Package 5 or 7- Advice needed for new 2006 Prius

[ned]

This is my first post after reading this forum for the last year or so. I have been wanting a Prius for 3 years and have decided now is the time to purchase one since the IRS Credit is still in effect (to the best of my knowledge). I am debating between packages 5 and 7. I think the difference between the two packages are that package 7 is the same as package 5 but adds: (1) HID headlamps with integrated fog lamps, and (2) voice-activated DVD navigation system.
I would prefer package 7 for the built in voice activated navigation system, BUT I don't know much about it, and have heard that the system is not very user friendly and not worth the extra money especially when a portable navigation system can be purchased at Best Buy, etc. (The portable Nav system can then be used in other autos besides the Prius).
Does anyone have the Nav system who can tell me what their experience has been, and whether they advise purchasing PACKAGE 7 with the Nav. system, or OPT FOR PACKAGE 5 instead? In particular does the system let you tell it what your destination is by VOICE, or do you have to use TYPING, etc. on the touch screen to punch in your destination? Also does the system say "make a right turn at MAPLE AVE. coming up", or just "make a right turn at the NEXT STREET"?
Any other advise on making my decision between packages 5 and 7, or some other alternate package would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ned
July 20, 2006

[pogo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ned @ Jul 20 2006, 09:47 AM) [snapback]289427[/snapback]</div>

I would prefer package 7 for the built in voice activated navigation system, BUT I don't know much about it, and have heard that the system is not very user friendly and not worth the extra money especially when a portable navigation system can be purchased at Best Buy, etc. (The portable Nav system can then be used in other autos besides the Prius).[/b]

I was initially dubious to the value of the Nav system, but after my first experince with the system in my wife's RX 400H I was sold. I didn't set out to buy that option, but it's another one of those "what's available" stories. Having used it on her car, I knew I would buy it in mine.

A couple of things.

Search the keywords "voice recongnition" in this forum. the consensus is that it doesn't work that well. My experience bears this out.

WRT the touchpad -- well, it's a touch pad. I use it to enter adresses and search for businesses. It's pretty smart in that after every character you enter, it shows you only the characters that can be valid for something in its database for you next choice. (Probably doesn't make any sense as I typed it, but find one and try it and you'll see what I mean.) when you've entered enough of the address or name that there's only one entry in the data base it can match it gives you that entry. So the system tries to give you an answer in the fewest key strokes. It's not really bad -- It's not like you're going to be typing on it all day long.

WRT the voice guidance, it's not as specific as you asked about. Rather than turn right onto Maple St. it will give you "right turn in one-fourth of a mile", then when actually reach the intersection "right turn". It's also adaptive. If you miss the turn, it will immediately calculate a new route for you based on your current location and direction and start guiding you from there.

I can't compare it to the Garmin and Tom Tom portables, since I have no experience with them. Some one here may be able to tell you.

It's a chunk of money, but for me it's worth it. There are a lot of places in Tucson (most cities for that matter) that aren't that easy to find if you've never been there before.

[bbielek]

I have both Garmin and Lowrance portable units in other vehicles. Each of the three have strengths and weaknesses, but the system in the Prius is certainly acceptable, has some nice features, and is fully integrated (no extra wires hanging around). I haven't had a great deal of difficulty with the voice activation, it seems to understand me, but I'm sure that it depends on how clearly you annunciate and how well your regional accent matches the program.

[withersea]

I was also debating the 5 & 7 package. Considered a 6 also. Finally decided on the 7. I am glad I did. I really like the Nav system. I have not had any problem with the voice recognition. As stated above if you annunciate and speak clearly, it works fine. The POI (points of interest) section will find restaurants, gas, landmarks etc. for you. Even breaks the restaurants down by type cuisine (American, Chinese, etc.).
I use the telephone voice commands and Nav daily and really like the system. You can also control the climate and stereo by voice command. This is my first navigation system, so I have nothing to compare to, but I find this one very user friendly if you READ THE OWNERS MANUAL.

[Charles Suitt]

Howdy ned...

You might want to look at this link:

http://www.lexus.com/models/es/interior.html#dvd

This is the Lexus NAV system online DVD - same system as in the Prius except that the newest display (MFD = Multi-Function Display) has better resolution. This demo will give you a fairly good idea of how the NAV system works. The only difference other than the better display is that some of the control buttons are located in different positions on the Prius.

I am happy with the NAV System, although it does have its peculiarities. It appears to spot my current position within 50' or so and functions on a combination of satellite references and dead reckoning. Insofar as the "voice activated" commands, they are sometimes funky, but overall prove useful. It does take a bit of "learning" to use them and such things as chatting passengers and even road noise will confuse the NAV lady. I named my Prius "Ernestine" after Lili Tomlin's telephone operator character because of the sometimes strange responses I get to verbal commands... like I will say: "Go Home" and she sometimes replies "Showing Post Office Icons" or some other totally innane response. This, however is not the rule.

The NAV system's displayed information is accurate and you can select several map scales to show whatever detail you prefer at the time. You can also specify whether to "allow" Freeways, Toll Roads, Ferries, etc. when mapping a destination and the verbal guidance works quite well. I also note that should you decide to deviate from the mapped route, the NAV system will adjust to your change within a few hundred feet or less.

It's not perfect... but especially in established cities quite complete and accurate. Toyota has also provided for map updates usually available annually - but at about $300 for the DVD which is housed in a reader under the driver's seat and easily changed out.

So.... there's my 2¢ worth.

[randreed]

In my opinion the nav system in package 7 is not worth the price.

I have a Garmin Quest that I got for around $300 and I can use it in multiple cars (like in rentals when I travel).

Either way, go order your car now!

[eagle33199]

The voice recognition can be a bit dicey at times... although i've found for the most part that it does what i tell it to do.

I think the best example of this was when i had one of my fraternity brothers in the car this past spring. i was showing it off a little, and he hit the button and commanded "Make me a sandwich", which of course the car didn't understand. A fwe minutes later he asked me if i had given the car a name yet (i only had it for about a week at that point), i said no, so he reached over, pushed the button, and said "Name yourself", at which point it promptly displayed all mexican restaurants in the area.

So, it's clearly not all knowing or perfect, but when i say "detour" or "i'm hungry", it knows what i mean and gives me what i want.

[randreed]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Jul 20 2006, 03:44 PM) [snapback]289528[/snapback]</div>

A fwe minutes later he asked me if i had given the car a name yet (i only had it for about a week at that point), i said no, so he reached over, pushed the button, and said "Name yourself", at which point it promptly displayed all mexican restaurants in the area.

[/b]

That's funny - So what did you name it?

[eanda9000]

I have to say, the new verizon cell phones(the V9000 in my case) with vz navigator trump all existing nav technologies with one exception, you must have a cellular connection for it to work. You all ways have it in your pocket, the cost is low (it is a service), maps are included and very up to date, and the functionality is tops. This is the future of nav.

I just completed a two week trip in CA all by road and it was nearly flawless. The fact that it can speak directions which include street names is amazing. You need to pay 700+ and have extra equiptment with a gps unit.

Also, I use vcast videos to watch the cobert report when stuck in traffic or at lights. They are usually between 2 and 3 minutes in length with is perfect. Go with package 5 and get a state of the art cell phone for $200. You are going to save thousands and have more cool stuff.

[SomervillePrius]

I love the built-in look of the prius nav system and GPS isn't somthing I can live without. I'm glad I got it. It's also faster and slightly more accurate then my g.f's garmin. A big plus is that in tunnels it uses a compass and your speed to pretty accuratley keep track of what you are.

As for cell phone systems. They are lacking at best. You have to have cell phone reception and even with several base station connected they still have to guess a lot more of where you actually are. While cool as a gadget thing it's not really what I want in my car. I want a large map that can show me not only how far to next turn but that will show me on the map what other roads are coming up etc.