"AlanW" <alanw252 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

A GPS navigation system is a very convenient option, especially when
traveling on unfamiliar roads. A navigation system is useful even on trips
that are less than 3,000 miles. There are aftermarket options that are less
expensive to acquire and less expensive to update, but in my opinion, the
displays on many are too small to easily read. I see many aftermarket
systems that are stuck to the windshield, and it seems like they would be
difficult to see in glare conditions, would obstruct the view out of the
windshield, and would invite theft. The other advantage of a portable GPS
unit is that you can use it in more than one vehicle, even rental cars.

In auto magazine reviews, the Lexus navigation system is usually described
as one of the easiest to use, and I agree. Visibility and clarity are good,
the in-dash installation looks much more integrated than one stuck to the
windshield, and satellite acquisition is much quicker than on my hand-held
portable unit. On the negative side, you cannot input destinations while
the vehicle is moving unless you purchase an aftermarket kit that bypasses
the safety feature, the option is expensive, and update DVD's are expensive.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Sun, 01 Apr 2007 17:18:07 -0400, AlanW <alanw252 (AT) cox (DOT) net> graced
this newsgroup with:


it's an expensive option and updates, (which depending on where you
live/travel may not be a necessary annual need), are $200+ for the
update DVDs but they're much nicer than aftermarket displays
haphazardly stuck to the dash or windshield and at least in this area
(metro DC area), are a high theft item (the portable ones that is).

I have the OEM nav system in my 02 LS430 and at first, I thought it
was an expensive luxury but I can't imagine not having it now. When
you need directions *now*, there's absolutely, positively no
substitute.

I prefer my portable GARMIN NUVI 350, which I use instead of the built in
one in my 2004 Lexus LS430. Absolutely, positively the portable GARMIN is
the way to go, as you can move it from car to car and use it when
fly-n-driving. That being said, buying a high-end vehicle today WITHOUT
navigation is somewhat like buying a car without airconditioning...it will
save you money upfront and is fine if you can live without it....but if youi
don't keep the vehicle for about 7 years, you'll lose more on resale than
you will save upfront.

My suggestion, frankly, is to get both. The Garmin can be had for about $400
and the Lexus built-in unit will pay for itself at resale time.


"AlanW" <alanw252 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little
messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows
much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read
the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the
next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of
electronics in it.

"mcbrue" <mcbrue (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote


You should know. Nothing could be more useless than you are. <G>

On 2 Apr 2007 16:05:34 -0700, "mcbrue" <mcbrue (AT) aol (DOT) com> graced this
newsgroup with:


only a deaf, dumb and blind retard couldn't figure out how to use
something my 13 yo daughter figured out in 5 minutes.

"AlanW" <alanw252 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

The GPS nothing short of wonderful, when you get used to how to operate
them, BUT they ARE a driving distraction to the uninitiated, so be careful
when learning, and BE VERY CAREFUL about lending your car to those who are
not familiar with using it.

What a shocker. You couldn't figure out how to use something as easy to use
as the Lexus Nav. Have you figured out how to walk and chew gum at the same
time yet?

"Whatta Maroooon!"


"mcbrue" <mcbrue (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have
to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for
some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash
board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you
stopped to use the nav ...

Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about what
state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list of matching
desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have selected... so, my
question to you is, what the hell are you talking about? As for taking 5
minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's hard to imagine how hitting the
"back" button 3 times takes 5 mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40,
these things do take some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you
should point out that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to
program the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them
for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I like
Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be allowed to kill
themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole nuther can 'o wormies!


"mcbrue" <mcbrue (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote