Aftermarket Navigation - recommendations?

[eyedoc]

Originally Posted by rbensmithX3

You could get creative with this, but my suggestion would be to use it wirelessly (battery) and when you go on a long trip, use the outlet in the rear, and tuck it along the console, plugging it into the rear passenger outlet. The major drawback of external applications is the power cord, but you can stretch the battery life to 6 hours, and get over it.

Garmin Nuvi is the smartest, best technology--Cobra, Magellan, Pioneer and all others will get you lost. . .

The problem with going with only the internal battery is that the traffic antenna is integrated with the cigarette adapter power cord in the Nuvi 660. The integrated traffic receiver and the big screen are the only reasons that I'm going with the Nuvi 660 over the 350/360. I appreciate your thoughts otherwise.

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by eyedoc

The problem with going with only the internal battery is that the traffic antenna is integrated with the cigarette adapter power cord in the Nuvi 660. The integrated traffic receiver and the big screen are the only reasons that I'm going with the Nuvi 660 over the 350/360. I appreciate your thoughts otherwise.

I am probably going to get the 360 - although reviews I have seen of the bluetooth have not been too flattering so I might as well save some $ and get the 350. The 660 does have that big screen but also has a nice feature of integrated FM receiver so you can listen to calls etc. over your speaker - I am assuming that the FM staion has to constantly dial in to that frequency?
choices, choices

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by runningaround

I'm not using anything extra, just the antenna. The antenna of the nuvi juts outs the back so I stick it in the vent. Works great!

Interetsting, does it stay in place well during 'spirited' driving?

[Aimster]

why cant we just tuck the power behind the AC and run the wire down the dash and connect it to the cigarette lighter?

This is assuming if we never want to remove it from the car.

Also do any of these navigation units have bluetooth so I can connect it to my phone? My next upgrade was going to be the bluetooth kit, so I might as well buy a navigation unit that has this feature.

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by Aimster

why cant we just tuck the power behind the AC and run the wire down the dash and connect it to the cigarette lighter?

This is assuming if we never want to remove it from the car.

Also do any of these navigation units have bluetooth so I can connect it to my phone? My next upgrade was going to be the bluetooth kit, so I might as well buy a navigation unit that has this feature.

Nuvi 360 and 660 both have bluetooth

[bimmerFanatic]

yeah what happens with spirited driving?

[Boston X5 4.4]

Thanks

[eyedoc]

Originally Posted by Boston X5 4.4

I am probably going to get the 360 - although reviews I have seen of the bluetooth have not been too flattering so I might as well save some $ and get the 350. The 660 does have that big screen but also has a nice feature of integrated FM receiver so you can listen to calls etc. over your speaker - I am assuming that the FM staion has to constantly dial in to that frequency?
choices, choices

The main advantages that I see of the 660 over the 360 are the integrated traffic receiver and the bigger screen. If you want traffic capability with the 360, you have to buy another adapter for ~$130. The unit comes with a free 3 month subscription if I remember correctly. As you say, the FM transmitter is kinda worthless since you have to have your stereo tuned to that frequency, so you lose your radio/CD/iPod.

As for the 360 vs the 350, I'd go for the 350 unless you REALLY need Bluetooth. You're right in that the reviews for the 360 Bluetooth aren't great. The case for the 360 is that although the 350 and 360 have the same size screen, the 360 does have a brighter screen. I've read that the 350 may have some washout in sunlight. Not sure if that's worth the extra $$$.

[racelance]

Originally Posted by runningaround

windshield mounts are not legal in Cali. they also make the units hard to reach since they're so far. The nuvi's antenna sticks out the back and fits right into the vent. Snug and doesn't move. Never lost a signal. Clean looking and snap to put in the center console when not in use.

Runningaround-

I love the look of your unit, I'm going to go with it unless you feel I should go a different route (say the machine you use isn't up to par). Let me know and I'll go from there. The 350 seems to be perfect for what I'm looking for... nav & nav only.

Thanks,

Lance

[bimmerFanatic]

If a product on Amazon doesn't have 4.5 or more stars....I don't buy it.