Is the satnav option worthwhile?

[team_v]

The way it probably should be done can be seen in new Holden models. The ICE has a touch screen that uses an App/WiFi/Bluetooth to communicate to your smartphone for navigation. Navigation is displayed on the bigger screen but most of the grunt is provided by your smartphone.

The problem is that if you drive on a long-ish trip you have to have the phone on bluetooth and utilising mobile data which impacts battery life and plan costs.

[Guest001]

The way it probably should be done can be seen in new Holden models. The ICE has a touch screen that uses an App/WiFi/Bluetooth to communicate to your smartphone for navigation. Navigation is displayed on the bigger screen but most of the grunt is provided by your smartphone.

I'll ask the question

What do the people do who dont have a smartphone or as in my case dont have a data allocation on my Iphone

[Ryan_R]

They drive older cars, or cheaper cars, or don't tick the option for all the extra tech, or they just ignore the tech and stick a TomTom to the windscreen. (I think that's covered most bases)

How long have smart phones and phone plans with bundled data been around for? I know I've had it for over 6 years (before the first iPhone came out) on my first smart phone (Nokia N96). Even those I know who preferred rugarrised simple phones that would survive a bit of abuse have switched. Just checked Telstra Prepaid and even that comes with data.

And of course keep in mind Google Maps can download offline maps over WiFi, and there are other navigation apps with offline maps and more comprehensive offline features (even GPS manufacturers have phone apps). I don't see any problem offering the tech, there will always be those who choose to ignore it for as long as possible (digital TV for example).

[team_v]

I'll ask the question

What do the people do who dont have a smartphone or as in my case dont have a data allocation on my Iphone

Also, what do you do when you need to get to out of the way locations such as my trip to Carnarvon Gorge (no 3g network capabilities but the RNS510 worked fine)

I shouldn't have to upgrade my personal phone or pay extra per month for my plan just so i can get my OEM ICE to operate effectively.

[pologti18t]

The problem is that if you drive on a long-ish trip you have to have the phone on bluetooth and utilising mobile data which impacts battery life and plan costs.

1. You have an in car charger for your phone or it powers itself via connection to ICE via USB port.
2. You preload the maps at home if required for a long trip.
3. Most plans nowadays have at least 1GB included.

Also, what do you do when you need to get to out of the way locations such as my trip to Carnarvon Gorge (no 3g network capabilities but the RNS510 worked fine)

Preload at home.. Do you really think sat nav units (OEM or Tom Tom) are really what is required when travelling outback?

[team_v]

1. You have an in car charger for your phone or it powers itself via connection to ICE via USB port.
2. You preload the maps at home if required for a long trip.
3. Most plans nowadays have at least 1GB included.


[/COLOR]
Preload at home.. Do you really think sat nav units (OEM or Tom Tom) are really what is required when travelling outback?

Why go to all that effort though when the RNS510 does everything i need without all those hassels?
It should be left as is rather than having to tether to a device with a pre-loaded map.

Plus i would have to pay more for a 1GB phone plan just to use my GPS once per month and buy a car charger which i don't need now.

[Ryan_R]

You don't *need* data for phone apps that have offline maps (just download them at home like you would when updating a traditional portable GPS). There's no point buying more hardware (portable GPS) if you already have a touch screen device with a GPS chip inside. Just download an offline navigation app (I linked to one in my last post), buy the maps (unlimited free upgrades), download them, and you're set. Get a cheapo universal phone holder for your car if you need one and use the car charger.

Having said that, I'd still prefer the in-car integration which is why I have the RNS510 (amongst other reasons). But I have 1GB data with Telstra 4G on my phone which is a good supplement. I can check how much data each app uses on my phone, so far Google Maps as used 17.1mb in the last 27 days (I have live traffic conditions turned on which would be the main reason for this amount since I have most of S.E. Melbourne stored offline). By way of comparison I've used 200mb downloading podcasts to listen to on the train, 73mb of YouTube streaming, 57mb of Internet Radio, and 40mb of general Internet browsing.

[pologti18t]

BringGo

BringGo

[Cuthbert]

Pologti18t, does Bringgo work with the Golf 7's Composition Media system?

Or does it only work with Chevys and Barinas etc?

It would be a great solution if it did. I hope that one day we will be able to 'mirror' Google Maps through our Golf Media screen.

[Ryan_R]

Looks interesting but says the head unit has to specifically support their profile (sounds like in most cases you'd be buying the phone app and a custom head unit), so I doubt you'd see it work with the Mk7 HU (not that we know a lot about it yet).


You might also be interested in scrolling down in this thread

And before you ask, I've got no idea

[doubtfull]

I'd just like to thank everyone for their comments and opinions.

I've ended up ordering without the satnav.

Regards,

[Guest001]

I'd just like to thank everyone for their comments and opinions.

I've ended up ordering without the satnav.

Regards,

Sensible You can then buy the latest model from the Sponsor on here for bout $1180 which is far cheaper than from a Stealer

[Golf7]

The satnav was useless at that price, well done! Now spend the money on a nice break from work!

[FSI 220]

Sensible You can then buy the latest model from the Sponsor on here for bout $1180 which is far cheaper than from a Stealer

Huh?, it is $950 factory installed (page one, first post this thread) Which I think for a factory installed/integrated unit is pretty good to option up a lower grade car...

inlcuded (such as in the passats) is better (obviously)... but try and add it to a multivan and you are well over 3k...

[Guy_H]

The new nav system is fantastic & worth every cent, I get to drive a few of the bigger Audi's with the MMI system & this new Golf setup is great - its so far ahead of the RNS510 (that cost ~ 3k) it's not funny.