Flagstang

better sound and more ability. Movies and a touch screen are also nice to have. The tuning options on the stocker shaker head unit are really not that great. Its also easier to run aftermarket subs and speakers from a aftermarket deck.

Cavero

I replaced the Skipper 500 for 3 reasons: The skipper kept acting up, I wanted more inputs like USB and bluetooth for phone calls, and most of all I wanted better sound quality. The sound of the Shaker is muddy as hell, especially compared to any decent aftermarket unit. The only thing you have to lose by upgrading is the speed-controlled volume. I don't even miss it.

Yep, that was the idea. It's a Pioneer FH-8000BT. Came out around 07 or 08 and I think its discontinued now. Does bluetooth (phone and audio streaming), mp3 cd, aux input (headphone jack), and USB (ipod, some other phones, or thumb drives). About the only thing it doesn't have built in is HD radio or SIRIUS, but it does have options for add-on modules for those.

I've never had any issues w/ it and hooking it up was pretty easy.

Flagstang

you can buy the unit off ebay for under $100

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...000BT&_sacat=0

VGMStudios

Particular reason why you dont want the OEM version?