Just tried with "Petrovich" (normal way doesn't work).

With Petrovitch, you have to:

1. Export your contacts (via Contacts app) to a folder, either on 900 or SD card, so each contact is a "flat file"

2. Pair phone via BT, go into HeadUnit's phonebook, and start the "import process"

3. Run Petrovitch, select the files you want to send (have to highlight each file/contact)

4. Send via BT

It worked straight away for me, my old process did not work.

Glad it worked for you. Your Avic is a more advanced head unit than mine, and I suspect the firmware updates earlier mentioned may have contribute.

I tried much the same as you described. Saved contacts both as vcard 2 and 3. Tried to initialize from head unit first, then send. One by one, or all at one time (ctrl+A to mark all).

But it seems the head unit is not feeling chatty.

I had to "send via BT" from Petrovich, and the 900 told me it was complete. I then had to "stop" receiving from the HU, so it could then update.

Sorry its not working for you. If you have a "double-DIN" space in your car, may I suggest an upgrade?

Seriously though, I got my AVIC 700 for $350 on amazon, new in box from their approved vendor. Can't beat that for in-dash GPS, video-in (plays nice with n900), SD card slot, USB port, built-in BT support, etc, etc.

That's an excellent price, I would think. However I only have some 1 1/2 DIN solution that's probably no good even for 1 DINs with flip out screens.

Single-DIN should work...just a matter of getting the right cage, and cover. My install wouldn't fit the OEM space, but I think it turned out ok:

Mine looks kind of like this:

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8681/f4062.jpg

So, not room enough to hack out a 2 DIN, unlike your beautiful setup. :B

Oh I hear ya...I was just saying that even though you have a 1.5 DIN "space", a 1 DIN should work, with a cage/blanking plate combo. Somebody somewhere should have it, depending on your car. Worst case, Crutchfield.

For a workaround, since the 9800 has an "AUX-in", have you thought about a bluetooth enabled "GPS"? Such as a Garmin or TomTom, etc? In my other car, I have a Garmin 360...I bluetooth my other phone with it, and it manages contacts as well.

I can just use a "mini-headphone" cable to connect to my other "OLD" (pre-2000) Pioneer head unit, or via "cassette adapter". Calls still use the Garmin's built-in mic, but output goes through cable, to headunit, then out to speakers.

Yes, I have indeed considered that.

The perfect setup though, would be a bluetooth thin device with a big touch screen, that used the N900 for music playback, hands free, VOIP hands free, and GPS, etc

You may want to check that 9800 again...it looks like its a double-din.

:B