| Allen Cichanski |
| When I was shopping and comparing SUVs and then finally deciding on an 03 MDX I knew that the Navi system was an acces. that I didn't want, didn't need, and wouldn't use. I've been a professional geologist for nearly 40 yrs and making, reading and interpreting maps has been my stock in trade. I figured the Navi would be useful for many but not for me. When the navigation systems were first coming out, I read a review by an automotive engineer who tested them and then when asked whether he would want one in his car he said, "not really". Why not, "because most of the time I know where I am, where I'm going, and I just have to look out the windshield to figure out how to get there". Ninety percent of the time I have the map in my head and know where I'm going, the rest of the time a good old Rand McN ally Atlas will work and the rest of the time no navi system is going to have the unpaved dirt road I need to find to get to the river and fish. I agree that the navigation systems are incredibly clever techno toys and that Acura's is probably the best of the bunch. But my question is, for those of you who've had them for a while, do you ever say, "WOW, am I glad I got this baby for only $2000!!!" or is it a toy you rarely use in actual driving. Since I've got a useful stock of maps in my head and in my glove box, I don't need or want another set that distracts me by requiring me to look at a dash screen. I'm reminded of a Consumers Union test of trash compactors from years ago. They asked, "Do you really need to spend $200 dollars on an appliance that turns 20# of trash into 20# of trash?" |
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| kishino |
| I say "Wow" almost everytime I use the Navi. The Navi. is very useful when you are driving in unfamiliar surroundings and you don't have the map in your head. IMO, the navi. is definetly worth $2000 and I would definetly get it again for all my future car purchases. |
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| BlueStreak |
To answer your question, depends on how you plan to use the vehicle. Same can be said for the RES option.
My family and I routinely travel in areas where we are not familar with where everything is. Furthermore, in big cities I have found the navi to be an awesome tool locating roads and POI's. Getting cuaght in the battle of one way streets can be frustrating. I also trailer my boat and jet ski to the ocean and I find the rearview camera great for backing up to the trailers and for launching on the ramp.
So was it worth the additional investment for me - you bet. Couple this with the fact it's a great feature for when my wife drives. She doesn't have to stop and ask for directions and possibly end up in the "wrong" neighborhood. Use the navi to find the address or find a way home. My family's safety is nothing compared to the investment for navi. I will get this option in my next vehicle as well.
-Greg
03 SS/Quartz/Nav/Res |
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| guru |
| I agree with both replies. Hesitated at the cost but have found the Navi to be a great tool. |
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| phins2rt |
| I went back and forth with option, too. I finally decided that for me, the Nav would just be a toy. I can see if you are in a large metro area or travel frequently, this would be an invaluable tool. For me, this is not the case so I have opted to purchase other accessories in it's place!!:D |
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| Rick K |
| Even before I had my 03 MDX with navigation, I had a Garmin StreetPilot III in my 01 MDX. Driving in Montana during the winter can be a real experience and on at least 4 occasions, I was glad I had navigation when our famous "white out" snow storms would come out of nowhere. Last January I hit a "white out " and could not see anything in front of my so I pulled over and turned on my GPS to see where I might be and it said I was right on a "on" ramp . I quickly moved at a slow pace to a safer area. While driving back from Spokane, Wa last Saturday I encounterd the worst fog I can ever remember and this time I had my 03 with Navigation which allowed me to avoid the low land lake areas which contained the most fog . |
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| msu79gt82 |
The discussion of the merits of the Nav system has been discussed in detail several times in the past - you might benefit from the wealth of past knowledge and long-term user experiences.
But if you want the lazy answer - YES it IS worth $2000:1: |
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| Guitarmdx |
| I thought it was a pretty fun gadget, but not something I just had to have. When I decided to lease my X the cost of the Navi did not add much to my monthly payments, so I said, why not? I can afford it, so I just did it. It has been fun to use it and my kids really love it. Perhaps one day I'll really need it and it will be there for me. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by Allen Cichanski
But my question is, for those of you who've had them for a while, do you ever say, "WOW, am I glad I got this baby for only $2000!!!" or is it a toy you rarely use in actual driving. Since I've got a useful stock of maps in my head and in my glove box, I don't need or want another set that distracts me by requiring me to look at a dash screen. I'm reminded of a Consumers Union test of trash compactors from years ago. They asked, "Do you really need to spend $200 dollars on an appliance that turns 20# of trash into 20# of trash?"
I did a poll months ago and only one person that had navigation thought that it was a mistake.
http://acuramdx.org/forums/showthre...=&threadid=6225
My wife who's first reaction was, "Let me get this straight, you spent $2000 for a navigation system even though we get free maps from AAA?". After we owned the MDX for a few months she changed her mind.
When we purchase a new vehicle in 2 to 4 years a navigation system will now be a must have accessory per the wife.
(I just hate it when my wife starts out with: "Let me get this straight......") |
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| namegoeshere |
I have absolutely no regrets about getting the Navi. If you travel in unfamiliar cities, it's a must if you want to look for a particular business. I like eating at famous local eateries that friends say I must visit. Most of these are on the Navi and I simply let it guide me. I can safely say that without it, there is no way I have the inclination to hunt them down.
Another use of the Navi that may not be mentioned is in seeing uncoming turns when I drive at night. I often drive through the Catskills and other hilly and winding areas at night. To get a heads-up about coming sharp turns and such, I zoom in with my Navi and it will essentially tell me if there are major turns coming up. I have learned to drive like this without having to constantly check my screen.
However, if all you want the X for is to commute and don't travel elsewhere, then I suppose you don't need it. |
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| pmsmith66 |
| We're very pleased to have the navigation system. On some occasions it's just a "toy" but many times it's a very valuable co-pilot. |
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| ndahbar |
| Hey Allen, come with in a city like Boston and you'll realize how it will help with god awful messes which are the streets here. :1: |
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| dleasman |
You really get a lot with the navigation system... You get a cd changer under the seat as opposed to the in dash changer. You get the rear mounted camera, which is really cool. You basically get a phone book with the navigation system. You always know where you are. You can always see where you are going.
I admit, I am kind of used to the navigation system concept. I had a very similar system in my Mercedes. But I really like the Acura system. I expecially like that it is expandable and upgradable. It does so much now, and will only get better each year with the FREE updates.
Also, the voice recognition is very cool. And it works well, except when it's cold (why is that?)
-Dana |
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| dvilla |
I took the navi option with no hesitation at all. Driving and reading map at the same time is a recipe for an accident.
Before I had the navi I always plan my trips with maps and driving directions from MapQuest (thru Yahoo). It was helpful but when you are already in an unfamiliar place (big city) and wants to explore the area then the navi will really make your life a lot easier... and the
US of A is such a big country with a lot of big cities...with lots of interesting places to see!! |
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| A2MDXer |
| Correct me if I am wrong but I think now if you want Navi you must also get Touring as well. Something to consider if you were leaning towards the premium model. If so, include this in the cost (although you obviously get stuff with Touring, many have questioned the value of that package). |
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| kblake |
You can still get the Navi and DVD without the touring. I just ordered an '03 SBP yesterday and that was one of the options presented to me. I opted to get the touring package anyway.
My wife will be the primary driver of the MDX, and she is a field account representative for a mortgage company. She is constantly adding new customers, and calling me to use Mapquest to get her from where she is, to where she needs to be. The navi will greatly reduce, or end, those phone calls. |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by A2MDXer
Correct me if I am wrong but I think now if you want Navi you must also get Touring as well. Something to consider if you were leaning towards the premium model. If so, include this in the cost (although you obviously get stuff with Touring, many have questioned the value of that package).
I agree. For those considering a base (premium) MDX over touring due to financial constraints, the required Touring package + Navi may make the additional $4000+ cost prohibitive.
In the old days ('01 and '02) Navi could be added as an option on either Base or Touring MDXs. At $2000 it was a much better value than the $2600 Touring package, in my opinion. (:bonk: oh-oh, I think I just opened a can of worms, here come the flames :9: )
In any case, while the ultimate choice comes down to each individual's needs, for me Navi is definitely a worthwhile tool to have on our MDX :29:. |
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| rvehock |
| I have absolutely no regrets about not getting the navigation in my MDX. It is really a personal preference, and the fact that you will be out more than $4600 since you need to get the Touring package to add navigation to the '03 MDX. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: |
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| kblake |
As I posted earlier, you DO NOT need to get the touring package to get the Navi on the '03. I just ordered my '03 yesterday, and the dealer was fully prepared to sell me an '03 with DVD and Navi, and no Touring.
Regards, |
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| MSUSpartan |
| I'm a map junkie and rarely get lost but I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Nav system again. After two years, I still marvel at it. One of the best things about it is the listed phone numbers of businesses so you can call ahead. |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by kblake
As I posted earlier, you DO NOT need to get the touring package to get the Navi on the '03. I just ordered my '03 yesterday, and the dealer was fully prepared to sell me an '03 with DVD and Navi, and no Touring.
Regards,
Just curious. What was the price the dealer quoted you for this setup?:confused: Thanks. |
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| rjmitche |
quote:
Originally posted by kblake
As I posted earlier, you DO NOT need to get the touring package to get the Navi on the '03. I just ordered my '03 yesterday, and the dealer was fully prepared to sell me an '03 with DVD and Navi, and no Touring.
This has been discussed several times on this board. The Acura website does not support your (dealer's) claim:
http://www.acura.com/bap/bap_step1a.asp?module=mdx
Combinations listed (along with MSRP) are:
- 2003 MDX ($35,700)
- 2003 MDX Touring Package ($38,300)
- 2003 MDX Touring Package with Acura DVD Entertainment System ($39,800)
- 2003 MDX Touring Package with Navigation System ($40,500)
- 2003 MDX Touring Package with Navigation System and Acura DVD Entertainment System ($42,000)
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by kishino
I say "Wow" almost everytime I use the Navi. The Navi. is very useful when you are driving in unfamiliar surroundings and you don't have the map in your head. IMO, the navi. is definetly worth $2000 and I would definetly get it again for all my future car purchases.
Ditto!
It would have come in handy here recently for a local State Senator who just survived a political scandal. He claimed he was downtown looking for the Regional Water Board but was unfamiliar with the area. Turns out the area he was in (where the Water Board is located) is also known as the Red Light District. Emabarrassing for him, the Navi would have have been useful in his case. :2: Much more reliable than Mapquest, for sure :28: |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by greatscot
Ditto!
It would have come in handy here recently for a local State Senator who just survived a political scandal. He claimed he was downtown looking for the Regional Water Board but was unfamiliar with the area. Turns out the area he was in (where the Water Board is located) is also known as the Red Light District. Emabarrassing for him, the Navi would have have been useful in his case. :2: Much more reliable than Mapquest, for sure :28:
I love it!!!:19: :21: :19: :21: |
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| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by kblake
As I posted earlier, you DO NOT need to get the touring package to get the Navi on the '03. I just ordered my '03 yesterday, and the dealer was fully prepared to sell me an '03 with DVD and Navi, and no Touring.
Regards,
Maybe, but my guess is your wait would be quite lengthly. :p :p :p I would be happy to be wrong but I think this was discussed in depth before. If you cannot order Navi w/o touring, it's truly amazing (and scary) that a dealer doesn't know this. Before I call your dealer a total loser, I will wait for further confirmation. :2: |
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| nicksan |
I think the Navi is worth it...I don't know if it is worth $2000 but...
The other day, a day before the Big Storm in NY, I was out looking for a snow shovel. Went to several different "Home" stores like Home Depot and Lowes to no avail.
Then I used the Navi system to locate a local hardware store 2 miles away. Used the phone number listed in the Navi system to contact them and they were open and they had shovels in stock.
Needless to say, with 20+ inches of snow, the extra shovel came in handy.
Good going Navi System!!!
It's great fun to browse around when you are bored... |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by Allen Cichanski
. . . I've been a professional geologist for nearly 40 yrs and making, reading and interpreting maps has been my stock in trade. I figured the Navi would be useful for many but not for me. When the navigation systems were first coming out, I read a review by an automotive engineer who tested them and then when asked whether he would want one in his car he said, "not really". Why not, "because most of the time I know where I am, where I'm going, and I just have to look out the windshield to figure out how to get there". Ninety percent of the time I have the map in my head and know where I'm going, the rest of the time a good old Rand McN ally Atlas . . .
Actually, as has been suggested before, do a search and you'll readily see how valuable the Navi is. One member on here, hockeyplayer, I think, fueling up in an unfamiliar town, was able to lead a desparate couple to an area hospital http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/nurse.gif.
Lets see your Rand McNally do that! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/deal.gif |
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| Guitarmdx |
Someone mentioned FREE updates to the Navi DVD? My understanding is that updates are going to cost in the nature of $130 or so. Has anyone at any Acura dealer or corporate Acura stated that updates are going to be free? Who knows anything about this?
Also, does Acura, in general, have a MDX "suggestion box" or email address for the MDX? Surely there's a lot of info on this forum, but I'd have to think they'd be interested in direct info. |
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| kblake |
| Ok, I just called him. It turns out there was a misunderstanding. What he had offered me was a touring with Navi, and an aftermarket RES. I thought he offered me a non-touring with navi and aftermarket RES. |
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| presten |
| I will never again buy a car that doesn't have a navi system in it. I am a retired airline pilot and can say with some confidence that I do know how to read a map....but, having the navi gives a whole new meaning to joy of driving. We find it especially handy when dealing with large new cities and the maze of freeways and intersections. With few exceptions, the system gives us plenty of warning to switch sides of the freeway for intersections and splits. I am sooo much more relaxed driving with the navi giving me help in finding off ramps. Instead of spending too much time looking at every freeway sign waiting for the off ramp I need, I enjoy the drive and wait for "the lady" to warn me that I need to get off the freeway in one mile. The other day we were out "garage sale" cruising and simply plugged in all the address we want to visit. The navi led us to each one without a hitch. Best $2000 I ever spent!!!:D |
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| trixie |
The navi is the greatest gadget that I did't know I needed. After two months of ownership, I can now say that I'll never do without. Navi is an option that will stick around and I predict that all vehicles will be equipped in upcoming years. Assuming that you're springing for the Touring model, an extra $2K for the navi is a bargain.
Perhaps navi is not for everyone. My ten year old daughter refers to it as the NAGRAVATING system. She finds the voice prompt interruptions to be particularly irritating. At least the voice feature can be turned off. |
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| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by Allen Cichanski
When I was shopping and comparing SUVs and then finally deciding on an 03 MDX I knew that the Navi system was an acces. that I didn't want, didn't need, and wouldn't use. I've been a professional geologist for nearly 40 yrs and making, reading and interpreting maps has been my stock in trade. I figured the Navi would be useful for many but not for me. When the navigation systems were first coming out, I read a review by an automotive engineer who tested them and then when asked whether he would want one in his car he said, "not really". Why not, "because most of the time I know where I am, where I'm going, and I just have to look out the windshield to figure out how to get there". Ninety percent of the time I have the map in my head and know where I'm going, the rest of the time a good old Rand McN ally Atlas will work and the rest of the time no navi system is going to have the unpaved dirt road I need to find to get to the river and fish. I agree that the navigation systems are incredibly clever techno toys and that Acura's is probably the best of the bunch. But my question is, for those of you who've had them for a while, do you ever say, "WOW, am I glad I got this baby for only $2000!!!" or is it a toy you rarely use in actual driving. Since I've got a useful stock of maps in my head and in my glove box, I don't need or want another set that distracts me by requiring me to look at a dash screen. I'm reminded of a Consumers Union test of trash compactors from years ago. They asked, "Do you really need to spend $200 dollars on an appliance that turns 20# of trash into 20# of trash?"
The navagation system is worth $5000 to me. If it stops me and my wife from those fights that arise from Who was listening to the directions given? I can't even start to put a price tag on it. And if it would avoid an accident from trying to read a map while driving it's worth every penny. It's priceless. |
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| harmonr1 |
I had an '01 CL and didn't get the Navi although long and hard about it. When it came time for my X purchase, I insisted on Navi although it meant waiting a couple of months to get it. Yes, it is a toy! But in just 3 weeks I have found it very useful. But also remember, for a lot of us, 4WD is also just a toy that we may never really need. (So is an SUV for that manner). I have always regretted scrimping when it came to something I wanted (not needed) and I plan to keep my X for quite a while. So to me it is definitely worth it!
"The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys"
:eek: |
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| MDXor |
My reasons for the NAV. in no particular order... :29:
- Keeps me from going into bad areas
- Avoids me going to AAA for Maps
- Don't have to find the street on the map then figure where I'm located to plan a route, etc.
- Knowing your exact location at any time within seconds
- Knowing how far to destination and time estimates
- Heads-up about coming sharp turns during heavy rain, snow or fog
- Awesome tool locating roads and POI's i.e. Nearest GAS station usually not in maps.
- Go Home featured is a time saver
- Voice recognition keeps eyes on the road
- Zoom IN and OUT and Joystick move around the map is great
- List of phone numbers of businesses so you can call ahead
- Plenty of warning to switch sides of the freeway for intersections and splits
- Avoid an accident from trying to read a map while driving
- Worth for us because we are keeping the X for a long time (10 years)
- Ability to upgrade DVD a plus (long term benefits)
- The CD Changer was a plus as well
- You get the rear mounted camera
- FREE Service compared to On-Star for Directions (90% of the use)
- Finding a restaurant when your kids are hungry - Price Less!
Is not perfect but it is a great tool more than a toy, if you value anything from the list above... :) |
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| JerryinTO |
I'm in the process of negotiating a deal on 04 MDX with the TECH option. The reason why is 2 fold. One is that the kids need to be entertained in the back and the navigation system. But I'm biased; I own a 2001 Volvo S60 with a nav system. Once I was down in New York state, around the Finger Lakes and I wanted to take the family to Olive Garden ( Olive Garden has ceased operations in eastern Canada). After a few minutes of querying the system, I found 2 in Rochester. That was a treat for the kids. I can't wait for the Acura version.
Jerry |
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| Dick at Incline |
A couple of comments--I think the Nav system is great, but I would not opt of the Video system for a few reasons. One is that it is quite expensive, but even more so, it is stuck in the car and only one car. If you buy a portable one for about $250 you can take it with you into other cars, or other places you're visiting--gives you a lot more flexibility.
As far as the Nav System goes, I 2nd the list that MDXor gave us. One comment: The distance to go function is very accurate--the time to go is useless--during a few hour trip it will be off by more than 1 hour.
Now the very good thing is his listing of "Heads-up for upcoming sharp turns--and the direction of the turns. This feature is great when creeping along at 10-15mph in the fog or in a heavy snow storm--what a great safety enhancement it is to be able to see upcoming turns--or even to know that the road goes straight for a while. |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by Dick at Incline
A couple of comments--I think the Nav system is great, but I would not opt of the Video system for a few reasons. One is that it is quite expensive, but even more so, it is stuck in the car and only one car. If you buy a portable one for about $250 you can take it with you into other cars, or other places you're visiting--gives you a lot more flexibility.
Having put a lot thought into whether to pay $2k for the in-car navigation system, let me say that the handheld/portable GPS systems were pathetic. And I'm being kind. The database is about half the size of in-car systems (and I'm not talking just about Acura). And when you include in features like the backup camera its not even in the same ballpark. I probably would've paid around $1500 for the camera. So to get all other things for around $500 is a steal.
The other advantage of having a portable with a paltry database is if you're into hiking in the unknown. I certainly don't need a GPS to navigate the grocery store aisles. But then, the wilderness is not going to be mapped. At best, you'll have breadcrumbs to get back to civilization. So, I really saw no point of getting a non-integrated, feature-poor, small-screened handheld GPS. |
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| DaleB |
| Agreed, it's not worth 2K..but glad I have it! |
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| XStatic |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Agreed, it's not worth 2K..but glad I have it!
Ditto, except to add, it was not worth saving 2K to get the vehicle without the built in nav and use a standalone nav system for less.
It could be MUCH better and easier to use, but it does do a lot fairly well and I use it all the time.
I even ask my wife to borrow her car (it is her MDX) when I go someplace for the first time.
To the contrary, I did not purchase the DVD because the lack of functionality (Can't play mp3/DVD-R/etc.) didn't make up for the built in convenience. |
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| G. COLTON |
Have the best of both worlds. Buy a good small portable chart plotter. Cheaper and transferable between vehicles. Even rental cars. When I have a trip coming I sit at my home computer and plan all side trips and load the GPS. When I arrive at my destination I have it already programmed. Can take it into hotel room and study the area and make any alterations that I want.
A good chart plotter with voice command can be had for about $700.00 to $800.00
I think it is worth that price.
G |
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| Dick at Incline |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
Have the best of both worlds. Buy a good small portable chart plotter. Cheaper and transferable between vehicles. Even rental cars. When I have a trip coming I sit at my home computer and plan all side trips and load the GPS. When I arrive at my destination I have it already programmed. Can take it into hotel room and study the area and make any alterations that I want.
A good chart plotter with voice command can be had for about $700.00 to $800.00
I think it is worth that price.
G
And my recommendation for the best one out there is the Garmin 276C, buy it with the Automotive Kit, and you get detailed (Street Level Maps) for the complete US and a lot of Canada. Often time when I am looking for a place, like Home Depot, the Garmin has more listings than the MDX. I really like the MDX Nav System, but the Garmin is an excellents 2nd Choice. (I use the Garmin primarily on my Motorcycle and in my other 2 cars that don't have Nav Systems). Here's a place to get the 276C and the AutoKit for about $800.
http://www.getfeetwet.com/detail.as...ID=S10-00331-01 |
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| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by Dick at Incline
And my recommendation for the best one out there is the Garmin 276C, buy it with the Automotive Kit, and you get detailed (Street Level Maps) for the complete US and a lot of Canada. Often time when I am looking for a place, like Home Depot, the Garmin has more listings than the MDX. I really like the MDX Nav System, but the Garmin is an excellents 2nd Choice. (I use the Garmin primarily on my Motorcycle and in my other 2 cars that don't have Nav Systems). Here's a place to get the 276C and the AutoKit for about $800.
http://www.getfeetwet.com/detail.as...ID=S10-00331-01
Dick, I have the 176c, last years model. I agree that it is probably the best one. I think you will find the best price at
WWW.BOATFIX.COM
g |
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| Dick at Incline |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
Dick, I have the 176c, last years model. I agree that it is probably the best one. I think you will find the best price at
WWW.BOATFIX.COM
g
I bought my 276C including Autokit, from the site I listed above--great service and quick shipping. Their price is $805 including free shipping, Boat Fix is close with a price of $833. |
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| JerryinTO |
quote:
Originally posted by XStatic
Ditto, except to add, it was not worth saving 2K to get the vehicle without the built in nav and use a standalone nav system for less.
It could be MUCH better and easier to use, but it does do a lot fairly well and I use it all the time.
I even ask my wife to borrow her car (it is her MDX) when I go someplace for the first time.
To the contrary, I did not purchase the DVD because the lack of functionality (Can't play mp3/DVD-R/etc.) didn't make up for the built in convenience.
wait a MINUTE!!! The MDX DVD system does not play DVD -R??? what does it play then? |
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| XStatic |
quote:
Originally posted by JerryinTO
wait a MINUTE!!! The MDX DVD system does not play DVD -R??? what does it play then?
When I tested the 2003 with a DVD I burned it didn't work. It only seemed to work with pressed original disks. |
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| JerryinTO |
quote:
Originally posted by XStatic
When I tested the 2003 with a DVD I burned it didn't work. It only seemed to work with pressed original disks.
Well, maybe the 2005s will play DVDs burned by the customer. I will have to find out.
Thanks
J. |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by XStatic
To the contrary, I did not purchase the DVD because the lack of functionality (Can't play mp3/DVD-R/etc.) didn't make up for the built in convenience.
Hmm. Didn't know that either. Wonder if that changed in 05. Have to try that at home when I get back tonight :) It'll be a HUUUUUUGE bummer if it doesn't play DVD-Rs :3: |
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| Dick at Incline |
| I'd like to join with my '03. My MDX really is not white as shown in the photo, it's SBP. |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by Dick at Incline
I'd like to join with my '03. My MDX really is not white as shown in the photo, it's SBP.
Lovely color, might I say :D Would love to have you aboard. Please feel free to step into our "club" by following the link in my signature. A picture of you car (in all its glory :)) would be nice. |
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| DaleB |
| When you don't need or use Navi it's 2000 presidents wasted if it's sitting in your MDX. But when you need it...it's priceless! |
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| florida_guy |
| Since I don't see it mentioned in this thread this year I wanted to say that I have the Garmin Street Pilot Portable Navigation System. I love it! They are frequently updating the firmware via a simple download which adds features. The maps were recent and they are comprehensive. The estimated time of arrival feature is amazingly accurate assuming you are not driving through rush hour traffic. And when I get on an airplane I can take it with me to the car I will be using at my destination. It will have on it saved destinations from the last time I was at that location. |
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| Dick at Incline |
| I am also a Garmin fan, and the first one I owed was in '92. I now have two Garmin units, the GPS V, and a new GPS 276C. Of course the 276C is my favorite. Sometimes I use it side-by-side with the one in my MDX. The MDX with the touch screen is very handy use, it's Auto-routing is excellent, it has all points-of-interest on it's internal DVD. Detour function works well--but it's time to destination is worthless. In a 5 hour trip it will be late by about 1hour--I don't know what algortithm they use by it appears to be "Highway speed limits, decreased by about 20%". Anyway the 276C has all the features of the MDX, except it does not have touch screen. It has detailed points of interest, and auto-routing, and "detour" just like the MDX, and the "time to destination" is usually within a minute or two as long as you don't get into a traffic jam. I usually call my daughter from about 2 hours out, and tell her when I'll be there! By the way, you can also use it on the airplane, which is allowed by several carriers--it's fun to see where you are, altitude and how fast you're going, and "whats that big city right below". Check out the complete package with the Automobile kit for about $800 at http://www.getfeetwet.com/detail.as...ID=S10-00331-01 |
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| Echo2625 |
| Navi is well worth it plus with the X's high resale value you get most of it back in the long run anyways.. |
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| Dick at Incline |
quote:
Originally posted by Echo2625
Navi is well worth it plus with the X's high resale value you get most of it back in the long run anyways..
I agree. I will never own another car without Navi and without VSA--both are great. It's amazing the uses you'll find for the Navi. In fog or snowstorms, it lets you keep track of upcoming curves, and out on the Interstate, it's great to find a detour that get's you around an accident. |
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| florida_guy |
quote:
Originally posted by Dick at Incline
By the way, you can also use it on the airplane, which is allowed by several carriers--it's fun to see where you are, altitude and how fast you're going, and "whats that big city right below".
The newest Street Pilots do not have battery operation so you are out of luck on a plane. |
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| Dick at Incline |
quote:
Originally posted by florida_guy
The newest Street Pilots do not have battery operation so you are out of luck on a plane.
That's one of the reasons I bought the 276C, it has all the features of the newest Street pilots, including a large color screen. And in addition it has a rechargable battery that lasts up to 20 hours. |
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