vs. BMW 330i (yes, again)
12-05-05, 03:42 PM
#31
Originally Posted by diablo1
The whole idea of the iDrive is controlling everything with a single ****. No buttons or touch screens. So saying that "the Audi system is the same except it has buttons" isn't really saying that much IMO. I can see how the iDrive would be useful for navigating menus - it's like a mouse, like you said. But there are some times when it really just makes more sense to have dedicated buttons. Radio presets come to mind, for example. That's why I think the iDrive isn't a great idea. Sure, there are some things you need to fish around in menus to find. But some things should just be available with the push of a button.
For example, if i want to use FM preset.
I simply speak, FM. The I-drive will switch to FM and defult in FM preset tuning mode. So if i had already pre-program the preset. All i need to do is to press the steering wheel button to move through my preset.
I believe this is also the same on lexus/toyota system. That you will still need to press FM or AM button and you can scroll through preset on the steering wheel.
The only difference is that I use voice input to get into the FM/AM. You use a button.
If i use the I-drive. It would be enter-select FM, and radio preset would be available through I-drive and steering wheel buttons.
Actually is not that difficult to use.
12-05-05, 04:10 PM
#32
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you can say FM in the IS as well, then you can either cycle through the preset via steering wheel (too slow if you want station 5 or 6) or simply press the appropriate button on the touch screen.
In actuality voice command takes too long because after you press the voice button, you have to wait until the computer finishes instructing you to say the command after the beep before you can actually give the command.
In actuality voice command takes too long because after you press the voice button, you have to wait until the computer finishes instructing you to say the command after the beep before you can actually give the command.
Last edited by jlin101; 12-05-05 at 04:15 PM.
12-05-05, 04:23 PM
#33
Originally Posted by jlin101
you can say FM in the IS as well, then you can either cycle through the preset via steering wheel (too slow if you want station 5 or 6) or simply press the appropriate button on the touch screen.
In actuality voice command takes too long because after you press the voice button, you have to wait until the computer finishes instructing you to say the command after the beep before you can actually give the command.
In actuality voice command takes too long because after you press the voice button, you have to wait until the computer finishes instructing you to say the command after the beep before you can actually give the command.
As far as touch screen goes, I would rather use the I-drive or steering wheel button to scroll instead of moving my eyes off the road to use the touch screen buttons.
But that is personal preference.
12-05-05, 04:23 PM
#34
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Originally Posted by jlin101
In actuality voice command takes too long because after you press the voice button, you have to wait until the computer finishes instructing you to say the command after the beep before you can actually give the command.
12-05-05, 06:28 PM
#35
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What I can see from all the back and forth here is Lexus definitely succeeded in making a BMW buyer consider the IS (nothing you can do about true fan-boys of any brand). From what I read, BMW will add a true SMG option later this year. Lexus could definitely fire back with an in-house suspension and/or programming upgrade. If Lexus announced that intent they could sway some fence-sitters (like maybe me). Good times for buyers I guess.
I like knowing I made "the right choice" and this one is a killer.
I like knowing I made "the right choice" and this one is a killer.
12-06-05, 05:33 AM
#36
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Originally Posted by Cypren
If you go into your navigation setup panel, one of the options on the second page is "Voice Command Guidance" or some such thing. Turn that off, and the computer won't prompt you with the "after the beep, please say a command" nonsense -- just touch the button and the beep will happen after about half a second.
12-06-05, 06:32 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by Cypren
If you go into your navigation setup panel, one of the options on the second page is "Voice Command Guidance" or some such thing. Turn that off, and the computer won't prompt you with the "after the beep, please say a command" nonsense -- just touch the button and the beep will happen after about half a second.
12-06-05, 06:46 AM
#38
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Originally Posted by chiawei
Voice command on BMW is quiet fast. It does not instruct you to say command. It is literally push to voice control button and say FM. There is some delay for it to accept the command, but if you speak clearly, it will switch to FM very quickly.
As far as touch screen goes, I would rather use the I-drive or steering wheel button to scroll instead of moving my eyes off the road to use the touch screen buttons.
But that is personal preference.
As far as touch screen goes, I would rather use the I-drive or steering wheel button to scroll instead of moving my eyes off the road to use the touch screen buttons.
But that is personal preference.
12-06-05, 10:55 AM
#39
Originally Posted by Agni88
Most auto mags preffered the BMW because all around it is a better car and did excelent in the handling department.
And also u can get comfort access in the bmw so u dont have to put the fob in the slot.
And about the iDrive, it takes some getting used to, but it is the most intuitive system out there and one of the least distratcing. Allthough many people hated it at first, after getting used to it they are realizing that it is a great system, many car companies like infiniti, acura, mercedes and audi are copying the iDrive concept.
One thing i dont like about the IS is the green interior lighting, it looks very cheap toyota ish. The bimmer has Amber back lighting. And also another nice touch are BMW is the LED door handle lights on each door and offcourse the Angel eyes.
The IS is more powerfull and very smooth/quiet, and if its pure HP u want then get the IS, if u want a better all around car that excelles in handling i'd say go with the BMW.
Each car has its own unique features, see what u want and pick the car thats right for you.
And also u can get comfort access in the bmw so u dont have to put the fob in the slot.
And about the iDrive, it takes some getting used to, but it is the most intuitive system out there and one of the least distratcing. Allthough many people hated it at first, after getting used to it they are realizing that it is a great system, many car companies like infiniti, acura, mercedes and audi are copying the iDrive concept.
One thing i dont like about the IS is the green interior lighting, it looks very cheap toyota ish. The bimmer has Amber back lighting. And also another nice touch are BMW is the LED door handle lights on each door and offcourse the Angel eyes.
The IS is more powerfull and very smooth/quiet, and if its pure HP u want then get the IS, if u want a better all around car that excelles in handling i'd say go with the BMW.
Each car has its own unique features, see what u want and pick the car thats right for you.
12-06-05, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by genearch
You are aware that you can change the fan settings by simply turning the **** on the dash? 
Sheesh.. folks. Please educate yourself on iDrive before you jump on the bandwagon.
Sheesh.. folks. Please educate yourself on iDrive before you jump on the bandwagon.
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