LOL!!!!!! That's truly a crackup!!

 

man.... i really want to jump into this debate with guns blazing, but i won't.

but to be fair, BOTH sides do have valid points.

though i'm getting a bit tired of robin's mickey mouse references.
but we're still pals.

 

I had a hard time deciding i went with it because i hate having to keep taking out the portable, I like that it does other things, so after everything is done, I am happy

 

This probably isn't a factor for everyone, but one reason (among many others) I decided to go with the factory NAV is that any sign of a portable NAV in your vehicle is an invitation for robbery. It is getting really bad in some areas. Even if you hide the NAV in the glovebox or even take it with you everytime, they will often break into your car if they see a circular imprint on the windshield left by the suction cup. So some people have even recommended keeping a bottle of Windex in your car so that you can wipe off the suction ring imprint.

Anyway, that wasn't the most important factor. But it was one of them that made me decide to go with the factory NAV option.

 

Yes, it's spendy, but I've been very happy with mine. I hope you will be, too.

 

I have both a Nuvi 660 and the Mini navigation system. For me there is no comparison; the Mini nav system is much more accurate, faster, and the directions are easier to follow. The only thing the Nuvi does better is find POI's, but frankly the Google maps function on my phone kicks both their butts, and it is what I now use then just input the address. I won't even go into the convenience of not having to hide the Nuvi every time. The $1500 difference is a of of money and you will have to decide if it is worth it to you, but i would have a hard time going back to the Nuvi.

 

After reviewing the owner's manual w/navi pdf (my mini is still shipping) I think i would have been lost if I hadn't ordered it. Looks like it's a lot easier to change all of those options with the Navi over the stick...

 

I am in the same boat as well. I have a Navigon 7000 and its truely great. I am torn because I only want the MINI NAV for cosmetic reasons I like the Speedo better WITH IT. But for 2 Gs I think Ill suffer with the normal speedo

 

really 2500.00 as you have to add 500 for auto AC to get it :( I got it because on my benz SLK did not have command center...love the look and hate wrappping the portables up each time I travel a bit

 

Now that I picked up my Clubman I can say: YES! GET THE NAV!!!!

Well... At least for me, since I control my bluetooth phone and iPod via the screen. I also have PDC that's graphic on the screen.

Not to mention the settings.....

It ROCKS!

 

I'm trying to decide whether I want the nav or not. However, I'm more interested in the other functions it provides besides navigation. I've seen some people say some basic things of what it allows, but can anyone detail it a bit more? Thanks.

 

Courtesyof Berilon. The Nav is so integrated that you can't just clip out the relivent sections.

 

The major items I use the nav screen to control are my ipod (you can see the song selections and playlists), phone via Bluetooth (address book, incoming caller, etc.), and radio (station selections, presets, etc.). Selecting your personal preferences on the nav screen is probably easier, but how often are you going to do that?

 

Agreed completely. Plus PDC graphically displays what's behind you when you back up.

Viewing your phone's contact list on the screen, and viewing your playlists on a multi line display is invaluable.

Plus the radio selection, etc. just looks cool.

 

Thanks for your responses. I realized I don't talk on my phone much (nor do I plan to), I won't be getting PDC, and as long as I can control my iPod from the steering wheel I should be set.

I agree it looks awesome, but it's really not something I can justify 2600 bucks on, I think.

 

hey, I was wondering if anyone can answer this for me.

I've seen the garmins in action and see that they display: speed, current time, time to destination(that actually changes based on your progress, ie if you ve hit traffic and slowed down it adds time to the trip), miles to destination, etc.

Are all these details given on the nav when using the actual nav view(map view)?

 

Speed is covered by the surrounding speedometer, so that's not listed. Others are shown when on the map view. ETA (which is updated, appears to based on average speed) is on the lower left, current time on the lower right. To be honest, I don't remember if distance is shown...

 

There is an "Onboard info" page that gives you your distance to destination and your arrival time. There is also a separate trip computer.

 

It was a must have for me, mostly for reasons others have listed before. For me:

I need some NAV now. I am a directional idiot.

I've got a lot of digital music, so being able to scroll through and find what I want is needed.

Bluetooth integration. Caller ID for incoming calls, phonebook view, etc.

Radio controls - very easy to see the presets / stations /etc.

cheers,

Verax

 

is there any visibility issues of the factory nav unit from the drivers seat?

a friend told me the new jeep has one that is at such an angle that makes it difficult to read/view

 

nope. It's not at an angle, and is perfectly visible from passenger side. It's kind of a throwback to the rally roots.

 

what about from the drivers seat?

I just got an email from my MA about updates to the nav:
[SIZE=3]"There are indeed updates for new maps. Anywhere from 6 months-1 year. Yes you need to purchase those updated cd's and they are about $ 200.00. "

Is that true? do they really come out twice a year?
And you do in fact need to update your nav with each release?
[/SIZE]

 

It's equally visible from both the driver's and passenger's seats.

If you go to the Navteq website, there are no updated discs listed for the R56 model. There is a March 2008 update for the first-generation model; they cost $199.

You never have to update your disc. It just allows you to see roads that have been built or added to the maps since the previous edition. It's your choice whether it's a value to you or not.

 

We updated the disks for our Honda often since my wife's a realtor. But in reality the only thing that changes *often* is the POI data. And since people tend to hate the POI implementation, it gives us less reason to pay for the updates imho....

 

Regardless of the poor POI implementation, it has saved my bacon a couple of times when I've gotten low on fuel or was starving to death.