Sat Nav

[marcos]

When I bought the E320 I didn't opt for command as I just couldn't justify the cost but now I could really do with some form of Sat-Nav.
What is best to go for, built in or a removable system.
I notice some of you have the Garmin system on the dash and I was wondering if you get on ok with it.
I don't really want to spend more than about a fiver but I suppose realistically no more than a grand.
Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[clk270]

As far as this forum is concerned there are basically four options:-

1. Retro fit command - £1000 +
2. Garmin streetpilot system £700-£800
3. TomTom software running on a handheld PDA (iPAQ or Palm)
4. Navman software running on a handheld PDA

The PDA options are the cheapest - packagaes can be bought with the PDA for £400 upwards, and you have the facilities of the PDA also (organiser, diary, limited PC ability etc etc).

Tom Tom software allows postcode searches whereas Navman relies on street names. Navman do a 'jacket' to fit around the iPAQ palmtop which creates a neat unit. Tom Tom has a separate GPS aerial which mounts away from the palmtop.

Good website for info is www.handnav.co.uk who sell all options and give good advice.

 

[sym]

Just about sums it up !

Comand is nice but will be pricey for the W211 if you didn't get it as standard.

I ran an iPAQ set up which was very good indeed before I fitted Comand, and can recommend it . . . . TomTom Navigator is a good software package to use.

www.pocketgps.co.uk is also a good resource if you decide to go with the handheld / PDA option.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

S.

 

[fuzzer]

Ive got a garmin street pilot 3 which has sucessfully navigated me across north america and the UK alike.

It is superb and well worth the money

 

[RichardM]

Garmin is under £700 in Costco!

 

[Sp!ke]

Marcos,

How often will you actually need the SAT-NAV? If you're like me, 99% of journeys you know where you're going - for the odd time that I dont, I went for the *really* cheap option.

Since I had a laptop already (bit crucial this bit), I bought Infomap Navigator for £30 ish (which is the only PC based software with voice navigation) a gps mouse for £50 and constructed a simple quick detachable laptop mount in stainless steel.

If you want to see a picture, of the setup, you can see it in my gallery below.

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=588

 

[RichardM]

I agree I don't use mine that often but it is handy to keep in the car, even last night I went to the Cinema in a place I don't know very well, the SatNav got me home no problems. Mine's an iPAQ NavMan unit.

 

[OGiii]

PDA option is nice and cheap.

I use TomTom1 (at moment) on an IPAQ using GPS feed from my tracking system.

One problem with the PDA option is battery life so I use a wired craddle meaning it's on charge whenever it's plugged in. I also bought the MB phone console trim so it's nice and neat.


Already had the PDA so it was a cheap option for me.

Tomtom is now available for the Dell Axim which costs about £180, so chances are you could be up and running for £3-400.

 

[RichardM]

That looks neater than mine OGiii, I was going to ask you about that before, I thought maybe you had a bluetooth receiver.

I bought the NavMav kit and would prefer it to pick up the signal from the RoadAngel but NavMan lock the software to their sleeve.

 

[GrahamC230K]

I can recommend my Panasonic CN-DV2300 DVD Navigation. Just uner £1K if you fit yourself.