not good enough). Anyone knows of any alternative?

5. I am thinking of getting it installed in Quantum Car Customs http://www.quantumcarcustoms.co.uk/ for 250+70(lead apparently needed in my car)=320, fully fitted, incl VAT. Anyone happens to know them? Any feedback?

Thanks!!!
I.

I used to have Parrots in my cars and so I bought the MKi9200 as their top of the line.
It is great!;(

1) It goes on when you start your car!
Well, sometimes it does not... half of the times actually.

2) It shows you the names of the songs!
Great, but you can't read them on the imbecile built-in wallpapers. And the song-artist roll over and over the screen which is very distracting while driving. (Attempt to replace the wallpapers wasn't rewarded...)

3) You can choose a song!
Well, it takes three times the effort and attention than doing it on the iPhone directly which you can't when wired to Parrot... The user interface logic is crap. I rather use bluetooth.

4) You can listen to your music!
Well, there are clitches and scratches in the sound, sometimes only when BT connected sometimes also when wired... Some issues with the iPod's equalizer I assume. Not mentioning you need a special muting accessory for Bose audio systems that compromises if not distorts the sound.

5) You can use sound effects!
Joke... never heard something so terribly implemented (since Windows Media Player fx:).

6) And yes, you can call!
The remote-brain communication is not on the speedy side however, accepting a call does not have to be a success... Sometimes the thing doesn't react at all.
After all, the mic is very good so they hear me fine. If connected.

What a mistake - this is the least stable piece of electronics I use today. Hey Parrot, we enjoy Apple products these days, we got spoiled by things we can really use, control and understand. Wake up! It's 2010...