Factory Navi

urbancowboy · March 19, 2008

has anyone had any issues with the factory navi in the 2008 silverados nbs. any concerns likes or dislikes. any issues with gm lock pick installed, is it worth the money ? just deciding on either factory nav or pioneer z2

Bostonsfavson · March 20, 2008

I really like the navigation radio. I have the GMX-320 Lockpick installed as well, and there have been no interface problems. Is it worth the money? I suppose that's debatable, and it depends on why you want it. If you're just looking to install a backup camera then there are less expensive options out there. However, if you like the added features such as the ability to input addresses and access advanced menus while in motion then yes, it's probably worth the money.

fbachman · March 20, 2008

Though I don't have the Nav-System, I have heard only positives about it.

I guess it always boils down to this:

Spend a PREMIUM for a built in system that is "locked" to the vehicle, or purchase one of the many fine portable units (which I DO own) on the market and have the flexibility to use it anywhere. Anymore, for $399 you can get a PREMIUM portable unit, and for as little as $149 you can get a bare bones one.

My choice was the latter.

Bostonsfavson · March 20, 2008

Frank makes a good point, and it's certainly something worth considering. For myself, I think the GM navigation radio is good enough to justify the purchase price. Even if you never use the navigation feature, the touchscreen radio is very sweet, and it looks great in the truck. Plus, it allows the addition the of an integrated rear backup camera. I say go for it, you won't regret it

urbancowboy · March 20, 2008

thanks for the replies guys...i have had the worst experience ever locating and buying this truck, any ways found 2 one with one without navi.... tending towards the navi putting the lock pick in later, only thing holding me back is the colour of truck, desert brown.. guess i should have the dealer enable the back up camera feature as i want to add the camera at some point in time..thanks for your input

Bish · March 20, 2008

I have a Garmin 60CSx I've been using for a few years but the screen is too small and I can barely read it now. That's the main reason I opted for the factory nav...big screen. I just did a 2000 mile round trip this past weekend in the wife's Enclave which has the same setup. It was a pleasure. I have the GMLockpick to disable the nannies and let me enter addresses while moving. Tiffany as my youngest called her gave excellent pleasant directions with plenty of warning for upcoming turns. Also reacted to route recalculation quickly and painlessly. Even helped us route around 5 miles of stopped traffic on the way home.

Like Bostonsfavson, I also like the touchscreen for all the other functiions and love the way it looks. I say go for it....it's your money

mdenali · March 20, 2008

I have the factory Navi with the lockpick and the iPod interface, backup camera coming soon, probably TellPhone 5000 bluetooth a well. For all the "toys" the navi is great for having the touchscreen interface to everything as well as the backup camera and the on-screen caller ID. However, as a Nav unit it is mediocre at best. My TomTom 910 is a far superior navigation device.

Bostonsfavson · March 20, 2008

That's quite a trip Bish! Where did you guys go, if you don't mind me asking?

fbachman · March 20, 2008

My TomTom 910 is a far superior navigation device.

I have the GO720 TomTom and I really like it. Nice big screen for a portable... is yours bluethooth???

Mine is and the audio output is, well, let's say that has some room for improvement. Other than that......

mdenali · March 20, 2008

My TomTom 910 is a far superior navigation device.

I have the GO720 TomTom and I really like it. Nice big screen for a portable... is yours bluethooth???

Mine is and the audio output is, well, let's say that has some room for improvement. Other than that......

It's got bluetooth speaker phone and also bluetooth web access through my broadband phone. It uses that to pull weather and traffic info of the destination. Also has a 20gb hard drive. If I did not buy the Navi in the truck I would get the new 920. It has everything the 910 has plus voice activated input.

dzj · March 20, 2008

I have the factory NAVI, and it is mediocre. The radio part is very nice, but add-on units probably do a better job of nav alone. I haven't installed a lockpick yet, but that is coming up. I wasn't originally going to get the NAV, but when trying to locate a truck with what I wanted, NAV was on the 2 we found.

Honestly, it's expensive compared to a stand-alone, and you can't take take it with you to another car (obviously). Plus, I don't think you get it back at resale. My wife's Volvo has nav with a pop-up screen. It is a better system, navigation-wise, in my opinion.

Bish · March 20, 2008

That's quite a trip Bish! Where did you guys go, if you don't mind me asking?

Chicago to Charlseton, SC. Drove down Thursday, drove back Sunday. Step brother got married and all my family was there. With spring break, airfare was over $500 each so we drove. Got slammed by tornadoes halfway through the reception. Closest was 4 miles away. Made for an exciting night!

Next week (Friday) we get to take the Denali to Naples, FL for a 23 hour drive for spring break. Have access to a free place there so it makes for a nice cheap vacation. I have two girls (12, 11) and we started them traveling at about 4 weeks when they were a free airline ticket. Now we drive LOTS of places. No hesitation hoping into the car to drive 13 hours to see Mt Rushmore or anything else we want to see. I'm one of those that believes you are missing out on a lot of America when you fly point to point. Most of the beauty is in between. I also won't hesitate to trailer 6-8 dirtbikes to Colorado or Utah and have buddies fly in for a long weekend of riding.

Of course, I do all the driving since I'm a control freak

Bostonsfavson · March 20, 2008

I hear all that Bish! I don't mind driving one bit. These GMT900s are good road trip vehicles, especially the Denalis. I've taken my Sierra for a few semi-long trips, and it's been a pleasure. I assume the Yukon would be even better. It would be nice to get a little better MPG, but I suppose I can't complain.