Why I hate in-dash GPS
When I bought our minivan nearly a year ago, I turned down the option for in-dash GPS. The idea of having GPS available at all times was attractive to me but everything else about it killed the deal.
For starters, in-dash GPS adds upwards of $2,000 to the price of the car. Compare that to a huge selection of portable GPS devices that I can get on Amazon for under (sometimes way under) $200.
And with a portable GPS I can take it with me from car to car. I’ve even been known to take it with me on vacation and use it in a rental car.
Yesterday’s technology
The technology for in-dash GPS is also way behind. I have yet to see one with the now-common 3D display. And most don’t have lane assist, lifetime traffic integration and a host of other features that you can find in portable GPS navigators.
But the biggest killer of all for in-dash GPS has to be that you can’t operate it while the vehicle is moving (at least with Toyota/Lexus). This is absolutely ridiculous to me. I can adjust the radio, pop in a CD and check my hair in the vanity mirror, all while the vehicle is moving, but I can’t operate the GPS.
And ok, so you don’t want to deal with the liability of the driver operating the GPS while the vehicle is moving. At least let a passenger do it!
What’s your opinion? Are you willing to sacrifice high-price and low-features for the convenience of in-dash GPS? Leave a comment below and let me know where you stand.
