Hey,

I just don't understand why would Lexus implement that mouse thing which is so difficult to navigate with. I'm coming from BMW iDrive and I can't stand using this thing. I know it's quite late to even complain about it, just wanted to vent this out to ES owners.

 

The rotary Display Audio controller is a lot easier to use but then again, no navigation. I prefer the touchscreen interface like on the RX, I don't know why Lexus insists on using the maddening Remote Touch mouse in its sedans.

 

I actually find it quite easy to use and it only took a few days after coming from a rotary controller in an Acura. I have had a touch screen in a previous car and it was much worse. You take your eyes off the road too long when using it. If you use a PC then the Remote Touch "mouse" should be a natural.

 

With the screen placement of the ES pushed as close to the windshield as possible, the screen would be too far back for use as a touch screen. But that screen placement has a couple of important advantages. First, if Lexus had used a touch screen closer to the driver, glancing at the screen would require actually turning your head, but, with the screen placed closer to the windshield, you can glance at the screen by merely moving your eyes, which is safer because your attention is diverted from the road for a shorter period of time. Additionally, the way that the screen is pushed back into the recess in the dash makes it much less likely that the screen is going to be washed out by bright sun.

Of the half dozen or so vehicles that I've had with navigation systems, the screen on the ES is, without question, the easiest to read, and its location makes it the safest to use, none of which would be possible with a touch screen. It is also nice, with the mouse, instead of a touch screen, not to have the screen smudged up with finger prints.

While I'm sure that there are some advantages to a touch screen, there are also advantages to the mouse and screen placement of the ES. If not having a touch screen is a deal breaker, then, the ES is not the right vehicle for you.

 

We have an extended loan of a '15 ES350 and I have to say, the mouse is quite impressive. I was actually able to do a lot more without ever taking my eyes off the road than I could with rotary/touch controls. Heck, I was even able to set station presets without ever looking at the screen.

I do think its one of those you either love it or hate it things. Personally, along with my wife, I love it.

 

I have absolutely no issues with the mouse, for me it is intuitive.

 

It's very intuitive once you figure out your preferred sensitivity level. Play around with it to find what works best for you. I think it comes from the factory set to the lowest setting.

 

It can be a little overwhelming at first. I have it in my RX and my IS. I quickly got used to it and now I find it to be very easy and intuitive.

The RX hasn't had a touch screen since the 2009 model year.

 

Maybe he means this in the current NX:

 

^^ Good catch, you're probably right.

No one solution will appease everyone. Some people like touch screens (I do not), others find the RTI to be great, while others hate it. The new touchpad in the NX seems to be creating its own love it or hate it following as well.

 

Nope, my mistake, I had a previous-gen RX at home and I thought the current RX also used a touchscreen. My aftermarket ES nav system has a touchscreen but it's impossible to use when driving because the screen is so far away.

Personally I would prefer a big touchscreen like on the Model S, along with voice commands when on the move. Commonly used controls like climate control buttons should always be in the same place and have haptic feedback to build muscle memory.

 

Only been a little over a week with my ES 350 but I don' t have an issue with the current mouse setup. As stated previously, adjusting to the sensitivity seems to be the main point for me. I really hadn't used a mouse in a few years now. However, that Touchpad really looks interesting. Sort of reminds me of the Magic Trackpad by Apple that I've grown accustomed to.

 

The mouse is great.

 

The 2016 ES (ala '16 RX) gets the 'Enter' button on the side again. Appears Lexus is addressing the complaints of the 2nd gen 'push' Remote Touch

 

I have the same controller on both the RX and the ES. It seems fine to me. Our former Priuses had touch screens. They seemed fine to me. I can't say I have any overwhelming preference. They both do what they were designed to do very handily. I just can't shout acollades or curses about either. I will say for those of you that are **** (like me), the touch screens always show fingerprints.