M35 My first built in navigation, how user friendly and ergonomic is this unit?

[keithhr]

I am wondering how you all find the navigation system to use. Basically, exluding POI's etc, and evaluating the direction mapping for finding and given instructions on going to an address, how good is this unit in general. I have always ( last year or so ) used Garmin dash mounted navigation systems and really want to only use the built in navigation system I'm beginning to understand some basics, but was wondering about how user friendly and good to operate this system is. Should I invest the time to learn more about it's function and use. I have gotten some really good information from this forum in the last month since I discovered it and want to know from experienced users if this is basically a good system and worth my while to learn. I don't really want to use the new Garmin that I have because of unsightly wires and it will ruin the interior look of the M that I love so much. My wife thinks I'm nuts for even considering using a bean bag dash mount for navigation. Any experiences and advice on using the built in system would be immensely appreciated.
Modified by keithhr at 5:02 PM 1/6/2009

[antzrus]

"when you always do what you've always done, you always get what you always got"

From my perception your own above quote answers your question. Life can be so simple if you just use your "common sense."

[palincal]

A significant advantage of a built-in Navi is the startup time. The tracking is almost instantaneous vs. a Garmin which can take upto 3 minutes to start tracking. Also, you don't have to worry abt car break-in.

Compared to a Honda factory navi, M35 navi leaves a lot to be desired. Honda doesn't limit the navi functions while the car is moving. The user interface and voice commands are better in Honda. For instance, when you say a street name honda gives you a bunch of names that sound similar while M35 picks just one. If the system picks the wrong street you have to switch to manual entry or go back and retry.

[striz923]

Usually the navi gives clear directions that get you where you need to go, so in that sense it works fine.

I HATE that you can not enter information while you are driving!

There was one time I was in a hurry trying to make a funeral (of all things) so I didn't type in the place because I thought I knew where it was. I get to the assumed area and it wasn't there. So I pulled into a parking lot, looked it up (nice feature), and it marked the map. I hit the button to start the directions and nothing happened. Repeated process, nothing happened. I had to zoom the map out and find my own way. Who knows why it happened.

This is the first navi I have ever used, and I find it very useful about .01% of my driving time. Can't decide if I would make it a priority in my future cars.

[ghstudio]

The user interface and voice commands are better in Honda. For instance, when you say a street name honda gives you a bunch of names that sound similar while M35 picks just one.

My 08 M35 gives me street options (my 06 didn't). of course in my 06, I could say destination street address same city.....in my 08, I have to always start with state, city, and so on. And then every time it asks for input it says, or push back to cancel....every time. that is so annoying....The 08 seems to understand me better...it finds streets, but it is so wordy to get it set up.

[M4T5]

Usually the navi gives clear directions that get you where you need to go, so in that sense it works fine.

I HATE that you can not enter information while you are driving!

There was one time I was in a hurry trying to make a funeral (of all things) so I didn't type in the place because I thought I knew where it was. I get to the assumed area and it wasn't there. So I pulled into a parking lot, looked it up (nice feature), and it marked the map. I hit the button to start the directions and nothing happened. Repeated process, nothing happened. I had to zoom the map out and find my own way. Who knows why it happened.

This is the first navi I have ever used, and I find it very useful about .01% of my driving time. Can't decide if I would make it a priority in my future cars.

You could always do the Navigation Override option than many members have done. It will allow full use of all Nav options while driving. Not recommended due to safety issues, but if your a cautious driver or had a Co-Pilot, then it would come in very handy!

J