Hello all,

So last week, I went out and bought one of those portable GPS (Garmin, Nuvi 200 to be more specific) for my pick-up truck. For those who don't know, it's probably one of the most basic model Garmin offers at really reasonable cost. After owning it for a week, I have noticed a significant difference in the information it contains compared to my 04 SC430 navi system. The unit came with a pre-loaded 2008 map but thru its website I updated with 2009 map for FREE. It's picking up all the different roads/streets and ALOT more POIs. So my question is this...

For those who have the later if not the latest Navigation CD from Lexus and also one of these portable GPS, how do they compare? Would it be worth it for me to update my current Navi CD in my lexus? I guess it's going anywhere from $220-$250... If I can be guaranteed that its coverage is AS GOOD AS what garmin offers, I would think it's defintely way to go.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

I updated to the current version and see no real difference over my original '02 version, and I live in Chicago, where you'd think there would be many new additions over 6 yrs. If I had the choice to do it over again, I wouldn't.

 

I have version 7.1 in my 02 SC430 and version 5.1 in my 01 LS430. Not a lot of difference, but I think the 7.1 is a little faster and maybe slightly better graphics. POI's are about the same for the Los Angeles area. However, the old version 2.1 was really worth the update. By the way, I was able to go back to the 5.1 version from the 7.1 in the LS430, so it seems the firmware is compatible.

I agree on the point that upgrading from the 2.1 to anything 5.1 or newer makes a huge difference.

 

Depends where you live. I went from the 02 disc to 07 last year and it made a huge difference. But I live in Las Vegas, where there has been a ton of construction. The city has grown 20% in 10 years.

 

Are you saying it costs $220 to $250 to get a new disk or is there a software upgrade that goes with the unit?

I can't find squat with all the new construction on the 02 version.

 

$220+ includes new software, if available for your update. Since you live in VA, you might want to wait for November to see whether the new version has the updated Beltway stuff (new Wilson Bridge & reconfigured Mixing Bowl). The current version does not.

 

That's the one I'm waiting for too.

 

From richmond, I will do 17 going west and 301 going east/north whenever possible.

Thanks for the heads up on the next version.

al

 

I Just bought the upgraded disk for my 05 SC430 for $265 at the local dealer here. It be coming in anytime soon now. I was wondering if I'm still able to use the override after I upgrade it to this disk.

 

My wife has an '06 with the 7.1 and the override DOES NOT work, unfortunately.

 

There's been some previous discussion on the board as to how to make a hybrid disk (old software version that continues having the Nav override option with the latest and greatest maps)

but, I don't have details...nor am I advocating it...nor am I sure if I would do it and risk mucking up my Nav.

 

The 2009 maps, combined with the routing logic and POIs in the Garmins are the best on the market (a bit better than Magellan and way better than TomTom). I have both a 200 and 260 (Text to Voice) and love their routing, etc. I upgraded the GPS CD in my 2002 about 2 years ($270) ago and saw no difference in anything, including the very poor routing logic in the Lexus, the lack of streets that have been in existance for a decade, and out of date POIs. So I use the 260 in my Lexus when I need a nav unit and usually compare the routes between what Lexus says and what Garmin says for laughs. Not even close -- Garmin saves me LOTS of time and has many more POIs that actually exist. Plus the Lexus user logic always seemed to be engineered by someone that had never looked at what companies like Magellan and Garmin use -- Lexus is illogical to learn and use. I had a Magellan from the 2002 period and it was like night and day. Sad to say, but the built in GPS in my Lexus is only good for the tilt show and the nice way the door closes. I wish there was a way to replace the Lexus GPS and still use its screen capabilities. By the way, you can save hundreds on Garmin refurbished units on the internet, which come with the original warranty. I routinely give those out for birthdays and weddings. Everyone loves them. And significantly more for the money that a single Lexus GPS "upgrade" -- if you could call it that. You can buy two Garmin 200s for less than one Lexus upgrade. Does anyone know where Lexus buys their mapping and routing logic?