| doenuttz |
How come majority of factory navigation owners claims that it is better than an aftermarket navigation??GPS navigation technology has gone better over the past year..I strongly feel that aftermarket navigation can compete or better the performance of a factory navigation..
The updated factory navigation disk cost $185.00 dollars.. Do you guys actually pay this to update your POI..Factory navigation owner has spent 2 to 3 times the amount of an aftermarket navigation..And it cost this much to update a stupid POI...
I have an aftermarket navigation and I strongly believe that it surpasses the factory navigation.. |
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| td284 |
Well good for you. I like the fact that mine is fully built-in, has a larger screen, gives me voice prompts, is fully warranted for 4 years and is always there.
This is the same debate I had with my father years ago when he insisted that a below-the-dash AC unit was just as good as built-in. It worked for him, but I prefer my auto accessories to be as factory-built as possible. |
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| doenuttz |
| Is this screen big enough??? |
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| doenuttz |
| Can a factory navigation do this?? |
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| fatass |
If you are happy with your aftermarket navigation, go nuts with it.
But to be honest when you buy such an expensive 'luxery' vehicle do you really want to go and engineer your own solution if the makers already have one? I can understand if you want to replace the speakers in your civic, but would you go and put a new head unit into a mdx that's already got premium soundsystem? |
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| doenuttz |
But to be honest when you buy such an expensive 'luxery' vehicle do you really want to go and engineer your own solution if the makers already have one?
Yes I would if the aftermarket solution was way cheaper than the factory..This set cost me $800 dollars
would you go and put a new head unit into a mdx that's already got premium soundsystem?
FYI .I didn't change the factory radio.. |
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| eurohazard |
| $800 for a navigation and "car"puter and installation huh? :confused: |
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| crazymjb |
My roadmate 760 sucks compared to what is in the TL. A carputer is different than a navi, some people don't want to have to deal with that when they want a navigation system. Sure it's cool, but not quite the same.
Mike |
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| doenuttz |
quote:
$800 for a navigation and "car"puter and installation huh?
I am sorry I didn't provide more information.. I did the install myself..As far as the navigation , a Street & Trips GPS software can be purchased for $120 bucks or lower ( depending if you research).As everyone knows, alot of computer components are getting cheaper and cheaper ..I bought a desktop computer for $200 bucks and I dismantled it to fit under the driver seat..Other parts was the VGA LCD ($200)and the DC to DC power supply($189) with out shipping.
It also seems that factory navigation can not display (Artist,Album,Song Title etc.)while playing your IPOD .Well I have I tunes 7.0 installed. |
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| fatass |
| I've gotta say, very impressive! It's a nice setup, very unique and creative. |
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| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by doenuttz
How come majority of factory navigation owners claims that it is better than an aftermarket navigation??GPS navigation technology has gone better over the past year..I strongly feel that aftermarket navigation can compete or better the performance of a factory navigation..
The updated factory navigation disk cost $185.00 dollars.. Do you guys actually pay this to update your POI..Factory navigation owner has spent 2 to 3 times the amount of an aftermarket navigation..And it cost this much to update a stupid POI...
I have an aftermarket navigation and I strongly believe that it surpasses the factory navigation..
I cannot really compare OEM navigation, but I am a fan of aftermarket. I have had a Garmin unit for 4 years. It has done everything that I could ask of it and does not have any requirement for updates. The newer unit seem to be a good improvement on mine.
One thing I like is that I do not have to take my eyes off the road as much as some built ins. I noticed that the new 07MDX has a higher mounted screen.
A big plus for aftermarkets is portability. Several times a year I will fly to a destination. Once there I rent a vehicle and already have my own GPS to use. This is where I really need the unit. Around home I have no need for it.
You are correct that the price of the aftermarkets is much less.
Another plus for aftermarkets is the ability for me to sit at my computer and plan multiple trips. I do this in the comfort of my big rocking, leather chair. I can loak several alternatives into my portable unit and be ready for whatever strikes our fancy as we are traveling.
G |
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| jhue |
It's not like it's an either/or decision. Having built-in Nav doesn't prevent you from buying an aftermarket unit. Even if I never traveled on business I'd still have one just for leisure travel (for rental cars).
My MDX doesn't have factory Nav, but the two Priuses do, and I've never once felt the need to bring along the aftermarket Nav in them, even though the aftermarket unit has newer maps than the factory units (DVD updates are harder to get and more expensive for the Toyota/Denso/Eclipse units). IMHO that says something about how the convenience, integration, and screen real-estate advantages of the built-in Nav far outweigh any of the advantages of an aftermarket unit. |
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| BLEXV6 |
The fact that the Nav system is integarated is why it beats the aftermarket, that and the back-up camera. I think you avoid a back-upcollision once, the money saved just paid for you nav system.
It comes down to if you want to pay the extra. I have to admit when I bought my 04 X, i had a hard time paying for this option but never regretted it. |
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| QRTLOW |
quote:
Originally posted by doenuttz
How come majority of factory navigation owners claims that it is better than an aftermarket navigation??GPS navigation technology has gone better over the past year..I strongly feel that aftermarket navigation can compete or better the performance of a factory navigation..
It looks real cool, but what happens to the other factory features on the panel? Clock, gas mileage, ET, fuel economy, compass, outside temperature indicator? I use these features all the time and don't think I'd trade them for the single feature of one great navi system. |
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| doenuttz |
quote:
It looks real cool, but what happens to the other factory features on the panel? Clock, gas mileage, ET, fuel economy, compass, outside temperature indicator?
I can not see the trip computer display but All of them work beside the outside temperature..Do you really need to know the outside temperature??I can judge by feel..
My aftermarket navigation has a little compass and a speedometer on it..The software that I am using also has miles per gallon configuration.A simple input of factory MPG ..
I also get day,dates, and clock at the bottom of the screen while I am playing my music through Media Engine.
As far as Back up camera, I can purchase a 12 volt color camera from Ebay for $30 bucks.And intergrate to my set up. |
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| TurboFatCrab |
Doenutz,
I'm sure your carputer has many more functions that the factory unit.
You do not have to justify to us why you think an aftermarket nav unit is superior to OEM. I for one like the clean integration and functionality of the factory unit. As long as you enjoy the car, that's all that matters. |
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| ia12 |
I think what Doenutz wants to hear is that he is right and everyone else is wrong. He probably also wants people to praise him for doing what he thinks is amazing.
No offense! =)~ |
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| X2Z |
| Nice clean install. Can you provide more info on your setup such as brand of lcd you chose, is it a touch screen lcd, and if so what software did you use for it. Are you using a wireless pci card to access the internet at anytime. The brand of dc to dc converter and what are you doing for cooling the cpu. If possible a write up would be great. Thanks. |
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| doenuttz |
quote:
I think what Doenutz wants to hear is that he is right and everyone else is wrong. He probably also wants people to praise him for doing what he thinks is amazing.
NO offense taken by me.
I don't care what anybody say about my install.. Either people like or not..My point was to prove that factory navigation is not superior and its not the only option..There were other thread regarding this particular subject.People that own aftermarket navigation seems to get bashed by factory navigation owners..
I understand that factory navigation owners are happy with their set up.Good for you guys.I am also happy with my set up..
If pictures means a thousand word.Well ,I think I should just shut up.. |
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| bigdogrod |
i like the factory nav for the warranty... if it shorts out and burns the car up, you're covered...
i'm planning a car pc in my new ridgeline, as the factory nav system does not have the trip computer and a/c controls that the mdx has, plus i want sirius instead of xm
the carputer will do all that factory will and more, the tough part will be to get it to look like factory..
but to each his own, i can see advantages of both systems
bdr |
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| highmath |
quote:
Originally posted by X2Z
Nice clean install. Can you provide more info on your setup... If possible a write up would be great. Thanks.
Ditto. Just curious. :p |
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| td284 |
Doenutz,
Impressive install. You have way more skill and patience with technology than most of us, so you can make a custom system that works perfect for your needs. The rest of us are satisfied to have it from the factory with the more limited, but still impressive, capabilities. We all win.
Just tell me one thing--you're not one of those distracted drivers that causes a huge amount of road trauma these days, are you? How do you surf the web and keep your eyes on the road? |
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| doenuttz |
quote:
Nice clean install. Can you provide more info on your setup such as brand of lcd you chose, is it a touch screen lcd, and if so what software did you use for it. Are you using a wireless pci card to access the internet at anytime. The brand of dc to dc converter and what are you doing for cooling the cpu. If possible a write up would be great. Thanks.
Thanks X27,Highmath,TD .I appreciate it.
The screen I bought was Lilliput VGA touchscreen from Ebay..I am using a USB wireless thumb drive to access the internet .Although a wireless PCI would great .The monthly subscrption doesn't justify the usage for me.The DC to DC converter can vary on the PC that you are gonna use. I am using is DSATX -220 for my AMD 2800 PC.This was one of the expensive converter.You don't have to use this unless you are planning to use a power hungry PC.They sell cheaper DC to Dc converter as low as $90 dollars.I am also using Delorme for GPS.I will probably upgrade when GPS companies make a better GPS that can show and warn me which Street intersections has camera sensors....And looks Something like the Garmin 3D or Tom Tom navigation interface..
I am not too familiar with computers.I Just like to tear things apart and put it back together ..This guy wrote a great write up on carputer.And they also sell all the things you need to get started .It will take a couple of hours of reading but I found it useful..
Click here http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=51489 |
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| X2Z |
Thanks for the quick reply. How long is the boot up time for you? How much modification was required to mount the lcd in the dash.
On a side note, I enjoy all the post of audio/video mods people do on there cars because it gives me ideas and tips for installs I do for friends and family. Plus it helps me keep updated on the latest equipment. Again, thanks for all the info. |
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| doenuttz |
quote:
Thanks for the quick reply. How long is the boot up time for you? How much modification was required to mount the lcd in the dash.
I have the PC program to hibernate..It takes 5 to 10 seconds to boot from hibernate.But from start up it takes 30 seconds to 60 seconds.If you use a bigger ram like 1 Gb ,it will a may be 120 to 150 seconds to boot up from start up.The pc I bought has a 256 ram shared ..
I can get the internet when I am parked next to a unsecured wireless internet connection..PCI wireless card would let you to listen yahoo music,I tunes radio ,etc but I usually just drive with the Media Engine Interface with the playlist ..
Perhaps ,this may help you modify your MDX trip computer..
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...&threadid=25989 |
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| QRTLOW |
quote:
Originally posted by doenuttz
I have the PC program to hibernate..It takes 5 to 10 seconds to boot from hibernate.But from start up it takes 30 seconds to 60 seconds.If you use a bigger ram like 1 Gb ,it will a may be 120 to 150 seconds to boot up from start up.The pc I bought has a 256 ram shared ..
Welcome to the Jungle. Your work is admirable. The group will have their way with you because your different. I manage WAN Ops all day and have been into PC's since '84. However, I would never dream, or attempt of doing what you did. I say, "hat's off" to you. It does'nt take much of a PC to do the job, have you thought of using an old laptop to do the same. It would run cooler and take less space. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
Couldn't resist replying since you asked a question and I'm just answering for myself and nobody else, even though you have generalized the majority of factory navigation owners into a box of aftermarket NAV bashers (which I don't think has really come to bashing, unless you can provide objective evidence of such threads). It's because I'm lazy and I want the NAV to work without me fooling around with electronics and wiring and potentially voiding my warranty (which has since expired anyway but I'm still too lazy to conceivably replace it with a carputer). Does that answer your question.
What you have accomplished and it is by no means a small feat, is install a multimedia PC that happens to have GPS capability, NOT strictly just an aftermarket navigation unit. Sure, you can enjoy bragging rights and so forth, but to challenge factory navigation owners with an opening post like that is immature and displays some insight into your personality, whether you perceive it or not. You could have adopted an alternative opening statement, more in the fashion of show and tell, or hey guys, look what I did to my MDX, as others have done.
Anyway, since we're nitpicking, have you considered the lack of voice activation (which is noticeably better on the 07)? Or what about the AC controls, which are notoriously integrated into the NAV/LCD screen, especially on older Touring NAV models, like my 01? I suppose you can leave it on Auto and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Just some food for thought... |
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| fatass |
Props to dj-mx2 for writing such a clear and concise post stating exactly the nagging thing in the back of my mind. I do believe that all the MDX owners here are happy to see the customizations and neat little tweaks we each do with our vehicles.
For this reason, it doesn't need to be a VS where everyone either loves factory or doesn't. I really like your aftermarket setup, but I like my factory as well. I personally would like to see more talk about what other aftermarket solutions are available to broaden my horizon, not force me to take a side. |
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| doenuttz |
Anyway, since we're nitpicking, have you considered the lack of voice activation (which is noticeably better on the 07)? Or what about the AC controls, which are notoriously integrated into the NAV/LCD screen, especially on older Touring NAV models, like my 01? I suppose you can leave it on Auto and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Voice commands
I can program that with GPS software I am using with a small pc mic and has other voice option.I can't tell you my experience cuz I don't use it.
AC controls
I was able to bypass the AC controls and have connected to 4 buttons (mode,AC,Fan up & Fan down) and you are right ,you can also leave it on Auto and adjust the temperature accordingly. |
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| QFCK2001 |
| I had carputer installed in my 05 RSX, it had a lot more features but not as reliable as the stock system. You have to deal with the over heat issue in a hot summer day; It takes looker to boot up than the factory system, eventhought you could put the carputer in suspend or hibernation mode, it will drain your battery and you couldn't start your car after like 3 days not use the car. The GPS in the carputer doesn't support dead reckoning feature, which means you will loss signal in the tunnels or weak signal area such as downtown. Lastly, I suggest you to check out the road runner front end, I think it is much superior than media engine. |
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| doenuttz |
QFCK2001
The carputer survive the summer heat this past summer in the SoCal area and I was just using one fan to blow the mother board.NO heat issue so far..I also have bought a dc to dc converter that would shut down the carputer when it reaches the voltages 11 volts.When I know that I am going to be gone for a couple days .I just turn off the carputer and restart it again..
Thank You for letting me know about Road Runner.I have tried to get it installed before but I couldn't find the way to do it until I read more about it. I am not computer savy at all..I was able to find detailed step by step instruction..
The Acura logo spins left to right |
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