| kal101 |
I am thinking of getting 03'mdx with navi/res
question about navigation system:
Is it better to buy accura gps which cost around 2000 dollars or
something like Street Pilot III deluxe made by garmin, which cost
769 dollars. I know that with sp3, you have to download maps using pc on a 128 mb datacard while in mdx, everything is in 1 dvd.
otherthan that, which one is better ?
I can not find comparisons between the two ?
Does accura's gps have more details and covered areas than
SPIII ?
Thanks for help. |
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| Rodzir |
| I would like to add to your question. I have the navi but am looking for an option for my parents. With the price of the Compaq Ipaq 3835 at or below $300 and the options for Navi with voice at $200 to $400 more. Has anyone ever used the Navi on the IPAQ?? The screen is larger than that to the Garmen. Thanks for the input . |
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| cardingtr |
I don't know what mapping data SP is using but Navtech, which Acura(Alpine) is using aparently completed mapping the whole US up to the street level and in the process of sending these maps to various companies. They figured this fall 2002 so we are gonna have a complete street level detail of the whole US soon.
I found this info somewhere in this huge GPS website the info I read is somewhere there buried. :( . |
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| torchny |
It's really a personal choice. I think it will be extremely helpful if you can manage to try them out yourself before you make the decision, especially if you've never used car Navi before (like us); or you are an expert that needs something special out of it or can appreciate the difference.
torchny |
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| kal101 |
sp3 uses citynavigator, and it is by NAVTECH also. Interesting thing is that if you go on navtech's site, garmin is not listed as one of the company that navtech provides the software.
I already have sp3 for a yera now. Few months ago, navtech did upgrade and added more detail coverage to the software and I had to pay 150 dollars for the update.
Before the update, it did not have that much info, to give you an example, before, the state of FL required about 32mb of info, now,
in 128mb of data card, I can not fit the state of FL.
So what I ma wondering is, if accura will have the same update that
I already have it in sp3?
the following is from garmin's site.... |
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| kal101 |
Version 4.01 features include:
Trip and waypoint management functions.*
Full coverage for metro and rural areas throughout the contiguous U.S. and expanded coverage for Canada.
Updated coverage for many metro and rural areas.
Updated information for highways, interstates, and business and residential streets, with turn restrictions, speed categories, and other navigation features.
The ability to create automatic point-to-point routes in MapSource and on the StreetPilot III Deluxe.
Updated points of interest, including over 5 million business listings, such as:
food and drink
lodging
attractions
entertainment
shopping
emergency services
post offices
campgrounds
movie theaters
Coverage for |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by kal101
I am thinking of getting 03'mdx with navi/res
question about navigation system:
Is it better to buy accura gps which cost around 2000 dollars or
something like Street Pilot III deluxe made by garmin, which cost
769 dollars. I know that with sp3, you have to download maps using pc on a 128 mb datacard while in mdx, everything is in 1 dvd.
Thanks for help.
To be honest, i wish i had gotten the acura navi, but when i woke up it was too late. So, after the fact, and after reading about it on this board, i bought the streetpilot 3 deluxe, and I'm still playing a bit with the install. Seems to fit well under the coin tray area, with it removed. I kept the electric outlet so i can plug it in and also a handsfree device for my cell phone, using a splitter plugged into the outlet first. It has a base map for the entire u.s. and canada, and the 128 mb card card holds a pretty big detailed map. I could fit from boston to albany and then down to washington, although from jersey to d.c. it is only along rte 95. It also can fit detail map along 95 from new york city down to south florida. I find I use it even to go to the local mall. It usually follows the same route i have traditionally driven...sometimes it deviates....and some of those are improvements, some not, but i'm amazed and impressed. It also has the 5,000,000 points of interest showing restaurants, gas stations, hospitals, etc., which is very helpful too. To complete the install I just ordered an amplified extension antenna. I will run the cable thru the coin holder area to under the dash and over to the post by the door, up there and then to an antenna on the dash, probably hold it with two sided tape or maybe with a piece of velcro. I'd imagine the acura system is even better since it holds gyros to predict your path when satellites are lost....but I've only lost satellites so far in my garage! Even my wife never gets lost in the garage though.:2: IMHO, the street pilot is terrific, and one thing the acura navi can't do...it's portable! Happy motoring! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. |
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| kal101 |
I agree, I love my sp3 also, even more after the update.
edepa....if you had the choice for 03'mdx, would you still buy mdx with navi...or would you just use your sp3 in 03mdx.
I would buy mdx with navi if I can find out if it has more info like
more detailed coverage area..etc other than voice navigation ??? |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by kal101
I agree, I love my sp3 also, even more after the update.
edepa....if you had the choice for 03'mdx, would you still buy mdx with navi...or would you just use your sp3 in 03mdx.
I would buy mdx with navi if I can find out if it has more info like
more detailed coverage area..etc other than voice navigation ???
To be honest, I gave the navi no thought until just before my X was due in....and tried to see if i could still get it, only to learn it was pure factory install. I was not vastly disappointed, but now with the SP3 I love navi! Would i pay two grand for it now that i see how good the sp3 is??hmmm. depends on business I guess. I"m not sure the acura navi is worth the extra grand plus....but it does make for less clutter on the console. By the way, kal, where did you end up placing your sp3? I'll be receiving my amplifed remote antenna from an ebay purchase in a few days to try the console mount option, which i've done tentatively so far by using an rg58u thinnet cable to get the antenna up on the dash. I'm leaning toward keeping it in that location but i'd be interested in where you ended up with it. |
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| cardingtr |
03 MDX with Navs will have 9 mil POI. If yo love high tech toys, an extra 1 grand is worth it.
Aside from its flush in your dash, it works in your garage:D because it has gyro sensors.
I'm waiting for the release of updated database. It will have the street detail of the whole US in one DVD. So when you are long driving, you don't have to change cards or upload data on the way.
There are a lot of info here about navigation. Get a cool drink and read through it. It will take you at least an hour to read it all. |
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| swall |
QUOTE] I know that with sp3, you have to download maps using pc on a 128 mb datacard while in mdx, everything is in 1 dvd.[/QUOTE]
I have both the Acura navigation and the Street Pilot III and the above qoute and screen size are the two advantages of the Acura System in my opinion. I actually think the Street Pilot III is easier to use. I currently have The entire states of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington loaded on my unit. I can easily set it up for any trip across the country in a matter of minutes!
I got the deluxe version and the maps are more accurate and contain more POI's than my 2002 Acura unit. The 2003 Acura unit looks like it will include more POI's and should have more current maps, and yes, the Garmin maps are from Navtech |
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| rlm32 |
| I have the SPIII, and it rocks.:D I don't miss the factory navi. Just think of all the accesories you could buy with $1200:eek: The only slight annoyance is a somewhat slow recalculation time. Other than that, it's perfect. |
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| doggiedog |
I bought a SP3 just 2 weeks ago and am not happy with it.
It is slow, gets me lost and it doesn't give me the best directions.
It doesn't even include my own block for gosh sakes!
It gave me 3 different directions to go to an amusement park and all three were the worst ways there. In fact, as I got to the park it told me to make a left turn which I did even though the entrance was on the right. After making a U, it told me to turn the right way.
So far, I am unhappy with it. |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by doggiedog
I bought a SP3 just 2 weeks ago and am not happy with it.
It is slow, gets me lost and it doesn't give me the best directions.
It doesn't even include my own block for gosh sakes!
It gave me 3 different directions to go to an amusement park and all three were the worst ways there. In fact, as I got to the park it told me to make a left turn which I did even though the entrance was on the right. After making a U, it told me to turn the right way.
So far, I am unhappy with it.
Sorry to hear that, since so far i've been real happy withmy sp3. Some times the directions are different than what i would take and they turn out to be an improvement. I've had some times when i knew mine were better, and i'd follow my own nose and let it "recalculate" as it goes along. It did get confused finding my daughter's friends house, as she has an island in the street you can't drive over, but i could see how it wouldn't know it was there. Certainly will get me to places i have never been to, and it seems really quite accurate and helpful. Only slight problem is the somewhat slow recalculation time, but it has not been unbearable so far. |
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| cardingtr |
So SP3 and MDX Nav have something in common. Slow to recalc, and sometimes doesn't give you best directions.
But at times that it doesn't give you the best directions, that means you know the best directions:D . |
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| ssMDX01 |
| I have the Acura Navi and I absolutely love it. :4: |
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| swall |
quote:
So SP3 and MDX Nav have something in common. Slow to recalc, and sometimes doesn't give you best directions.
Exactly what cardingtr said! Each unit has features the other doesn't. Both the SP III and Acura are awesome, but not perfect.
doggiedog probably would not be any happier with the Acura unit.
(Still can't figure out the quote feature when replying) |
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| doggiedog |
The time I went to the amusement park, the SP3 was very indecisive. It told me to get off at a certain exit then when I got off it told me I was off route and wanted me to stay on the main highway. Then I took another highway to the park and it worked out ok. On the way back, it gave me directions different from the way I went. I asked for the fastest time and after going the way of the directions (with many false exits and screwups along the way), I realized it took me down a local route with traffic lights which was much slower than the highway even though the highway was a little out of the way.
I've tried using it to go to golf courses and it is very incomplete, missing all of the courses I put in. Taking a route that I know is the fastest, I tried using the SP3 and it kept telling me to go other routes that I know are much slower and it never even suggested I go the way I went even though I was on the road and it is the most direct way there.
But it still erks me that my block, which is a semi major blvd is not listed.
I'll probably use the SP3 for a while then ebay it when something better comes along.
BTW: You can get the SP3 at www.ecost.com for $734 where I got it. |
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| tzeus |
I have an MDX/Touring with no NAVI and I regret every moment! I have recently purchased the Magellan GPS for my Palm Pilot M505 and it sucks! Reason being that handhelds have a restriction with downloading maps. The exapanded memory is no good either, it's too slow. You can only download Point A to B directions on Hanheld GPS units, similar to the Garmin Street Plus III.
Get the Navi it's worth the $2000! Or if you have a laptop and willing to lug that with you in your car, look at the Navman.com e-series GPS.....you can load the entire USA maps to street level detail.... |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by cardingtr
So SP3 and MDX Nav have something in common. Slow to recalc, and sometimes doesn't give you best directions.
But at times that it doesn't give you the best directions, that means you know the best directions:D .
Is the acura nav also slow to recalculate? How does it compare on ease of entering an address or place to go to?
In any event, I think navi is a big plus and I am glad I got the sp3 for my own toy collection. Nice to move it to different cars too. :) |
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| cardingtr |
Don't get me wrong! MDX Navi is awesome.
Yes it is slow to recalc compared to other Navs like Lexus but for me it fast enough. If you are in downtown streets and miss a turn, thats when its slow to recalc problem really may frustrate you.
As to entering an address, its the easiest i can think of. Press the 'address' button and you go from there...
One thing I like the MDX nav is, you dont have to wait to lock with the sats to keep going. Even without the sats locked, you can still see yourself moving perhaps it is using its gyro/speed sensors.
I used to have Garmin SP myself and I considered the MDX Nav as an upgrade from my handheld, that's how I ended up with Nav option. |
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| jnbsdad |
I have both a Navi-equipped MDX and a Garmin unit for my other car. I had the Garmin unit first, and didn't think twice about a non-Navi version. I think it is well worth the money!!!
My top 10 reasons to get the Navi rather than a Garmin unit for the MDX
1. It is VERY cool
2. Already installed, no mounts to buy or sticky ovals to adhere to the dash
3. NO cords running around the car
4. Hard to steal, in fact if your Navi is stolen, you probably have other problems! :D
5. LCD screen in non-Navi mode doesn't look as hokey as the non-Navi screen ALWAYS looks
6. Betty, our Navi's name, talks to you...SP3 does too, but it's through a separate speaker plugged into the cigarette lighter
7. SP3 detailed maps are limited to 128k...Navi's are limited to 5GB
8. Navi screen is at least 4x bigger, which matters on dark, rainy days
9. The kids love it...
10. It is still VERY cool!!!!
Hope this helps!
jnbsdad |
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| kal101 |
thanks everyone....
I am still thinking...I guess the only way for sure is to buy 03 mdx
with navi...i will see what kind of prices in few weeks...
edepa....I have not thought about the placement of sp3 yet....
I love using sp3....I ahve never gotten lost using sp3, only
once it had a wrong adds of a casino while we were in louisiana.. |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by kal101
thanks everyone....
I am still thinking...I guess the only way for sure is to buy 03 mdx
with navi...i will see what kind of prices in few weeks...
edepa....I have not thought about the placement of sp3 yet....
I love using sp3....I ahve never gotten lost using sp3, only
once it had a wrong adds of a casino while we were in louisiana..
As I said on my first post on this thread, I decided too late about the Navi, so I had no choice but to get something like the sp3 deluxe. It's actually quite a good choice though and a great "value" for navigation purposes and especially with its transportability. I am mounting it where the coin tray was, it wedges in fine and I am keeping a handsfree cell phone device plugged in to the outlet as well. I just received a power antenna so I will get rid of my ethernet cable since this new unit has rg174 cable or some such number, and it is quite thin and will route easier and be hardly noticeable as I get it up onto top of the dash. If your keeping the X for the long haul, I'd say the navi option could make sense when amortized over a longer period, as it does depreciate in value pretty quickly. Good luck with the '03 :) |
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| torchny |
quote:
Originally posted by edepa
As I said on my first post on this thread, I decided too late about the Navi, so I had no choice but to get something like the sp3 deluxe. It's actually quite a good choice though and a great "value" for navigation purposes and especially with its transportability. I am mounting it where the coin tray was, it wedges in fine and I am keeping a handsfree cell phone device plugged in to the outlet as well. I just received a power antenna so I will get rid of my ethernet cable since this new unit has rg174 cable or some such number, and it is quite thin and will route easier and be hardly noticeable as I get it up onto top of the dash. If your keeping the X for the long haul, I'd say the navi option could make sense when amortized over a longer period, as it does depreciate in value pretty quickly. Good luck with the '03 :)
Hi edepa,
We're trying to decide where to mount our sp3 and it seems the coin try area is the best option. If you don't mind can you please post a picture of your setup or describe a bit more on how to place the main unit, the power/speaker plug, how to run the remote antenna....etc. Thanks a bunch.
torchny |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by torchny
Hi edepa,
We're trying to decide where to mount our sp3 and it seems the coin try area is the best option. If you don't mind can you please post a picture of your setup or describe a bit more on how to place the main unit, the power/speaker plug, how to run the remote antenna....etc. Thanks a bunch.
torchny
I will try to post a pic once the sp3 is "finalized" in its installation. I have a cellphone hands free device that also needs to be plugged in, so i can't remove the power outlet unless i hardwire both units into the X somehow. So far I have just placed the sp3, in it's swivel mount, not the bean bag, where the coin tray is located. I removed the tray first, and by putting the top of the sp3 in place first and swiveling the bottm in after, it is sort of wedged in place. Since the install isn't final anyhow, no adhesive was used to hold it, and i'm not sure I'd need to use it in any case, as it seems pretty solid. I removed the antenna and routed some old ethernet cable (thinnet)through the hole in back of the coin tray, you can see it if you bend down and look with tray removed, and ran the cable under the dash with some wire ties supporting it...then up the rubber molding on the driver's side of dash where it butts up against the door...and up to the top of the dash. The old antenna is just sittign on the dash for now. Yesterday I received the power antenna i ordered on ebay for 29 bucks shipped, primarily since it uses much thinner cabling, so I'll be able to do a neater run of the wire. I forget who already posted pictures of the install in their X, but they had pulled the power outlet and did a really super job of installing the X in the same basic space, but that way you can recess it more. YOu can do a search on this site to find the pictures. It was on this thread:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...eetpilot+deluxe
I am still trying to learn an easy way to remove the side post cover on the drivers side (is that an A post or B post? darned if i know!) so i can run the wire more cleanly. That post says they did it that way, but I am not sure how it is accomplished and got no feedback when i asked them. Well, I'm running long at the keyboard here, and not providing much in the way of added knowledge. I'll follow up after i do finish the install and see about some pics. :) |
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| sivaveera |
| i have MDX touring version, i was curious to know whether we can add navi now or not. |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by sivaveera
i have MDX touring version, i was curious to know whether we can add navi now or not.
Not without a super major undertaking, as it has to be factory installed. I was in same situation as you are, wanting navi too late in the game. I purchased a street pilot III deluxe made by Garmin. It is portable, gives verbal turn by turn, and recalculates if you go off course. There is quite a bit about it on this thread and on other threads on this site. Try it, you might like it....I know I did! :D |
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| sivaveera |
thank you edepa
i do have streetpilot III, also all the map resources like metroguide/topo etc
but was curious to know the cost of installing one in acura itself.:) |
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| Phinphan |
| I have tried several Navi replacements. I have settled on a compaq Ipaq 3835 with a destinator gps and software. There are some limitations but it works very well, talks to you and uses the same Navtech maps as most everyone else. I have the antenna mounted under the dash right where the factory Navi antenna goes and have put a separate power adaptor right behing the radio stack for power. The cable comes out from behind the coin tray and the Ipaq is mounted on a vent clip right next to the instruments. It works great and the whole device can be hidden by putting the ipaq under the coin tray or removing the ipaq and putting the one wire under the coin tray. If anyone is interested I will post some pics this weekend. |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by Phinphan
............I have the antenna mounted under the dash right where the factory Navi antenna goes and have put a separate power adaptor right behing the radio stack for power. The cable comes out from behind the coin tray and the Ipaq is mounted on a vent clip right next to the instruments. It works great and the whole device can be hidden by putting the ipaq under the coin tray or removing the ipaq and putting the one wire under the coin tray. If anyone is interested I will post some pics this weekend.
I have no idea where the factory navi antenna goes, so a pic or a description would be terrific to see/read. Thanks! |
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| Phinphan |
The antenna is under the dash right behind the radios. There is an area where it is mounted. Apparantly the dash does not hinder the reception and it is far enough forward that the roof does not block the signals. X in the picture marks the spot.
The other advantage of using an Ipaq is that you can buy a big compact flash card and load it up with mp3's and play them with a cassette adapter through the stereo.
Here is a picture of the setup. The phone is mounted on a Panavise mount that I bought from The Worm. |
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| Phinphan |
| oops, the picture didn't make it. |
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| socalJD |
| Does it have to be a 3800 series iPAQ, or can it be a 3700 or even 3600 ? I have a 3635 and this option sounds attractive . . . |
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| Phinphan |
| I believe the software will run on a bunch of different PDA's and I think the 3600 series is included. Go to www.destinator1.com and they should have the information. |
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| xcel |
Hi All:
___I have a dilemma now that I have learned a bit more about what is available as far as NAVI alternatives … I have come across a reasonably priced Garmin eTrax “Legend” for $150.00 shipped after rebate through Amazon.com. I was going to use this with Delorme’s Street Atlas 2003 and the laptop for a voice activated NAVI alternative. After seeing Phinphan’s install, I see that I can pick up a Compaq iPAQ 3835 for $349.00 shipped after a Compaq $50.00 rebate. I just see the Destinator at $329.00 being a lesser product since the GPS is a simple black box by all appearances. Does anyone know of another SW product that can integrate with a Hand Held like the iPAQ that will also give the voice prompts? Maybe I should be considering the Garmin w/ iPAQ and a SW solution like Destinator. Anyone know of a SW package with similar capabilities including voice? Keep adding it up and I am getting close to a SP III which is a decent solution but limited in scope. Then again, SA 2003 with the eTrax and the laptop is a great solution except for laptop placement :(
___SocalJD, the Destinator SW/HW package will run on a Compaq iPAQ 3600/3700 series. I am just wondering if it will run on my 800 Series Industrial Cassiopeia under Windows CE? The iPAQ’s w/ the StrongARM and Windows Pocket PC 2002 is quite a bit faster …
___Thanks in advance.
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| maransm |
Hi Phinphan,
I like your setup and like to go for it.. Before that, could you please let me know,
1. What is the limitations you were talking about?
2. How did you install the iPod? what holder did you use?
3. What ALL things I need other than iPod, to get it started ?
more close up pics would be greatt !!
Thanks.. |
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| MDXtrous |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
Does it have to be a 3800 series iPAQ, or can it be a 3700 or even 3600 ? I have a 3635 and this option sounds attractive . . .
I had the destinator on iPaq 3635 before I got the MDX. If you have a chance to get the MDX Navi, do it. An integrated solution is much better. No boot time, and worrying about running out of space for the maps. The maps are huge and unless you get a Microdrive, you have to load maps for each trip you go to. Fiddling with the stylus while driving is also pretty dangerous. But don't get me wrong it's a great product for the price... |
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| hockeyplayer |
Hi All:
___After seeing this post I got to thinking I haven't seen XCEL(Wayne) for awhile.
___Maybe he is picking up his X as we speak?
___Hope he is ok.
___I miss his posts.
___Thanks in advance.
___Hockeyplayer ;) :p |
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| Phinphan |
1. What is the limitations you were talking about?
The limitations are on the size and coverage of the maps. If you live in an area that is not on the border of the map then it should not be much of an issue. I constantly travel from one map area to another but I am used to the situation. Destinator is coming out with new software any day now (v2.03) which may make that easier.
2. How did you install the iPod? what holder did you use?
I use a vent clip and a button glued on the back of the Ipaq. The antenna is mounted under the dash as is the power supply.
3. What ALL things I need other than iPod, to get it started ?
You need an Ipaq, an Compact Flash adaptor and Compaq flash card or a large MM/SD card to hold the maps and the Destinator software/hardware combination. It all adds up to $800 or so but I believe it is a much better option than the Street Pilot III.
I think it is the best option now. If you want to investigate even further, you can go to www.pocketpcpassion.com and go to the forums on Personal Navigation. Also check out www.gpspassion.com
good luck. I can post some more pictures tomorrow. |
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| maransm |
Thanks Phinphan..
"an Compact Flash adaptor and Compaq flash card or a large MM/SD card "
>>> which size of flash card do I need? where to get it?
Please post close up pics of all the components and accessories..
Thanks again.. |
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| DNLeeper |
I purchased my 2002 X about 6 weeks ago. When I was looking, I test drove the tourning with navigation system. In my area, Wilmington, North Carolina, we are substantially outside of the "60 major metropolitian service area" that Acura advertises. In my city, we only had four major roads, undoubtedly part of the standard US basemap. As far as the points of interest go, there were three total restaurants listed, one of which being the K&W Cafeteria. :o
Anyway, I decided it wasn't worth the $2000 to see my triangle drive all over the green land on the Nav System. Useless where I live.
I did some reasearch and discovered the Streetpilot III. I cannot tell you how THRILLED I am with the system.
For those of you that mention the fact it isn't built in as a fault, to me, its a positive. I'm able to easily snap it out, put it in the carrier, hop on a plane, install it in the rental car 2000 miles away and be off and running.
The 128 Meg card is not a bad thing either. You are able to load streetlevel maps into it with all of the various points of interest. In my case, I was able to load North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Deleware, Southern Georgia, and Northern South Carolina. Plus, using the software on the computer, I can download 500 waypoints with the click of the mouse.
I was able to navigate on my first business trip using the device a perfect 1200 miles, including routing through DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON DC with incredible precision. The voice assistance (I even downloaded the UK chick from the Internet0 is superb, directions superb, and FREE UPDATES.
When driving the X with the NAV, I wasn't able to go through a city where it functioned to the best of its ability. If you don't live in one of the major areas the DVD-ROM supports, it won't do you much good. A buddy of mine who has the nav in his X would go with the Streetpilot in the future after seeing mine in action.
My advice: Save the $1300 and buy some other stuff with it. Plus, if you are self employed, you can write off the Streetpilot. :) |
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| pdempsey |
I appreciate the very interesting posts. I seriously considered the SP3 but elected to order the Acura NAVI. The decision was based on either not having a bunch of loose wires or having to fish wires and I also did not like the idea of the way the SP3 mounts were set up with little glue pads for temporary mounts.
I did like the idea of the portability. Having all of the Acura's streets on one DVD was a big plus there.
The rear camera on the 03 iced it and tipped the scale to the Acura version.
It sounds like both units work well and the decision can come down to personal preference or your need for the high tech. :rolleyes: |
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| Jonathan Kern |
Pdempsey:
I picked up my 2003 Nav today. The navigation system is VERY capable, accurate, quick, and cool. No way would I want to attempt to mimic its functionality with an add-on unit with cables strewn about. (Already I'll be doing that with my iPod connection). The in-dash display, and the great voice directions are the best thing about it. Actually, the voice commands are GREAT! I had assumed that they were just a gimic, but they are VERY functional, and so much safer while the car is actually moving, and much easier to use than the touch screen, especially at night. The voice commands are a very significant and real improvement.
Incidentally, I picked up my vehicle from Michael Andrews at Hopkins Acura in Redwood City. An excellent decision on my part. Michael is a true professional. Although he has been selling Acuras at Hopkins Acura for 15 years, he's not like any other car salesman that I've ever known or dealt with. Absolutely no pressure about anything in the purchase process. Truly knows his stuff. Is pro-active about keeping the customer informed about the status of their order, I could go on and on. He actually took a couple of pictures and a 15 second video clip of my car being unloaded from the auto transporter at his dealership, knowing correctly that I would enjoy seeing them. Plus, he drove up to Sacramento, over 2 hours away, to pick me up and give me a ride to his store. I was planning to take a bus to San Francisco, and then a train down the peninsula - believe it or not, he offered to come pick me up, leaving his home at 6 a.m. to pick me up by 8:30. I call that going above and beyond the call of duty. Once at the dealership, he spent over two hours with me explaining everything there is to know about the car!
I would buy another vehicle from Michael Andrews in a flash, and will send all my Sacramento contacts his way if they want to buy an Acura. Incidentally, we have 2 Acura dealerships in town, one right down the street from my work. I gave up dealing with that dealership after they refused to sell me a vehicle without forced accessories. I gave them about 5 opportunities to change their mind - every time they called to let me know they had a vehicle in stock that I might be interested in. I'm still on the "waiting list" at the other Sacramento dealership, despite placing my "order" for a 2003 in April 2002 ("no deposit required, or desired" I was told). Beware of the dealership taking an "order" if they don't take a deposit. I had the identical experience at a 3rd dealership half-way between Sacramento and Redwood City. I'm on the list, but they still haven't gotten in what told them I wanted: White Touring/Navigation - not real complicated. Hopkins actually orders the vehicles that their customers put a deposit on, but they seem to be the exception to the rule. All Northern CA customers would do well to give Hopkins Acura of Redwood City their business. You definitely won't regret it.
Jon |
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| xcel |
Hi Jon:
___Not to take the thread astray but the description of your X purchase is about the best I have heard to date … If you picked it up for .5 to 1K under MSRP, many here will begin to scream ;)
___And on to the other GPS NAVI solutions … The 03’s voice command capability (not voice prompts as most HQ PocketPC GPS packages have this) place it in front of the Hand Helds or an all in one solution like the Garmin SP III but the lack of upgradeability does not. With upgraded maps and the ability to upgrade throughout a vehicles life, the external units would probably come out on top as far as functionality is concerned in as little as 1 to 2 years down the line. I say this looking back at the 01/02 NAVI equipped X’s with outdated maps, missing 3D views, and a much smaller POI data base than what is available on the 03’s and in many cases, the PocketPC solutions as well. My current favorite (although its stitching of contiguous maps leaves a bit to be desired …) PowerLok’s Destinator 2.x just recently introduced 3D views and its Navtech based maps that are only 3 – 6 months old. The upgrade pricing is reasonable from my reads vs. a much less capable 01/02 Acura upgrade with a minimal map update let alone much of a SW bug fix for those that had hoped for something more with Acura’s latest available NAVI disc. Currently, I think the 03’s NAVI is tops but in 2 to 3 years, you may well be looking for another even better Hand Held solution with possibly BlueTooth or WiFi GPS receiver capability (this HW is already available) to remove the clutter of wiring surrounding some of the current PocketPC GPS solutions today.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| DNLeeper |
Well, the Acura system IS nice, but once again, if you aren't in one of the big metro areas, you are SCREWED.
Speaking of neat NAV systems, you guys should see the one in the new 2003 Nissan 350Z/Touring. It has a 3D rendering system that gives you a birds eye view from behind your car with all of the POI's and destinations in front of you. Really facinating. I know you don't want to hear it, but it blows the Acura DVD system out of the water. |
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| rlm32 |
quote:
Originally posted by edepa
IMHO, the street pilot is terrific, and one thing the acura navi can't do...it's portable!
Yeah, what he said! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Jonathan Kern
All Northern CA customers would do well to give Hopkins Acura of Redwood City their business. You definitely won't regret it.
Jon
It's no accident that Hopkins has always been rated high by this forum and Michael Andrews a class act.
It's good to know that the more things change, some things remain the same. |
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| Desant |
I have Garmin III Deluxe on my Montero.
Advantages against Acura NAVI
- Covers Canada, Mexico (included) and the rest of the world (if you by SW upgrade)
- Has better and more detailed info
- Is removable - you can take it to a rental car when you travel
- Better business coverage - bigger database of restaurants, shops, dealers, etc.
- Half price
Disadvantages:
- Garmin has a very small screen to compare with MDX Navi
- No touch screen
- Difficult to navigate when you drive
- Re-scales itself after you reach a turn-point
- Can't tell you where are you driving at this very moment
- You have to turn it on manually every time
- You have to hide it when parked in the areas that are not as trusted!
All in all, if I like NAVI, which I do, I would never purchase a car without it and add it later. Acura NAVI is MUCH more convenient and better looking. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi doesn't offer NAVI even as an option, so I had to get Garmin. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by DNLeeper
I know you don't want to hear it, but it blows the Acura DVD system out of the water.
Uh, sorry to burst your bubble (yes, the new z and G35c are sweet cars, and birdseye might be neat) but Nissan's nav lacks touchscreen capability (joystick required to enter info) nor can it be programmed while driving. Weak. |
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| doggiedog |
quote:
Originally posted by Desant
I have Garmin III Deluxe on my Montero.
Advantages against Acura NAVI
- Covers Canada, Mexico (included) and the rest of the world (if you by SW upgrade)
- Has better and more detailed info
- Is removable - you can take it to a rental car when you travel
- Better business coverage - bigger database of restaurants, shops, dealers, etc.
- Half price
Disadvantages:
- Garmin has a very small screen to compare with MDX Navi
- No touch screen
- Difficult to navigate when you drive
- Re-scales itself after you reach a turn-point
- Can't tell you where are you driving at this very moment
- You have to turn it on manually every time
- You have to hide it when parked in the areas that are not as trusted!
All in all, if I like NAVI, which I do, I would never purchase a car without it and add it later. Acura NAVI is MUCH more convenient and better looking. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi doesn't offer NAVI even as an option, so I had to get Garmin.
Your SP3 has a large database of restaurants and businesses? That is strange because mine is terrible. It has practically nothing in it. I can't even get many major golf courses on it. If the Acura database is smaller than the SP3's then it must be very very limited. |
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| edepa |
quote:
Originally posted by doggiedog
Your SP3 has a large database of restaurants and businesses? That is strange because mine is terrible. It has practically nothing in it. I can't even get many major golf courses on it. If the Acura database is smaller than the SP3's then it must be very very limited.
better check your download off the cd, doggie, i have a pretty darn good number of "points of interest" even including Hillside Acura where i bought my X. I've used the sp3 pretty often to find places to eat, etc. :D |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I, for one, don't really care about the POI. Have only used it successfully TWICE since bring my X home. IMHO it could be organized alot better. Everytime I try to show someone the POI it either is not in the database or shows closest one in next state. Give me COVERAGE before POI. I will take the time to look up address in phone book or on internet. In fact I now carry a phone book in the X for addresses of businesses rather than wasting time with the POI database. One example. Punched in Sports Authority. Started driving towards closest one only to find out it was a regional headquarters in a business park.:mad: |
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| doggiedog |
quote:
Originally posted by edepa
better check your download off the cd, doggie, i have a pretty darn good number of "points of interest" even including Hillside Acura where i bought my X. I've used the sp3 pretty often to find places to eat, etc. :D
I've got the MapSource City Navigator loaded in 128MB. I have about 4 states total.
Do you think if I reduce the number of states it would increase the detail of the included ones? |
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| Desant |
Hi Doggiedog,
There is a setting in MapSource software that allows you to specify the detail level. By the default, it was set on less details. I reset it to max details, re-downloaded to Garmin StreetPilot and it is really good!!!
It shows even cafeterias in the office buildings around. It is MUCH better than my 02 MDX Navi in that sense. |
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| oceanMDX |
quote:
There is a setting in MapSource software that allows you to specify the detail level. By the default, it was set on less details. I reset it to max details, re-downloaded to Garmin StreetPilot and it is really good!!!
Sorry, but that's not how it works! The settings in MapSource that allows you to specify the detail level only affects what you see on the computer screen! When you download a map onto the chip, all the data is downloaded irrespective of the MapSource detail settings. If you want to change the detail level on the SPIII itself this is the procedure: push "menu" once, scroll down to "map setup", then push "enter", then use the mouse to change the different settings.
:4: |
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| Desant |
OceanMDX, you may be right.
However, when I first used my StreetPilot III after downloading with a default setting, it did not show the details no matter what I changed on the unit itself, including the setting you mentioned. After I changed it in the SW and downloaded again, it worked.
So, my experience indicates otherwise. This said, it may have been a glitch and you may be right! |
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| oceanMDX |
| If I remember correctly, you're the person who was disappointed with the performance of your StreetPilot III. It is extremely likely that it's not the unit itself per se that isn't working correctly. Your problem is probably due to mapping errors on the CDs that you downloaded into the unit. I've had a few routing errors too, and in all cases I was able to trace it back to mapping error. Usually, this is due to recent construction where the maps simply were not up to date. Have you tested the SPIII in other areas? |
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| oceanMDX |
| Since you can't download some of the data from a particular map, what I said has to be right. Here's a test that will prove the point one way or the other: make the detail setting change (min. detail) in MapSource, then select a map. Click the "map" tab on the left of the computer screen and see the size of the file at the bottom of the screen. Then repeat the process with a different setting (max. detail) and you should see the same size file if I am right. |
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| oceanMDX |
| I just did the test - for the first time. I was correct - case closed.:4: |
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| DNLeeper |
If you travel, like I do, the StreetPilot is excellent. Hop in a plane, get in a rental car, plug it in, you are off and running. If you are driving to and from work and around your town, I'm sure there will be some routing errors as your typical route my differ from what is suggested. However, if you are in a strange town and have to take a few additional turns, who cares.
If you love the $2,000 system in your X, great. Other than the single wire and it being able to be ripped off, its a great deal. |
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| DNLeeper |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
Uh, sorry to burst your bubble (yes, the new z and G35c are sweet cars, and birdseye might be neat) but Nissan's nav lacks touchscreen capability (joystick required to enter info) nor can it be programmed while driving. Weak.
Perhaps, but its base map blows the Acura's out of the water if you are out of the "60 Metropolitian Areas."
Besides, why are you programming your Nav system while driving? Don't you read and agree to the disclaimer when it powers up? :D |
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| MDXtrous |
quote:
Originally posted by DNLeeper
Besides, why are you programming your Nav system while driving? Don't you read and agree to the disclaimer when it powers up? :D
Cause I may be stuck in traffic on a highway because there is a pile-up ahead and I want to reroute onto a local road. I've done this from experience, and the Navi more than saved me... |
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| oceanMDX |
quote:
Perhaps, but its base map blows the Acura's out of the water if you are out of the "60 Metropolitian Areas."
By what you wrote, one may get the impression that the provider of map data for the nav unit in the Nissan is different (and superior) to the provider of map data for the MDX's nav unit. This is patently untrue since NAVTECH provides the data for 100 % of all the vehicles that are equipped with nav units in North America. You are simply comparing new DVDs (or CDs) in one vehicle with outdated ones in the other. That's hardly a fair comparison. I can load data for every city and town in the USA (and about half of Canada) into my SP III, but that's because I have up-to-date CD's for it. That doesn't prove my unit is superior to any other unit.
:4: |
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| DNLeeper |
| Unless, of course, that the Acura folks did not purchase all of the details for their system. The mulit-layer DVD should hold a LOT more than what it does. |
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| oceanMDX |
quote:
Unless, of course, that the Acura folks did not purchase all of the details for their system. The mulit-layer DVD should hold a LOT more than what it does.
The various manufacturers of nav units can choose not to use all of the POI data that NAVTECH has available to them, but there is no way they can remove a street here and a town there from a map-set provided by NAVTECH. I believe the new 2003 MDX (with nav) will cover all the cities and towns in the 48 contiguous states, plus about 1/2 of Canada in addition to 7 million POI.
If you have the City Navigator 4.01 update, you know as well as I, that the mapping data for all of the 48 contiguous states (with every city and town covered), and approxiatemately 1/2 of Canada, plus 5 million POIs are contained on just 2 CDs. What's that, something like 1.4 gigabytes, or only about 1/4 of the capacity of just one DVD? Ergo, the DVD capacity is in no way the problem. Complete and comprehensive mapping data from NAVTECH (the company that provides the data for all the vehicles with nav in N.A.) has been the problem, but this is improving every year. |
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| Desant |
OceanMDX,
I am sorry, but I think you are wrong. As far as I know 2003 Acura NAV doesn't cover Canada. |
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| Desant |
That is exactly why I like StreetPilot - I take it always on my frequent trips to Montreal - it helps me finding boarder crossings that are in rural areas and that don't have huge lines.
You will find it funny, but I also use to manage my speed in km/hour when in Canada instead of referring to the small font on the dashboard! :) |
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| doggiedog |
quote:
Originally posted by oceanMDX
If I remember correctly, you're the person who was disappointed with the performance of your StreetPilot III. It is extremely likely that it's not the unit itself per se that isn't working correctly. Your problem is probably due to mapping errors on the CDs that you downloaded into the unit. I've had a few routing errors too, and in all cases I was able to trace it back to mapping error. Usually, this is due to recent construction were the maps simply were not up to date. Have you tested the SPIII in other areas?
I doubt if it is due to recent construction. I don't think my block is new and it is a major avenue. I also tried putting in some golf courses I like going to and they aren't listed either.
I've also had the SP3 take me so many different ways it was ridiculous. Once when I went to Sesame Place in Philly, it gave me 3 different directions. 2 were wrong (of course those were the ones I used)
I got the SP3 in September so it should be up to date. Maybe the problem has to due with me living near NYC since there must be tons of data that needs to be stored? |
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| oceanMDX |
| I can tell you that I have driven from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Nova Sco | | | |
