I'm considering getting the satellite nav in a few months when I order an MCS.

I wanted to know what people's opinions were out there on how long before an average sat nav system is considered "outdated." (For instance, I know the current CD-ROM system will be replaced by a DVD based system soon).

thanks

 

The CD system will be supported for a long time. But there are only two reasons to worry about it:

1. You need detailed street maps in a different region and you want to get additional detailed maps. (But, all the regional CDs have major highways for the entire country).

or

2. There have been so many changes in the streets & roads in the area that you need fresh maps.

I wouldn't worry about the CD vs DVD too much. The DVD might give national coverage on one disk, but here in the mid-Atlantic area, the Region 6 disk covers Maine south thru Virginia, with the eastern parts of PA and NY. And that only fills two-thirds (~400 MB) of one CD. You can see the regions defined at http://www.navtech.com/UserOrdersSer...;navigatorId=1.

I've been professionally involved in GPS for a number of years. In general, I've been very impressed with the way that the Mini's system works. It has saved me several times. It usually picks the best route and has never picked a really bogus route for me.

This is not to say that there are not quirks that I find annoying.

And getting the Nav system moves the speedometer in front of the driver so the passenger can't see how fast you are going

Tom

 

Thanks for the info! I used to live in Clarksville--so I know the nav must be good if some of those roads show up!

 

GET THE NAV! I love it! It has never gotten me lost, and is invaluable for directions. Its never been easier, all I need it a city and street name and im there!

 

I second that notion. I love my nav system!!! It works really well and is easy to use. The nice thing abou the DVD verion is that it will be faster loading and as
W3IWI said, it will have the whole U.S. on one disc. But I can only imagine the cost of the disc!!! The cd roms are pricy at $125 each. Your're lucky if you don't live in CA because I only got CA, NV, and Hawaii (region 1)!!! What I need Hawaii for I don't know, i don't remember ordering the James Bond submarine package on my MINI!