BWM Navigator III

[silvermog]

So I've trawled around the forums and can't find any other details on this ... does anyone have any more info than this regurgitated BMW PR sheet on the new Navigator III offering ...

http://www.bmwlivery.com/?p=164

I'm looking to spec a new GPS on my bike (Apr delivery) and I'm leaning toward a trad. GPS, rather than a TT Rider, as I'd like to do route planning/tracking when off the bike.

I'm familiar with the 276c vs. 27xx debates, but am interested in more info on BMW's new offering ...

TIA

SilverMog

 

[Dutchman]

NavII+

Try here:

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/...stems/bikenavigator2/bikenavigator2_main.html

Cheers

Dutch

 

[silvermog]

Try here:

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/...stems/bikenavigator2/bikenavigator2_main.html

Cheers

Dutch

Thats the Navigator II Plus model tho ... apparently April sees the Navigator III with bluetooth built in, better screen, etc ... looks very 2720/2730 like ...

Cheers

SilverMog

 

[Wapping]

It looks like a typical major upgrade, or indeed a brand new product.

Newer, faster, better (more expensive I bet). I have a Nav III (not III+) which I am very pleased with. That being said, if the new version is a real improvement (or you haven't got one already) it may be worth waiting to see what it looks like in June.

I think I heard that BMW did a partial trade in of old model Nav systems last time around? Could be wrong

 

[Dutchman]

Thats the Navigator II Plus model tho ... apparently April sees the Navigator III with bluetooth built in, better screen, etc ... looks very 2720/2730 like ...

Cheers

SilverMog

Sorry Silvermog......didn't read your question properly......

Dutch

 

[tonym]

Available April according to my dealer. £995

Just need to check it ships with the CNV8 DVD and not just preinstalled maps!

 

[HMR]

I'm familiar with the 276c vs. 27xx debates, but am interested in more info on BMW's new offering ...

Everything indicates that the Nav III is a "hotted-up" SP2720. But there are some significant details that maybe makes the Nav III one of the best MC-navigators available today.

- Track log now 10000 points. Logging can be configured by the user. The 276C is still better but no big difference any longer.

- New screen. The 276C has better resolution but poor visibility in sunlight. One can assume that the new Nav III is the winner in daylight while the 276C wins "from dusk to dawn".

- The new Nav III screen is petrol proof. This not the case for the SP2720. Another extremely important advantage compared with SP2720 is that the Nav III has the all-important zoom buttons!

- DVD with CNV8 NT and MapSource are included in the box. The whole map is preinstalled and you still have 500 MB free memory for extra maps. To the 276C you need several 512 MB cards to match this.

Price is a problem. You can almost buy two 276C for the price of one Nav III.

 

[buellbeast]

Also is bluetooth enabled i believe

 

[HMR]

Also is bluetooth enabled i believe

Yes. Will work with i. e. the System5 helmet.

Will also support moble phone control via the Nav III buttons, will display incoming phone call numbers, etc, etc.

 

[silvermog]

Everything indicates that the Nav III is a "hotted-up" SP2720. But there are some significant details that maybe makes the Nav III one of the best MC-navigators available today.

- Track log now 10000 points. Logging can be configured by the user. The 276C is still better but no big difference any longer.

- New screen. The 276C has better resolution but poor visibility in sunlight. One can assume that the new Nav III is the winner in daylight while the 276C wins "from dusk to dawn".

- The new Nav III screen is petrol proof. This not the case for the SP2720. Another extremely important advantage compared with SP2720 is that the Nav III has the all-important zoom buttons!

- DVD with CNV8 NT and MapSource are included in the box. The whole map is preinstalled and you still have 500 MB free memory for extra maps. To the 276C you need several 512 MB cards to match this.

Price is a problem. You can almost buy two 276C for the price of one Nav III.

I seem to remember a discussion of this possibly being based on the SiRFstarIII chipset as well ... which would address the speed issues that some have complained of (the TT rider uses SiRF)

SilverMog

 

[HMR]

I seem to remember a discussion of this possibly being based on the SiRFstarIII chipset as well ... which would address the speed issues that some have complained of (the TT rider uses SiRF)

I have not heard this. Would be nice if it was true. Should improve reception substantially in difficult places.

Some Garmins, i e the Forerunner, already use this chipset and a friend using it reports a dramatic improvement compared with his Quest.

 

[BurnieM]

I love this 'petrol proof' bullsh*t (3rd unit) - come on BMW marketing, give it away will you

A SP27xx series unit sounds likely and would be an improvement in screen readability.

While a 10,000 point tracklog is better, the SP27xx series still do not have trackback and grid based positions are still only in logitude and latitude.

PS the GPSmap 276C does all of this and more with the only downside being the Garmin data cards.
I would challenge the 276C screen comments above; it is great in direct sunlight and when cloudy. Can be hard to read with sunlight at an obtuse angle.
Still much more readable than a SP26xx in all conditions.
Close with a SP27xx but I have only compared them in limited circumstances.

 

[HMR]

I would challenge the 276C screen comments above; it is great in direct sunlight and when cloudy. Can be hard to read with sunlight at an obtuse angle.

I agree in principle but I'm not satisfied at all with the readability of my current 276C in bright light conditions - except when the sun is shining directly on the screen.

The best screen I've seen so far (in indirect sunlight) was the one on my old BMW Nav I. It had an enitrely different screen than it's sister model SP3. I'm quite surpriced to find newer models as the 2610 having screens with MUCH less readability!

Still, taking all pros & cons into consideration, I personally find the 276C superior to all other models. The more I use it, the more superior I find it!