Just curious how many of you got your 8 with the Nav. Is it really worth the extra $3k ? Seems kind of expensive for a fancy map.

 

The current Nav maps don't have Edmonton area coverage! I like GPS Nav systems, but prefer the portable units like the new Garmin StreetPilot2610 (~$1100) or iQue 3600 (~$730). Those units have the exact same map database, are portable so can be used in more than just the one vehicle, and can connect to your PC where you can do much more detailed route/trip planning and programming than is possible with the dedicated in-vehicle units.

Regards,
Gordon

 

I really like mine - the database could use some adjustment, but for long-distance route planning it works great.

 

I'd go for a Pocket PC with one of the "flash card" type GPS receivers, and some navigation software (current version of MS Streets'n'Trips is bundled with a Pocket PC version). Costs about the same as a dedicated nav system, but you can add many more toys to it.

Plus the official Nav option costs £1500 here, more than all the other factory options combined I think. At a third of that price I might have considered it...

 

If you can get a portable satnav that you can use in any vehicle you have to be better off than installing a dedicated system.

I think you'll find a lot of serious development in this area of technology over the next 2+ years.

... and like computers - they'll only get cheaper, better and faster. So hold off until you can really make good use of one.

That said, if you don't care about the price and the installed Mazda satnav satisfies all of your needs...

 

I Love my Nav....SOOO glad I got it.

Think of it as a Map / Nav / Yellowpages Phonebook (without the ph #'s).

I've used it to get precise directions from my driveway in Burlington to a theatre two hours away in Stratford....and used it to find the closest Vietnamese restaurant in TO.

Another great thing is if you have a particular affinity to a gas station (as I do for Esso Extra points, etc.), I just ask it where the closest Esso is at any point on the road, anywhere....and boom, selections and directions.

Great for tracking down the closest Starbucks & Tims too.

On top of that, it is cool as hell and everyone "Ooohs and Aaaahs" when you demo it.

For me, highly recommend getting it.