ldc

I have heard that in the oem one, it isn't as versatile as the aftermarket ones in that either you cannot upgrade the map directory without hacking.

While the oem looks good in the car but you gotto want versatility and practicality when it comes to Sat Nav.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

You can upgrade the maps in the OEM unit, but Lexus wants $300 for new ones (maybe $225 with discounts or whatever)... Garmin gets $75 for new maps.

(and yeah there's a slew of other features in the aftermarket the OEM unit can't do too, but many have already been mentioned earlier in the thread)

Camski

Ok In-Car for me.

Few reasons. Firstly as i think everyone can agree, it's tidier, generally looks better and is somewhat more convenient (ie. no need to mount/charge).

I also agree with the capabilities and the option of moving a portable unit to other cars. That is why i have both in-car and portable.

However this is an important factor, especially in Australia.
Currently, Lexus is one of few car makers (in Australia at least) to provide backup camera's on all their current selling models (that include navigation).

I don't know what's happening overseas but i do know this, SUV's/4WD's in Australia are becoming socially unacceptable due to 2 reasons. Safety and fuel consumption (which also leads to size and weight - which comes back to safety). Now i know that cars have made tremendous advancements and now many 4WD's are comparable to that of a sedan (in terms of safety).

Now the reason why i bring up safety is not when a car is once moving and suddenly becomes stationary (ie. an accident) but when little children are run over.
There have been multiple cases of this in Australia and since then the media has indeed made it known that 4WD's are the worst kind of car to have in this situation because these are the cars that have caused the incidents and as a result bringing the media's attention.
Having the reverse camera in ALL cars would be a saviour (provided the driver used it) by saving lives and that is why all Lexus with Nav scored highly in rear visibilty tests (NRMA i believe).

This is why in-car nav should be important to all Lexus buyers in the world.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Except for two things-

The ISx50 isn't an SUV.

Aftermarket GPS can offer a backup camera too. Again for massively less cost, so more folks'd be likely to have it.


I know throwing "think of the children!!!!" out there is a great marketing idea... but it's not terribly relevant in the case we're discussing.

bagwell

+1 ...........

Darookie27

In dash WAY to expensive for what you get.
I have to go with Portable. Switch cars easily and MUCH cheaper.
I love my Tom Tom.