Smart Key Usefuleness?

Can the 2010 prius be run without the smart key box? Do you need to have the physical key and the smart key box to start the prius? I dont see why they allowed the key to be split from the box.

I keep the key in my pocket, just like I did with my Camry Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid. There's no slot in the dash to put the smart key like there was in the GEN II.

EDIT: I understand now from the posts after mine what you appear to be referring to, and if this board had a delete post feature I'd delete my useless post.

The mechanical key is removeable from the key fob in case the battery in the key fob dies.

In this case, you may remove the mechanical key and use it to unlock the door. Once you are inside the car, you can hold the key fob on the start button and start the car.

Normally, you would just leave the mechanical key in the fob and leave the fob in your pocket.

Guess you're referring to the 'metal' key inside the smartkey fob. Yes, that can be removed and the car will start without it. You MAY keep it in the house, etc - but it's simply a safety if your battery should ever run down in the fob or car itself. And the smartkey system/power locks can't work. It is separate from the actual smartkey open/lock car/start function. The owner's manual should describe it well (better than me...)

No. The smart function allows you to enter the car and power it up. This is done by radio communication between the car and the keyfob.

If the smart function is not used (turned off, radio interference, dead keyfob battery), then the mechanical key allows you to lock/unlock the door. You'll still need to place the keyfob next to the Power button in order to start the car.

The buttons on the keyfob can also be used to lock/unlock the car, but they have no effect on being able to start it (unless you have the remote start option).

i realized the smart key's usefulness last weekend for my photoshoot where i didn't have to shuffle around for my keys while getting my equipment from my Prius. Oh yea i finally finished my Prius video that can be found here.. watch in HD [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frHSzjun2cw]YouTube - Typical workday commute with the 2010 Prius IV blue ribbon metallic[/ame]