benefits of Comand v Nav50 v TomTom?

[cleverdicky]

I've tried loads and the best is a pioneer F900/910 etc. Uses a late modified version of Igo
Fantastic, works really well and easily and looks ok. And fraction of cost
As for a silly dash display arrows- over rated if you ask me.

 

[SL Boy]

My current E class has command system installed and is very good. Prior to this my C270 CDI did not and I used a Tomtom sat nav. My tomtom is now redundant but I use it if I have a hire car on holiday or loan it to friends. The sat nav and command with my current car is very good but I missed the cash cameras on the tomtom so I bought a Novus rider and that is brilliant in use and operation. Hope this helps. Nav 50 has a smaller screen and only covers U.K.

Would be interested to know what you consider "very good" in your E350 CDi's Comand system.

 

[sbarker]

I think one of the biggest disadvantages of the Command system Vs a Tomtom or Garmin setup is the inability (unless I'm missing something) of being able to import routes, addresses, POI's etc.

 

[sbarker]

According to reports the ability to upload routes from google into the latest command system will be a feature on the 2100 Faclift C class.

 

[AlastairM]

According to reports the ability to upload routes from google into the latest command system will be a feature on the 2100 Faclift C class.

I don't think I'll live long enough to see that one.

 

[sbarker]

It should have read 2011 !

The google link is a fact and also the ability to interface with the media card in the dash. But I don't think POI's are used.

I take delivery of my new C Class in April.

 

[jberks]

Key question is how often you use satnav?
Some people use it every day to find new clients and visit customers. In such cases a full installed satnav gets around the on and off the windscreen issue, is far neater, doesn't have to wait to get a fix (damn frustrating if you're in a hurry and don't know which way to turn out of the carpark) and is more precise due to its speed sensor.
The expensive (ok now free) updates and lack of POI's don't matter compared to those benefits. You also don't have an unsightly power cable and it integrates with the dash cluster. Plus, of course, it looks cool.

However, if like me, you need a satnav once every 3 months for 30 minutes, then its a high price to pay when compared to a tomtom. The accuracy is weaker than a built in but you can see from the display whether you should turn here or the next street. Updates are very cheap and there are lots of POIs available (though to be honest I rarely use any). Tomtom interface is vastly better than any other system I've used but I dare say you get used to whatever you have.

However, none of this answers the key question which is, what about the APS50 media interface - which I haven't used. I must be honest and say I know virtually nothing about these but they struck me as a good mid point decision. Not the full TV screen but all the same functionality.

 

[Retired]

If you are just comparing nav capability then I think TT, and the like win every time.

However, Comand isn’t just navigation, it’s a system that brings together in one unified interface (well, that’s the idea anyway) things such as handsfree phone, nav, cd,mp3, tv, reversing camera, radio and linguatronic.
I guess we all have to decide how many of those things were interested in and if it’d worth the ridiculous, in my opinion, price.

Comand does make the care more saleable when the time comes to say goodbye, but you certainly don’t get anywhere near your original outlay back.