after-market navigation

slimjim

slimjim

New member
hey guys,
so i decided that my next mod will be an after-market navigation setup. i get lost and i will not stop to ask for directions...for i am a man, and men just don't do that. but this causes extra miles, wasting of fuel, and angry girlfirend...all really bad things, the latter being the worst. does anyone have any input about: brands, set ups, cost...anything i should know or consider before i dive in? does anyone have a nice set up that they would like to share, w/pics maybe? thanks.
 
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You can always use the Toyota Nav system from oemvalue from a camry. The system works well with the existing wiring and dash opening.

One thing to keep in mind is that the portable systems, if left unattended in the car are huge targets for theives, and breaking a window to get to an easy $700 nav system is something that is done is parking garages daily...
 
If you have a laptop and want to save some big bucks, I bought a receiver off ebay with the software for $59 brand new. It's much easier to use on a laptop and you can also watch DVD's in 14 or 15 inch screens. Also, streets are much easier to see. All for under a $100 IF you have a laptop.
 
The bypass is out there. People are just being anal about and won't share the info. Just give it time, it will be leaked.

I have confirmation that the bypass worked for someone on the BMW forum, but after posting the info, moderators quickly deleted the thread. :confused:
 
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slimjim said:
hey guys,
so i decided that my next mod will be an after-market navigation setup. Does anyone have a nice set up that they would like to share, w/pics maybe? thanks.
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I have the Garmin 2710 (now it's the 2720) and it has been great. Color touch screen, voice commands, and a nice remote control unit as well. I used a rooftop antenna and always had at least 11 satellites, or w/o the external antennae I can usually get 6-7. Accuracy is usually 7 feet with the external antenna, around 10' w/o.

To help conceal the unit, I use an old ballcap on the dash which covers the unit nicely. I had to make a hole in the cap so the gps electric eye could see what the ambient light was and adjust the display brightness accordingly. As one of the earlier posts mentioned, getting your gps stolen is a concern, especially since portables are usually are not covered by your car insurance unless they have been installed. Garmin has great factory service, provides frequent updates for their database, and it has been a real timesaver.

Having the ability to look up restaurants, hotels, etc., and having both their location AND their phone number available is a real advantage. It will certainly make that previously aggravated girlfriend happy when you find that jewelry store she's looking for!
 
ellsworb said:
Car PC. . more versatile and cheaper than an indash
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I thought about taking this route before getting the Z1, but I heard it takes alot of configuring to get it to work right. Plus long boot up time sucks! But its really cool for someone with lots of free time to tinker with it.

AVIC-Z1 is basically a car pc without Internet in one easy to use package. It even runs on Microsoft Windows Automotive operating system. Hopefully I won't be getting any Blue Screen of death...
 
Microsoft Windows Automotive operating system.
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That is just scary. I can see it now. Your lights wont turn on so you are forced to turn off your car count to ten and turn it back on.

If you install headers you are forced to call Microsoft in india and punch in a new CD key.

i could keep going.
 
I wanted a portable nagivation solution --- and I ended up just buying a top of the line Dell Axim x51v PDA and a bluetooth gps antenna. It is fully portable and fully upgradable. There are several software packages to choose from --- so, you are never left without the features you really want. Also --- it ends up being cheaper than all the other GPS devices out there. I bought the Axiv for $325 and the bluetooth gps + suction-cup mount cradle for the PDA for another $100. You can't beat $425 for a fully functional GPS system that is also a laptop in the palm of your hand. You can do so many other things with it that it truly was the best choice for my money ...
 
I've Garmin StreetPilot 2720. You can see it in my signature under "My 4Runner Project". I've owned 5 different units before this one and my opinion that this one is the best. I like it a lot.
 
UoD said:
I wanted a portable nagivation solution --- and I ended up just buying a top of the line Dell Axim x51v PDA and a bluetooth gps antenna.
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Does the Axim option offer any voice/speech capabilities? Or is it essentially just a portable mapquest-type tool?
 
AlexJet said:
I've Garmin StreetPilot 2720. You can see it in my signature under "My 4Runner Project". I've owned 5 different units before this one and my opinion that this one is the best. I like it a lot.
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The soon-to-ship 2730 looks like a really nice unit with the XM traffic capability built in. But I'll stick with the Nuvi since it's so portable when traveling around the country.
 
Thai said:
Magellan and Garmin are the two best. Buy the one that has all the maps integrated into the system.

For example, check out this latest offer from Magellan:
http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=1273

If you don't need the traffic update, then check this out:
http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=1118

Hope this helps.
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I am sorry to say this(Thai) but STAY AWAY FROM Magellan.

Garmin, Tomtom and Lowrance are better.

Personally I would like to get the OEM version or the Pioneer but can't get wife's approval to spend the $$$ for one of them. So I am aiming at the Garmin or TomTom.
 
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