I was leaning towards getting an Alpine (CDA9807), but I came across this Panasonic (MXE CQ-HX1003) that I could get a good deal on. Basically my criteria when looking for a deck were only that it have 3 pre-outs of 4Volts or more and be somewhat easy to use. I really like the Alpine - it is sleek and seems relatively simple to use. This Panasonic seems a little more "showy", which I don't need, but can deal with I guess. Bottom line - has anyone had this, or any other Panasonic deck before? What did you like, what didn't you like? I have had JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer decks before, but no Panasonic.........so I don't know what to expect. I have heard nothing but good things about the Alpine, so I know that is a solid choice.
FYI - I can get the Alpine for about $200
I can get the Panasonic for about $150

Any thoughts?

Panasonic Deck
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp...del=CQ-HR1003U

Alpine Deck
http://www.alpine-usa.com/html/D2_n_1_n_n.html

 

the alpine will give you slightly better sound quality. I personally wouldnt buy the panasonic because of all the finger prints that would cover the display from poking at it all the time. But panasonic does make good products. The alpine may be slightly easier to use too. The panasonic display would probably be very hard to see in sunlight... although it would be sitting pretty low in your dash, so it might not be as much of a problem. With the alpine you'll always be able to see the controls no matter how much sun is hitting it.