rebs

A lot of these look like nice upgrades.

Like most navigation systems, it looks like Lexus's is (finally) getting an upgrade. Although my navigation system currently meets my needs, (and real-time traffic isn't even available for my area), I'm a geek and love when cars integrate new technology. Heck, who doesn't? lol.

However, like many others I'm disappointed with the use of the hard drive technology. I'm a IT Geek for a living, so I understand the pros and cons. I just don't see how these can be more reliable (long term) than other storage solutions (regardless of the precautions). I think even with the best safety precautions (thermal, physical stability/insulation, etc) you are at best extending the life of hard drives, which most people only warranty for 3-5 years (which coincidentally is probably just about the time your vehicle warranty is up for most people). I just don't believe it is the best (or necessarily even the most economical) storage solution available, and I believe that the rest of the industry will come around to use flash, ssd, or maybe even back to a read/write optical media option.

Anyway, I hope the next generation IS sees an integration Internet/web access solution/capability. :-)

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

Thanks my Friend.

Lou

gotis1000

isn't a hard drive based nav faster than a dvd based nav? i would think that is the primary advantage. it's annoying for a nav to load up when you start your car and go to reverse, the lag between nav load up and backup camera.

also nav searching and routing may be faster with a hard drive, though that's less of an annoyance to begin with.

Koz

Even video cameras are getting away from HDs. I don't understand why they didn't go right to flash memory (SDHC). More reliable with no moving parts and easier to upgrade.

Koz

gotis1000

I dont know if anyone has seen but the 2010 IS 350 is now officially on the Lexus website.

The F-sport accessories haven't been updated yet, but does anyone know any new specifics? I thought I heard/read/imagined somewhere that there will be an option to change out the grill for a IS-F style mesh grill.

one wolf

I have an 08 and won't be upgrading but just curious...
1. Does NAV call out street names yet? I hate that it doesn't in the 08 and it was obviously an f-up since it clearly can read street names as it does so when you're trying to name one using the voice recognition system (which sucks).
2. Voice control any more responsive? Mine is unusable.
3. Does the XM readout (song/artist) go past 16 characters now? I hate that.
4. Still the same level of lockout on NAV when moving? I did the hack on mine but again, just curious.

Thanks

kl323

To answer your questions:
1) Yes. In fact, I can drive and enter destination by calling out names of street and cities. Pretty neat.
2) Not bad at all. Though I need a little more time to give a better assessment.
3) Sorry, haven't used XM.
4) No experience w/ prior generation NAV.. but from what I can see.. any sort of touchscreen input would be prevented while moving except climate control, audio, and some other that I can't think of now.

giantdefy

iTrader: (1)

1. Yes, it calls out street names before the turn, but when your about to turn it says left or right and not the street name. Also the female voice speaks in a human voice with excellent pronounciation, not the computer generated sounding voice.
2. voice control works great, no issues. You can even try changing the sound of your voice and it still gets it.
3. XM past 16 characters? not sure, but it has a "text" button when pressed shows full artist and song info.
4. Same lock out, but using voice recognition works great.