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Newbie - Future Owner (Nav System Question)

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Minion, Aug 28, 2011.

  1. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    Good evening everyone!

    For the past couple of years, I've been looking at buying a new Prius and now, finally, the time is right. I had my heart set on getting the Navigation package since I've always wanted a full touchscreen/GPS in my car and I love the powered moonroof option. After looking at the details of the system, however, I'm not sure if I want to put out the extra money.

    Here's why I'm unsure right now:
    1. I've been reading some reviews about the interface/directions not being that smooth/updated.
    2. Currently I use my Droid 3 to navigate which automatically links to Google Maps for up to date information.
    3. The system provides no sense of an 'entertainment' purpose besides audio input. (Lack of video input)

    I do know that things like Lockpick/Navtool exist for allowing inputs, but that doesn't necessarily help with many devices now having HDMI output because these are mainly composite input.

    Looking for any experts out there to give me some more details if you either think it is worth it to get the navigation or if it isn't worth it.

    Thanks so much! :D
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Maybe wait for the Entune system? It'll give you a basic nav with a 6.1" touchscreen with additional multimedia options (such as pandora radio) and it's cheaper than the full blown HDD navigation (which arguably will be better than the current nav with higher resolution screens and quicker responses because it's HDD-based rather than DVD-based).

    Premium HDD Navigation with Entune* and JBL® includes: seven-inch touch/split-screen with integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, eight JBL GreenEdgeTM speakers with amplifier, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription) and SiriusXM Data Services (includes three-year trial subscription) with NavTraffic®, NavWeatherTM, Fuel and Sports and Stocks; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition, text to voice with programmed and customizable text responses, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

    Taken from here:
    Exclusive: 2012 MY Prius - Changes and Additions | PriusChat
     
    1 person likes this.
  3. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    Thanks for the reply! I took a look at the Entune option but unfortunately it doesn't address some of my other issues with the factory navigation system...

    BUT!

    On the other hand, I decided to pull the trigger today! :D Proud owner of a 2011 Prius III in Magnetic Gray! :D I'm absolutely in love with the car. I wasn't going to buy today but when I got to the dealership another person was test driving the one I picked out online... I couldn't let her have it! :D

    I feel like a life dream has been realized and I'm so happy! Looking forward to discussing my new car with everybody here. :D
     
  4. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

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    Congrats! You won't be sorry you got the car, nor sorry you got the Nav. I agree that my droid offers additional functionality thru Google Maps, but I can't see the dang thing when driving. And the Nav beats having cords and suction cups hanging around all over the car, providing theft bait.
     
  5. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    Thanks for the reassurance!

    I know the cords/suctions end up hanging all over the place. Hopefully (in a couple months) when I start looking at installing an aftermarket stereo I'll also get them to integrate a dock into the installation. With the right configuration I'll be able to drop the Droid into a dock and start driving. :D
     
  6. optipriusprime

    optipriusprime New Member

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    Having the built in navi is a life saver. Using hand helds or phones can be too distracting ESP in a ninja car like the Prius.
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Congrats!! There's nothing wrong with a PND or using a phone for nav. I have a TomTom ONE New Edition (2006) as a backup and still use it from time to time.

    Also, isn't the colour Winter Grey?? Magnetic Grey isn't available on the Gen 3.
     
  8. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    Usually I set it and forget it when I'm using navigation so I don't let it distract me. If I need to reroute I'll pull over. Most of the time I have my co-captain (wife) in the car so she fidgets with the controls. :D

    Thanks!

    Is it Winter Grey? On the dealer website I could've swore it was Magnetic but then on my keytags it says Winter Grey. :eek:
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Magnetic Grey was offered on the Gen 2 so I'm not surprised the dealership made the mistake (then again, how did they pass the training course??).

    Magnetic Grey is a much darker, sparkly grey. Winter grey is a bit flatter with a hint of blue
     
  10. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    I'm not sure where I read Magnetic Grey but now I see on toyota.com and the dealership it says Winter Grey. Oops! :D
     
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Heh. We have plenty of Magnetic Grey owners here so you probably picked it up from here :D. Enjoy the car!
     
  12. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    I think that's the case! :D

    Hit my 100th mile today. Already had my Droid 3 mount hooked up in my front side window (the little one) running to the center console power and auxiliary power. Great little spot to run navigation and I can play Google Music through my speakers. :D

    Can't believe the difference in mileage. I'm coming from a 2001 GMC Jimmy which chugged gallons upon gallons of gasoline. Only went down 2 clicks on my gas gauge after 100 miles.... So awesome!
     
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Google music? That's new to me (no seriously, it's new to me).

    And the addiction begins.. first it's 400 miles then 500 miles then 600 miles per tank :)
     
  14. Minion

    Minion New Member

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    Yeah, it's relatively new. At first it was private/invite only but I think it might be easier to get signed up right now.

    Right now it's more of an "Upload and Stream" service but I'm hoping they sign some music companies to start a full fledged music service (like Microsoft has Zune) where you can download songs and "lease" the privilege to play as long as you are subscribed.
     
  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Ohh ok. Well I have a tiny data plan so no music streaming for me!