New Sat Nav. I wonder.

[lady topaz]

Earlier this week I was informed from what I deem to be a reliable source that the next generation Sat Nav is on its way with a touch screen. Sorry if this is old news, but new to me. I guess this could be similar to the Jag one that my OH had on his XK, or a new Volvo version.

I was pleased to see my new car had full post code but it really is still a bit of a dinosaur. Last Sunday whilst heading to the coast via Tunbridge Wells I set the Nav and it took us in a lovely circular route through the town arriving back on the main road roundabout we had earlier left.

I am assuming this will be available on all the model range, but anyone contemplating a new car now might be wise to enquire.

My hope is that it might be a retro fit to consider in the future.

Like I said, I am only passing on what I was told, I dont claim this has any credibility.

We shall see I guess.

Di

[robgt]

Hi
I have a new V8 on order, I asked the question about the Sat Nav and was told touch screen was not on the agenda as the position of the unit would make it awkward to reach. Sounds feasible. Have you asked the question about the mod for your ECU ? More BHP and torque.
Regards
Rob

[Ed50]

Sorry for being dim but what ECU upgrade are we on about. I seem to have completely missed that one and I'm sure my
motor shares similar properties to Di's so probably needs abit more punch......

[Zod]

No way would a touch screen work in the current position, so that would require a new dash. An iDrive-type arrangement would work better.

[robgt]

ECU UPGRADES ! Why ? Well they are coming in Jan. They are not obligatory.

[lady topaz]

The info I was given was from the AM factory guy who came to sort out a couple of issues on my new car. Like I said I dont know this for fact, just passing on what I was told. And not in confidence.

[Murph7355]

Can't see touch screen working.

I heard that the next SatNav will be from a name that's big in SatNavs rather than a Volvo (etc) cast off. Or that AM were discussing the situation with such a player.

I reckon it'd be a piece of piss to get something like a TomTom or a Garmin working with the current control buttons, assuming you had access to the developer kit. And what a coup would it be for those firms to bag Aston?

[Jay_Davis]

Contrary to what many manufacturers are doing, touch screens are bad in a car. You have to LOOK at a touch screen to use it, which means you have to take your eyes off the road. Every control in a car should be usable without taking your eyes off the road.

[Speedraser]

Jay_Davis said:

Contrary to what many manufacturers are doing, touch screens are bad in a car. You have to LOOK at a touch screen to use it, which means you have to take your eyes off the road. Every control in a car should be usable without taking your eyes off the road.

I totally agree. It's much better to be able to use a control by TOUCH -- while still looking at the road -- rather than having to look at the control as required by a touch screen.

[Shmee]

Speedraser said:

Jay_Davis said:

Contrary to what many manufacturers are doing, touch screens are bad in a car. You have to LOOK at a touch screen to use it, which means you have to take your eyes off the road. Every control in a car should be usable without taking your eyes off the road.

I totally agree. It's much better to be able to use a control by TOUCH -- while still looking at the road -- rather than having to look at the control as required by a touch screen.

Agreed, much prefer using buttons then having to press a screen. It's why TomToms now come with remotes so you don't have to look.

[Zod]

Touch screens also smudge badly. TomTom are very keen to do more OEM work. They are only in at the low end so far.

[XlBilbo]

I have an Alpine sat nav in my DB7 which is touch screen. It also has a remote control which I don't use. Also, I wouldn't consider programming it while on the move, so I don't see the issue.
You don't have to look at it as it talks to you.

[Speedraser]

The issue applies to more than just nav systems. So many cars are going to touch screens for many systems -- climate, radio, nav, etc. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of people do set their navs while on the move, and certainly most -- or all-- will adjust their a/c or heater and radio while moving. One must take one's eyes off the road to do so when these functions are controlled by a touch screen, whereas with buttons this can be done simply by feel while still watching the road.