Portable Navigation vs. In-Dash: Which Side Are You On?
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The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has cited the results of a study to prove what we already know from the millions of portable navigation systems hanging from windshields across the country: Most people prefer a portable to an in-dash nav system. According to results from a Morpace Inc. Omnibus Field Study conducted in July 2008 and reported by Mobile Electronics magazine, 25% of respondents said they currently own a vehicle nav system, and 75% said they prefer portables over in-dash systems, and even over mobile phone-based nav.
The main reason for the preference for portables is also obvious: They can be moved from car to car. Many experts have predicted that in-dash nav will soon go the way of the "car phone" and embedded systems have been shown to increase the depreciation of a vehicle. But others see in-car nav bouncing back with the addition of social networking and location-based services -- and by providing such info in a safer manner than portables.
The SEMA survey also finds that 39% of respondents plan to purchase a navigation system in the future. If you're in that group, which will it be and which do you prefer -- in-dash or portable -- and why?
- Posted by
- Doug Newcomb September 4, 2008, 12:00 PM
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- Categories:
- Car Audio and Electronics
- Technorati Tags:
- SEMA, Vehicle Navigation
I prefer the integrated look of OEM, along with the necessary (in my opinion) backup camera with a large screen.
The aftermarket has the edge in cost, portability, ease of updating and features.
However, since I lease, the OE navigation systems usually cost an extra $25-$30/mo. On a 36 month lease, the cost is less than a top-of-the-line aftermarket navi and an aftermarket backup camera.
I prefer the aftermarket, because it can be moved from car-to-car, and the depreciation factor also helps. And it still costs less!
I see navigation as a luxury. So if I need one, I will go for a portable. Apart from price and portability, it can also be easily changed as technology improves.
However, if I'm buying a $40k+ luxury car or SUV, I will go integrated because of the integration, larger screen and backup camera.
I'm with Lee's logic on this one. Integrated units are expensive, but I appreciate the much nicer functionality and all the additional tools available on the newer systems. Costs have to come down eventually, don't they??
I have a tom-tom and it's not good at all, I'd rather have an intergrated Navigation system. Regardless of how outdated the software can get over the years.
I actually have both....an integrated NAV in my Accord and Tahoe. And, I've got a GARMIN unit as I travel a lot, using it in rental cars.
I do think the the implementation of OEM integrated units is the key factor. The one in the Honda is very good. Voice recognition, while not 100% perfect, is as close as I've seen in any NAV system.
The one in the Tahoe? It's light years behind how Honda does it. Voice recognition is nearly useless. It takes a long time to "boot up". No bluetooth feature (why does GM insist on flogging it's frustrating On Star?).
My portable Garmin unit has bluetooth capability, too. Not nearly as good as what Honda offers in its OEM unit. The screen is smaller.
Then again, it's portable and "only" cost about $300.
I think each has its place. Choosing between GM's NAV and the Garmin? Take the Garmin.
Honda integrated NAV vs Garmin? I'll take Honda's.
I had my cb, police scanners, radar detectors and laser jammers all integrated into the dash by my supplier.
Portable units are too likely to invite a smash and grab in the urban and suburban neighborhoods where I park and where navigation would be most useful.
For about the same price as an OEM system I can get very good custom work. My supplier will even source OEM plastics to keep it discrete.
Now if OEMs offered the flame thrower as seen in south africa I might be interested.
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/africa/9812/11/flame.thrower.car/
The factory nav in my wife's Durango was decent, but there were things I didn't like about it and nothing I could do about it. I have a Garmin Nuvi w/ bluetooth, and though it's less elegant of a solution we can take it in any of the three cars, the RV, or on a trip to Hawaii for the rental car. And, if it were really bad, I could just get a new one.
OTOH, I like the idea of the backup camera integrated into the factory NAV.