I am looking at a new Phaeton - via email - and it has a dash computer, backup camera and gps for 3,500. Dooes anyone have experience with one and does anyone have a manual for one? The sales person is not very knowledgeable and can't give me any info.
Thanks.

We ordered the computer on our new bus, the system runs Windows XP and uses Co pilot for the GPS software. I like it as it has a large screen and the backup and side cameras are nice and large.

Can you use the computer for anything else? Possibly browsing the internet, using Word etc.?
Thanks for the feedback.

The computer is a standard PC. You can install any software you want on it. I personally don't care for CoPilot, I installed Delorme Streetatlas on mine.
If I had to do it over, I would not have the computer. It is not good for night driving as there is too much glare, especially when using it for the backup camera.

You would need a Internet connection but the computer can be used for any type of program that is compatable with Windows XP.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will stick with my Garmin 7200 and my laptop.

JCM, that's what I've been using in mine and have been real pleased.

quote:

Originally posted by JCM:
Thanks for the feedback. I think I will stick with my Garmin 7200 and my laptop.

Good choice.

From 2004 through the 2008 model year this wwas indeed the computer system used by Tiffin. However, if you are looking at a new 2009 it will not have that system. In 2009 they went with the Panasonic CN-NVD905U in-dash unit. This unit replaces the radio instead of the rear view monitor so you'll still have your Sony color monitor for the cameras. This unit features GPS navigation, iPod interface, and all the usual radio/CD/DVD type functions as well as a hard drive foir iPod storage. I have a picture of it in a new 2009 Phaeton at http://www.rvcruzer.com/2009_Phaeton.htm if you want a better shot of it. The previuous in-dash large screen computer and monitor is no longer used as of the 2009 model year.

A number of owners have commented on the previous system in the tiffinrvnetwork forum and it seems to have mixed reviews. It was a basic PC with an infrared keyboard/trackball and a large screen monitor that fit into the dash. It could run other PC software and there was an interface with the backup and side cameras so that they were displayed at the same time in quadrants on the monitor. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't and owners either loved it or hated it.