nav+ or handheld gps?

bryantchoung · 01-24-2005, 02:14 PM

I've been reading this forum,reviews on Amazon.com, and the online nav plus guide for about the past two weeks now and I still can't decide. I need help. I really want a GPS unit in my allroad.

The options I can see so far are to either get a nav plus unit from ebay and replace my existing stereo, or get a handheld unit from garmin or magellan.

I like the clean built-in look and larger screen and better accuracy of the nav plus. I don't like that I'll lose my in dash 6 cd changer, but i think my icelink will work with nav plus. How difficult is it to get the nav plus working properly in the allroad?

But i keep reading that people like the software better on their handheld units. And which is better then magellan or the garmin?

For people out there who have had one or both, which one is better and why?

TeddyBGame · 01-24-2005, 02:53 PM

...I've used a Magellan GPS in a rental car before....I worked nice.

Folks....just my opinion (but I'm a bit biased...as I have had a Nav+ in my A6 avant for a year now).

Some Pros (for Garmin/Magellan):
-portable
-has good map coverage and more points of interest etc (based on my usage)

Some cons (for Garmin/Magellan):
-hard to read screen (safety concern for me)
-does not mute radio/CD etc or telephone while giving you audio
-Map update is based purely on GPS refresh...and not speed sensor (& GPS) info like Nav+. I noticed that the Magellan updates where very dependant on GPS only.
-No OEM integration with instrument cluster (you need the TMC gateway to do this in your allroad....but will worth it..IMHO).

Some research (my apologies for no HTML links...just text). Enjoy!!

Nav+ install posts
http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/102818.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/78213.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/86782.phtml
www.nav-plus.com/instructions
http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=...wtopic&t=47495

http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/439381.phtml

http://pictures.fedulov.com/audinavi
http://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/557459.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/81601.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/395339.phtml
http://forums.bostonaudi.org/viewtopic.php?t=3945
http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/397670.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/398802.phtml
http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/397858.phtml

uber_ar · 01-26-2005, 08:54 AM

The Magellen is good... The Garmin is better.

My last system in my GTI was an Alpine NVE852 (DVD based) NAV and I thought it was pretty spunky but the Garmin portable kills it.

I'm using the Garmin 2620 mounted to my cup holder...

Teddy Wrote:

Some cons (for Garmin/Magellan):
-hard to read screen (safety concern for me)

Actaully the GARMIN has a VERY readable screen in all lighting conditions... it will depend on where you mount it naturally.

-does not mute radio/CD etc or telephone while giving you audio

Actually that is possible... I currently have mine hardwired for power and I have Soundgate mute trigger/relay combo ready to go to take this to the Symphony. I'm currently having an issue with my Symphony where the audio input for NAV isn't working (not the GARMINs fault). When this is done the audio level from the radio will lower and the NAv audio will come through the system.

-Map update is based purely on GPS refresh...and not speed sensor (& GPS) info like Nav+. I noticed that the Magellan updates where very dependant on GPS only.

Actually Garmin has the 2650 which has a dead reckoning input (speed and reverse inputs) so that solves that issue. I thought I would miss that on my 2620 but the 2620 is so much more accurate than my Alpine and waaaay faster that it has yet to be an issue.

-No OEM integration with instrument cluster (you need the TMC gateway to do this in your allroad....but will worth it..IMHO).

True... No arrows in the MFD.

TeddyBGame · 01-26-2005, 09:41 AM

01-24-2005, 02:14 PM	#1
bryantchoung New Member Account #: 27092 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 256	nav+ or handheld gps? I've been reading this forum,reviews on Amazon.com, and the online nav plus guide for about the past two weeks now and I still can't decide. I need help. I really want a GPS unit in my allroad. The options I can see so far are to either get a nav plus unit from ebay and replace my existing stereo, or get a handheld unit from garmin or magellan. I like the clean built-in look and larger screen and better accuracy of the nav plus. I don't like that I'll lose my in dash 6 cd changer, but i think my icelink will work with nav plus. How difficult is it to get the nav plus working properly in the allroad? But i keep reading that people like the software better on their handheld units. And which is better then magellan or the garmin? For people out there who have had one or both, which one is better and why? __________________ __________________________________________________ _____________

01-24-2005, 02:53 PM	#2
TeddyBGame AudiWorld Super User Account #: 32631 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 6,784	some research posts for you.... ...I've used a Magellan GPS in a rental car before....I worked nice. Folks....just my opinion (but I'm a bit biased...as I have had a Nav+ in my A6 avant for a year now). Some Pros (for Garmin/Magellan): -portable -has good map coverage and more points of interest etc (based on my usage) Some cons (for Garmin/Magellan): -hard to read screen (safety concern for me) -does not mute radio/CD etc or telephone while giving you audio -Map update is based purely on GPS refresh...and not speed sensor (& GPS) info like Nav+. I noticed that the Magellan updates where very dependant on GPS only. -No OEM integration with instrument cluster (you need the TMC gateway to do this in your allroad....but will worth it..IMHO). Some research (my apologies for no HTML links...just text). Enjoy!! Nav+ install posts http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/102818.phtml http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/78213.phtml http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/86782.phtml www.nav-plus.com/instructions http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=...wtopic&t=47495 http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/439381.phtml http://pictures.fedulov.com/audinavi http://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/557459.phtml http://forums.audiworld.com/allroad/msgs/81601.phtml http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/395339.phtml http://forums.bostonaudi.org/viewtopic.php?t=3945 http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/397670.phtml http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/398802.phtml http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/397858.phtml __________________ TeddyBGame - C5 Avant - "the Beast" (Ha!!) - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring (Nav, Sirius, Bluetooth, Xenon, TPMS, ParkSense, DVD Changer - basically loaded) - 2003 Vespa ET2 (modified exhaust and carb -- so I can max out at 45MPH) - John Deere Gator (4x2) for the boy As of November 2006: Accessory Add-ons: (Definition: An item that provides a specific function - in a cyclical nature - and can be removed very..very easily.) 1) OEM winter floor mats 2) OEM rubber trunk mat and cargo net 3) VW Touareg cigarette lighter flashlight 4) Thule roof bars with Evolution 1200 roof box Upgrades: (Definition: A [bolt-on/bolt-off] item that enhances the appearance, performance or misc function of your car.) 1) OEM front/rear Euro black Recaro Seats (from a Euro 2003 S6 Avant) http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/618112.phtml 2) OEM HID/Xenon (complete) housings (car never came with the Xenon option from the factory) 3) OEM Euro front/rear (avant) beam-style wiper blades/arms (available via www.vagparts.com) 4) OEM B6 S4 Interior auto-dimming black mirror with compass and on/off button 5) OEM Euro blindspot exterior mirrors 6) OEM S6/4.2 exterior lower door trim 7) OEM S4/S6/S8 aluminum mirror housings 8) OEM Euro rear license plate panel from 2002+ facelift avant (slight MODification to US plate required) 9) ? 10) OEM Euro RNS-E DVD Navigation system with MP3, SAT control and TV input 11) Dietz 1417 A/V input to RNS-E 12) Blaupunkt ME3 DVD/CD/MP3/TV Tuner with aftermarket amplified TV antenna in windshield 13) OEM Sirius tuner (special version to work with RNS-E) 14) OEM Phatnoise Phatbox MP3 player (trunk mounted) with custom interface cable to allow Sirius tuner and Phatbox to work together -- cool!! 15) ? 16) BBS RC 17x8 ET35 with Michelin Pilot Sports (summer tires) 17) 2002+ Rear bumper with valance openings for Magnaflow 3" exhaust tips 18) OEM submarine fin roof antenna for SAT / GPS / Cellphone (GSM) 19) OEM Euro gunmetal black avant roof rails 20) 2002+ Climate control faceplate to match faceplate color of RNS-E 21) Walnut wood trim near hazard button (above RNS-E) to match rest of interior wood scheme 22) OEM Euro Avant door panels with integrated sunshades (imported from Germany to match the black leather in my Euro Recaro interior) 23) OEM Euro blacked out front grille (no chrome perimeter) 24) OEM gunmetal black lower rear hatch strip (specific part# for avant vs. sedan) 25) OEM RS6 gunmetal black interior door latches; no need to add any RS6 badges in my car (Thanks Nelson!!!) 26) OEM Euro four spoke walnut wood and black leather (special order via Audi GmbH) multi-function wheel with tip buttons and OEM phone (BT) control 27) Upgraded "618" MF/Tip control module Coming soon: - rear mounted removable 7" LCD panel MODifications: (Definition: Any permenant change to a part or component of your car that you cannot reverse) 1) Tray under armrest to add aux. cigarette lighter 2) OEM avant CD changer bracket MODified (to fit two large CD changers etc) - now I just use it for Phatbox, OEM SAT tuner and OEM BT module. 3) Exhaust tips MODified to add Magna Flow (#35163) 3" dual walled tip 4) Factory wiring behind Sym I to simplify installation/removal of RNS-E 5) MODified glovebox to support fitment of Blaupunkt ME3 (a biatch to install!!) 6) MODified headlight switch bezel for fitment of GALA switch for "video-in-motion" for playing Blaupunkt ME3 through RNSE 7) MODified stock exhaust and had magnaflow 3" tips welded on (see above) 8) MODified rear Euro license plate surround to house 2nd rear foglight (2001 model only came with one from the factory); US license plate needed to be MODified a bit to fit inside the narrow Euro opening. RNS-E for C5 A6/S6/allroad/RS6 - your quest starts here - (regularly updated) <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/607331.phtml">OEM submarine fin installed on

01-26-2005, 08:54 AM	#3
uber_ar Junior Member Account #: 75657 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,467	Some more detail.... The Magellen is good... The Garmin is better. My last system in my GTI was an Alpine NVE852 (DVD based) NAV and I thought it was pretty spunky but the Garmin portable kills it. I'm using the Garmin 2620 mounted to my cup holder... Teddy Wrote: Some cons (for Garmin/Magellan): -hard to read screen (safety concern for me) Actaully the GARMIN has a VERY readable screen in all lighting conditions... it will depend on where you mount it naturally. -does not mute radio/CD etc or telephone while giving you audio Actually that is possible... I currently have mine hardwired for power and I have Soundgate mute trigger/relay combo ready to go to take this to the Symphony. I'm currently having an issue with my Symphony where the audio input for NAV isn't working (not the GARMINs fault). When this is done the audio level from the radio will lower and the NAv audio will come through the system. -Map update is based purely on GPS refresh...and not speed sensor (& GPS) info like Nav+. I noticed that the Magellan updates where very dependant on GPS only. Actually Garmin has the 2650 which has a dead reckoning input (speed and reverse inputs) so that solves that issue. I thought I would miss that on my 2620 but the 2620 is so much more accurate than my Alpine and waaaay faster that it has yet to be an issue. -No OEM integration with instrument cluster (you need the TMC gateway to do this in your allroad....but will worth it..IMHO). True... No arrows in the MFD. __________________ See my old posts under a rr_allroad Check out allroadFAQ.com for info and more... Check out My allroad Owners Diary on allroadFAQ.com

01-26-2005, 09:41 AM	#4
TeddyBGame AudiWorld Super User Account #: 32631 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 6,784	thanks for the clarification. Good to know. My experience was only with Hertz/Garmin. __________________ TeddyBGame - C5 Avant - "the Beast" (Ha!!) - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring (Nav, Sirius, Bluetooth, Xenon, TPMS, ParkSense, DVD Changer - basically loaded) - 2003 Vespa ET2 (modified exhaust and carb -- so I can max out at 45MPH) - John Deere Gator (4x2) for the boy As of November 2006: Accessory Add-ons: (Definition: An item that provides a specific function - in a cyclical nature - and can be removed very..very easily.) 1) OEM winter floor mats 2) OEM rubber trunk mat and cargo net 3) VW Touareg cigarette lighter flashlight 4) Thule roof bars with Evolution 1200 roof box Upgrades: (Definition: A [bolt-on/bolt-off] item that enhances the appearance, performance or misc function of your car.) 1) OEM front/rear Euro black Recaro Seats (from a Euro 2003 S6 Avant) http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/618112.phtml 2) OEM HID/Xenon (complete) housings (car never came with the Xenon option from the factory) 3) OEM Euro front/rear (avant) beam-style wiper blades/arms (available via www.vagparts.com) 4) OEM B6 S4 Interior auto-dimming black mirror with compass and on/off button 5) OEM Euro blindspot exterior mirrors 6) OEM S6/4.2 exterior lower door trim 7) OEM S4/S6/S8 aluminum mirror housings 8) OEM Euro rear license plate panel from 2002+ facelift avant (slight MODification to US plate required) 9) ? 10) OEM Euro RNS-E DVD Navigation system with MP3, SAT control and TV input 11) Dietz 1417 A/V input to RNS-E 12) Blaupunkt ME3 DVD/CD/MP3/TV Tuner with aftermarket amplified TV antenna in windshield 13) OEM Sirius tuner (special version to work with RNS-E) 14) OEM Phatnoise Phatbox MP3 player (trunk mounted) with custom interface cable to allow Sirius tuner and Phatbox to work together -- cool!! 15) ? 16) BBS RC 17x8 ET35 with Michelin Pilot Sports (summer tires) 17) 2002+ Rear bumper with valance openings for Magnaflow 3" exhaust tips 18) OEM submarine fin roof antenna for SAT / GPS / Cellphone (GSM) 19) OEM Euro gunmetal black avant roof rails 20) 2002+ Climate control faceplate to match faceplate color of RNS-E 21) Walnut wood trim near hazard button (above RNS-E) to match rest of interior wood scheme 22) OEM Euro Avant door panels with integrated sunshades (imported from Germany to match the black leather in my Euro Recaro interior) 23) OEM Euro blacked out front grille (no chrome perimeter) 24) OEM gunmetal black lower rear hatch strip (specific part# for avant vs. sedan) 25) OEM RS6 gunmetal black interior door latches; no need to add any RS6 badges in my car (Thanks Nelson!!!) 26) OEM Euro four spoke walnut wood and black leather (special order via Audi GmbH) multi-function wheel with tip buttons and OEM phone (BT) control 27) Upgraded "618" MF/Tip control module Coming soon: - rear mounted removable 7" LCD panel MODifications: (Definition: Any permenant change to a part or component of your car that you cannot reverse) 1) Tray under armrest to add aux. cigarette lighter 2) OEM avant CD changer bracket MODified (to fit two large CD changers etc) - now I just use it for Phatbox, OEM SAT tuner and OEM BT module. 3) Exhaust tips MODified to add Magna Flow (#35163) 3" dual walled tip 4) Factory wiring behind Sym I to simplify installation/removal of RNS-E 5) MODified glovebox to support fitment of Blaupunkt ME3 (a biatch to install!!) 6) MODified headlight switch bezel for fitment of GALA switch for "video-in-motion" for playing Blaupunkt ME3 through RNSE 7) MODified stock exhaust and had magnaflow 3" tips welded on (see above) 8) MODified rear Euro license plate surround to house 2nd rear foglight (2001 model only came with one from the factory); US license plate needed to be MODified a bit to fit inside the narrow Euro opening. RNS-E for C5 A6/S6/allroad/RS6 - your quest starts here - (regularly updated) <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/607331.phtml">OEM submarine fin installed on

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