What's The Din Difference?!

A comparison of a single Din vs. double Din unit.

By Alpha-Nav

When researching about an aftermarket gps navigation or stereo unit, odds are you're going to come across the term Single Din vs. a Double Din.  So what is a Din, and which do you choose?

Din (Deutsches Institut für Normung) which, in English, means the German Institute for Standardization, refers to a standardized radio/stereo size for vehicles (large enough to accept a CD).

The size of car stereo or GPS navigation head unit is deemed either single DIN or double DIN. DIN units measure 2" x 7", while double DIN units measure 4" x 7". Double DIN was adopted by some car manufacturers to fit larger radios and the evolution of GPS navigation units.

Which do I select for my car?

You’re probably safer with a single Din if you have an older model automobile.   Based on age of the vehicle, the dashboard was strictly built for single Din stereos.  With today's advancements in aftermarket navigation, you can still have all the same “bells and whistles” of a double Din gps unit, but it will be tucked away within the dashboard when not used.  Stay away from fitting a double Din where a single Din unit used to exist, this may cause problems with installation.

As for newer model vehicles, depending on the make and model, it will allow you to house a double Din.  Most car manufacturers will produce cars that may not come stock with a navigation unit, but will allow for you to purchase and install an aftermarket navigation system. The dashboard comes equipped with enough space along with custom made attachments to house a double Din navigation system.

In Dash vs. Portable GPS Navigation: An Honest Comparison

By Alpha-Nav

GPS navigation has become increasingly useful and advanced over the last five years.  More and more automobiles are equipped with navigation devices to help provide drivers with step by step directions.  A big debate has been created on which is better: In dash navigation or portable?  While each in it’s own right is optimal for today, there are a few pros and cons to each.  

In Dash Navigation

In dash navigation is a built in gps navigation unit within the dashboard counsel of your automobile.  They can be pre-installed in new cars, or you can purchase an aftermarket system to be installed.  Not only does an in dash unit provide gps guidance, but most units offer a multitude of rich entertainment such as DVD/CD, Bluetooth streaming for Hands Free calling, USB and SD Card ports, and many other options depending on the brand.  

A large screen is provided with touch screen capabilities.  Because this system is an automobile's dashboard, it provides a flush and sleek appearance to the inside of your car.  Most aftermarket in dash systems work flawlessly with steering wheel functionality.  

Cons

Because an in dash unit is permanently installed, the option to use this device outside of your automobile is not possible.  

Pricing is usually significantly more for an in dash system versus a portable gps, due to the multitude of capabilities.  If purchasing an aftermarket system, there is usually an installation fee as well.

Separate fees for updating maps within the system can occur as well.

Portable GPS

Portable GPS systems have made huge advances in technology over the last few years, and are very appealing to drivers who have more than one car. A portable gps system allows you to receive directions not only from within your automobile, but if you are hiking, biking, etc.  The unit is transferable due to a rechargeable native battery.  These units are strictly for GPS and do not offer much functionality after that, although some newer models offer bluetooth streaming for hands free calling.  

Because of the limited functionality beyond the GPS and potentially Bluetooth, most portable gps systems are significantly less in price, which bodes well for owners with older model cars where an in dash unit may not be possible.

Cons

The quality of the calls may vary due to the compact speaker system and microphone, where as in dash unit uses the native car speakers.  Because this unit is portable, it can be mounted on a dashboard or windshield of a car, but does not have visual appeal of an in dash unit.  Screen size does vary, but usually is smaller than an in dash system.  

When it comes down to which option you should select for your car, the best approach is to think: what’s more adaptable to my lifestyle? In Dash is ideal for long road trips and drivers who enjoy GPS navigation mixed with rich multimedia to enhance their driving experience.  Portable is more directed towards very active, stop and go drivers who are constantly moving and switching automobiles.