Spacecadet_CC

Software is coming to make it a better gps.

Spacecadet_CC

Agreed. My city is not big enough and I pretty much know it inside out

vplaza

Do you mind having a portable Nav that you have to mount somehow (and then decide to mount it ghetto style or take the time or pay the money to have it done so it looks good), get power to it somehow (again, do you simply use the cigarette lighter adapter or do you hardwire power to it), lower the volume on your car radio so you can hear the directions from the portable unit, then have to worry about hiding it when you park (so no foolio sees it and breaks your window to get a free navi)?

If you are okay with the above, then the built-in navi is not worth it. But, if you prefer a unit that is built-in to integrate with the interior, is always there and you don't have to worry about leaving it or power adapter somewhere, integrates with the radio and BT, etc., then the built-in unit is worth it.

TeddyBGame

FYI - I have a 2001 A6 with a retrofitted OEM RNSE (spent $1500+ for it) and it gets a ton of use. After 4+ years with the OEM Nav, I've discovered lots of new sideroads and routes my common destinations -- that I never would have considered -- or found by plugging in a Handheld unit.

I've come to believe that: "If you have it, you will probably use it alot" If you buy a Garmin etc, you probably will use it on a few occassions and keep it in your glovebox.

The integration with the dash cluster is a key attribute that you won't find in any Garmin etc. To me, that's a big safety item against the handhelds.

Plus, the resale value will be better with the OEM nav and the overall control of the MMI just seems wierd with the jog dial in the dash vs. the console.

Good luck!
-Ted