[tk200h]

Hey all,

I am really missing the navigation from my last car and considering getting a portable unit. I assume the slimmer models will cradle nicely in the device holder but would love to see some pics if anyone uses this type of setup.

I guess I am concerned it will block too much of the radio controls.

Thanks!

 

[kalo925]

Hey all,

I am really missing the navigation from my last car and considering getting a portable unit. I assume the slimmer models will cradle nicely in the device holder but would love to see some pics if anyone uses this type of setup.

I guess I am concerned it will block too much of the radio controls.

Thanks!

Do you have the Electronic Device holder??? If so why not just put something of a similar size to the GPS you are thinking about in there and check it..??? Personally I love using a Smartphone with navigation.. Iphone or Android works well. I have HTC Sensation w/ android right now... Google maps is amazing. You need data plan, but google maps can cache (store it on the phone) blocks of map now, so if you are without data coverage you can operate off that stored map some. A big plus is changing your destination while the vehicle is in motion. One can also use voice commands for finding almost anything...

 

[kerri9494]

Hey all,

I am really missing the navigation from my last car and considering getting a portable unit. I assume the slimmer models will cradle nicely in the device holder but would love to see some pics if anyone uses this type of setup.

I have a very slim TomTom (XL 540) and it does not fit in the device holder. The back leans out just a bit, and that's too much for the holder. The item has to be thin, and have a perfectly flat back for it to fit. I tossed the device holder, and just stick my phone in the slot...with bluetooth, I don't need to touch it, and with a separate nav (in the bottom left corner of the windshield) all is good.

 

[Hybridsport]

Here's a couple of shots of my Garmin, taken in my dark garage. In daylight, the angle isn't right, too much glare, and so far back, towards the driver that it is hard to use. I have the factory Nav, but was just trying to see how my trusty old Garmin would work. I like most features of the old $139 Costco Garmin better than the overpriced Lexus unit, but that's another story.

 

[Don]

Here's a couple of shots of my Garmin, taken in my dark garage. In daylight, the angle isn't right, too much glare, and so far back, towards the driver that it is hard to use. I have the factory Nav, but was just trying to see how my trusty old Garmin would work. I like most features of the old $139 Costco Garmin better than the overpriced Lexus unit, but that's another story.

I agree with you and like the features on my Garmin better than that of the Lexus navigational system. You are also right about it being overpriced. I too have built in navigation but use my Garmin suctioned cupped to the windshield on many occasions. I should leave my portable GPS on the windshield next time I bring my CT in for service. I wonder if they would get the connection that the Lexus system is not as good as a <$200 Garmin?

 

[xxxxseacliff]

I agree with you and like the features on my Garmin better than that of the Lexus navigational system. You are also right about it being overpriced. I too have built in navigation but use my Garmin suctioned cupped to the windshield on many occasions. I should leave my portable GPS on the windshield next time I bring my CT in for service. I wonder if they would get the connection that the Lexus system is not as good as a <$200 Garmin?

The other thing is the updates. My lifetime map upgrade on the Nuvi is much more cost effective.

 

[jimmyc13]

Here's a couple of shots of my Garmin, taken in my dark garage. In daylight, the angle isn't right, too much glare, and so far back, towards the driver that it is hard to use. I have the factory Nav, but was just trying to see how my trusty old Garmin would work. I like most features of the old $139 Costco Garmin better than the overpriced Lexus unit, but that's another story.

Is your CT a 2012? Why else would you have a garmin in the device holder with that center dash storage unit where the OEM GPS screen is? Or is that a spare GPS you don't use in the CT?

 

[Hybridsport]

Is your CT a 2012? Why else would you have a garmin in the device holder with that center dash storage unit where the OEM GPS screen is? Or is that a spare GPS you don't use in the CT?

The original poster asked for pictures, so I posted them.
My car is a 2011 with factory Nav. It is just not activated in the pictures. The guy asked about the device holder, not the factory unit, so that is what I was showing.

I still use the Garmin in my wife's Prius, but I tried it in the CT just to see how user friendly the mount is. I still think the graphics and user interface is better on the Garmin. Also the traffic is lifetime free, not part of a subscription. I do like the lane assist and voice activation of the Lexus nav.

I've only had the car two months, and still have things to learn about the nav, but so far, I am used to the Garmin and prefer it for the above reasons. I also prefer the portability of the Garmin, for walking, biking, etc, but we're getting off-topic.

In the CT, I always use the factory nav, except, once, just to try the Garmin in the holder.