so what's the verdict? Is the nav computer worth it or not?

 

Abso-tively!
(of course, I don't have my MINI yet...)

More seriously; I've used several GPS systems (hand-held), and spent about an hour at the dealer using the one that currently comes in the MINI. It seems to provide a worth-while capability, and is well-integrated. Most of the OWNERs that have spoken up seemed to also be positively impressed.

Let's just say that at least I'm voting with my wallet! (ask me in late February if I still concur)

 

Mine speaks French! Someone is always telling me where to go, it just sounds so much better in French!

S.D.

 

>>so what's the verdict? Is the nav computer worth it or not?

I looked at it and then did a reality check.

Option 1
----------
$1600 factory option GPS system. Use it in the MINI, period.

Option 2
----------
Buy iPaq PocketPC $649 from mobile planet, GPS sleeve by travroute.com $199 from mobile planet includes car adapter and CF slot in sleeve, windshield mount $40 on Mobile Planet, IBM 1GB CF storage for pocketpc $250 on ebay. Now I can use GPS with voice directions and on-the-fly route updating in any car (including all the rentals while traveling for work - i.e. the times I REALLY NEED GPS). Total Cost with tax = roughly $1200.

Guess which I went for. Plus, with the PocketPC I can play games in the airport on it and use my addressbook and calendar on it... bonus.

-Dave Quick

---
Revised post: oh yeah, with the travroute solution i have maps for the whole country, and I can fit roughly 3/4 of the country on the 1GB CF.

_________________

The MCS will be mine, oh yes... it will be mine. (Build date = Sept 27, 2002, anticipated delivery date = October 23, 2002)

 

I rarely use GPS sailing. In a car?

 

i much prefer the steering wheel area for the speedo; other than that, you could probably find an aftermarket replacement headunit with gps at a considerable savings and get a better stereo in the bargain. granted, the integration of the stock unit is very well done, but the functionality of the nav could be better; panning, for instance, instead of just zoom. plus the nav has the irritating habit of always tracing your route back to your last destination, even if you are simply viewing the map in real time without a destination input. you can get rid of the voice commands for that last destination (thank god), but I haven't figured out how to have no destination at all retained.

 

I got the Nav for 3 reasons:

1. I much prefer to have the speedo in front of me.

2. The Nav is a cool gizmo, weather I use it or not, it just looks so damm cool.

and 3. I am ordering this... http://www.nav-tv.com
Nothing like watching Sponge Bob Square Pants DVD while sitting in rush hour traffic!!! Or Katie Couric!!
__________________________________________________ ________________________-
Black MCS-All Options-Navigation-17in RunFlats-Lapis Blue Leather int...

 

I have a bunch of friends that have bought Garmin units for use on motorcycles. Highly recommended, all kinds of capabilities, and best of all you can take them with you.

The last guy I talked to said he'd found all kinds of cool roads in areas he'd travelled frequently. When you're out exploring you can throw caution to the winds.

Until the price comes down I personally wouldn't buy a built-in, but to each his own.

Jeff

 

YES!!! AHHHHHHH!!!
I LOVE it ! I use the mileage computer more though. the speedo looks much better behind the wheel. Trust me! Really!
The glow at night seems to freak out passers by.



-----------------------------
Who Loves you baby?

 

I love the nav system. I hardly bother getting directions anymore, as the MINI can get me just about anywhere as long as I have the zone CD needed. It's spot-on about 80 percent of the time, with the other 20 percent being able to get me to within a block of the destination. In other words, sometimes it is wrong on the EXACT location of the street address, but maybe that's because the numbers change. However, you'll get near enough to find it yourself because the MINI can get you to the correct block or street. I've motored all over the tri-state area, more than I ordinarily would have, because I don't need directions. Ironically, my MINI has caused my fuel bill to double!

Really, there's only one problem with the Nav. You know how if you drive somewhere you remember how to get there, but if you're a passenger you don't know the way because you weren't paying attention? I'm finding that's what's happening with the MINI! I get to all these places just fine, but have no idea how I got there because I just turned when told to. Funny, my parents just moved to a new house that I went to see last week. Now, the MINI knows how to get there, but I still don't!

 

Here's my dilemma: I can get a new Cooper this week, but it has a nav computer already installed. This isn't something I would normally get, so should I hold out for them to get a car that perfectly matches or is it worth having in there?

Now, lots of questions:

What does the dash look like with it? (where is the speedometer, tachometer, etc now?) Any pictures?

Does it need the cd in the audio cd player to work, or can you use it and listen to music at the same time?

Does it work well for state-to-state travel?

Is it just the US, or Canada, too?

Anything else y'all can tell me about it would be greatly appreciated.

 

The speedometer and the tach are mounded on the steering column, a cool look.

The CD reader is located underneath the passenger seat, it is independent of the stereo.

It works well for state to state as long as you have the CD's. The U.S. is divided into 7 zones, and Canada is zone 8 (far north not available). Each CD is around 125 bucks, you can order them from Navtech. Your nav system will come with your local zone CD free, and one free update CD in a year. I have CD's for zones 5 and 6 because my parents live in Philly and Navtech cleverly divided Pennsylvania right down the middle. Buying the Cd's is a bit steep, but what the hell, in for a penny in for a pound, and you really only need the 1 or 2 zones near you....

I'll also only update them every few years; after all, the roads don't change THAT much...

Just remember, its crazyfreakywaycool to have a map and gps system on the dash, it will greatly increase your enjoyment of the car, or at least it does for me! Also, note that it's not just a map, you can also click on info for your current location or destination and it lists local restaurants, gas stations, shopping, police, etc. Then you just click on Activate and the MINI will take you right to 'em! I found a great pizza joint using that method!

 

also, you can go to http://www.miniusa.com and use the simulation tool to build a car with the nav system and see what the dash looks like.

 

When air conditioning first came out, it, too, was an option. Today though, it's an item that people can't live without. Same thing with the nav system. In 5 years years people will be wondering how they ever did without it. Buy it.

 

>>
>>Option 2
>>----------
>>Buy iPaq PocketPC $649 from mobile planet, GPS sleeve by travroute.com $199 from mobile planet includes car adapter and CF slot in sleeve, windshield mount $40 on Mobile Planet, IBM 1GB CF storage for pocketpc $250 on ebay. Now I can use GPS with voice directions and on-the-fly route updating in any car (including all the rentals while traveling for work - i.e. the times I REALLY NEED GPS). Total Cost with tax = roughly $1200.>>

Dave, I'm definitely on-board with you as far as the Ipaq GPS Solution as I was able to purchase an Ipaq at a very good price. One question, though, is there a fee each time you use the GPS? I figured that there would be a service provider. Thanks
-Chris

_________________
R.I.P. October 22, 2002-October 23, 2002, just 18 hours old, 133 miles...

 

>>>>
>>>>Option 2
>>>>----------
>>>>Buy iPaq PocketPC $649 from mobile planet, GPS sleeve by travroute.com $199 from mobile planet includes car adapter and CF slot in sleeve, windshield mount $40 on Mobile Planet, IBM 1GB CF storage for pocketpc $250 on ebay. Now I can use GPS with voice directions and on-the-fly route updating in any car (including all the rentals while traveling for work - i.e. the times I REALLY NEED GPS). Total Cost with tax = roughly $1200.>>
>>
>>Dave, I'm definitely on-board with you as far as the Ipaq GPS Solution as I was able to purchase an Ipaq at a very good price. One question, though, is there a fee each time you use the GPS? I figured that there would be a service provider. Thanks
>>-Chris


Nope - no service fee. GPS is free (paid for by us military) - check out http://www.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm to better understand the technology.

The only occasional cost you'll have is updating the cd-roms/dvds with new maps every couple years or as you feel you need it.

I just think it's SOOOO much a better spend of my $ to actually be able to reuse the device wherever and whenever I am - whether it's my MINI or a rental car across the country from my MINI that's parked at the airpoirt. :smile:

-dq