Let's talk modern replacement stereo head units

[joshg]

I'm starting my research on modern replacement head units... there are some good old threads here, but the tech changes each year so thought I'd ask for latest opinions.

Obviously, I'm not a purist and my car won't ever be a concourse showpiece. I'd like a good new head unit.

Curious what units people have installed, and how they made their decision?

I'm thinking a motorized pop-out screen unit, assuming the depth is there in the dash since these units are deep... ideally with Apple Car Play and a good modern UI with access to B/T, streaming services like Spotify. I don't see caring about playing DVDs or anything, but WOULD want video in for reverse cameras and auto switching to the cam when transmission goes into reverse. They all probably come with it, but i don't care about MP3 storage or playback. If it has carPlay, it doesn't need built in apps for streaming or nav.

I'm somewhat concerned about the screen blocking the vents when up, but I have seen several installs where the location of the vents and the head unit are swapped so that the screen is higher and doesn't block the vents. Opinions on how hard that swap is and if it's hard to reroute HVAC ducts and wiring.

Thoughts? Specific unit recommendations? Pics?

Thanks!