Could someone compare the navigation system in the 2003/2004 Porsches to any other brands they may be familiar with?

I'm addicted to nav systems that I've had in previous cars, but the 2000 Boxster S system that I have used is pretty substandard for the price. Of course, things have changed since 2000.

So how does the Porsche system stack up these days?

 

Porsche's Nav system is still substandard until the new system comes out, not sure when the Boxster is slated to get the new system.

 

erm the new system is already out: PCM2

read porsche website.

 

So PCM2 is out on the '04s. Is it also on the '03s?

 

Yes. My 03 is equipped w/PCM II. I find it to be much more "user friendly" than the previous versions, and on par with others out there.
J

 

I thought PCM II still used CD's and there was a new one as an upgrade coming out with DVD? Which is it on your 03?

 

Straight from the Porsche website, still CD and still 2D... still behind the times...


Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is an optional equipment that integrates GPS satellite navigation, trip computer and high-end audio into one easy-to-access system. This comprehensive communications package has been designed with great attention to detail to ensure that it is as user-friendly as possible.

Key features include a high-resolution 5.8-inch color display with 16:9 screen ratio, an integrated CD drive, as well as an intuitive navigation module.

PCM Terminal
Selected information, such as current radio station or CD track number, is displayed in the dot-matrix field in the instrument cluster. The PCM terminal is logically laid out for more intuitive operation. The high-resolution display provides a useful overview of all essential information. A rotary control serves as both on/off switch and volume adjuster, while a second rotary control with integrated ‘enter’ button is used to navigate through the various menus.

An integrated CD drive is located centrally above the display and can be used for both navigation CD-ROMs and music CDs.

Audio System
PCM now features an integrated CD drive. After planning your route with a navigation CD, the drive is free for your favorite music CD. Radio functionality includes 20 FM and 20 AM presents, Dynamic AutoStore and RDS two-tuner frequency diversity. The PCM audio system is fully compatible with the Porsche Hi-Fi Sound Package, the six-disc CD autochanger and the enhanced digital audio of the Bose® Sound System.
GPS Navigation
One of the most important features of PCM is the satellite-based GPS navigation system with integrated antenna. To plan a route, simply insert the corresponding navigation CD and enter the name or address of your destination. PCM then determines your current position using GPS, and stores the optimum route together with a range of detour options into memory. At this point, PCM no longer requires the navigation CD, leaving you free to enjoy your favorite music CDs from the CD storage included with the PCM package. Route guidance instructions are then blended in over current audio output as needed.

When specifying a destination, you can also choose from a range of route criteria to determine the types of road you wish to use. During your journey, all relevant data such as position, direction and vehicle speed are automatically processed by the system.

On-Board Computer
The PCM computer can supply a wide range of information, including average fuel consumption, average speed, and journey time. The computer is operated using a separate control stalk on the steering column, and can also display key information in the standard dot-matrix field at the center of the instrument cluster. With a choice of output in kilometers or miles, as well as support for multiple languages and international time zones, PCM is equipped for every corner of the world.

 

Actually, in this application the terms "DVD" and "CD" are simply marketing terms. There is no standard for data collection or encoding (again, in this application), so that a manuf'r may simply limit the amount of data to one disc per a given region and call it "DVD based". I am impressed with the rural detail on the two disc Navtech vs. the one disc Navtech (Acura). My parent's address exists on the "P" version, but not on an '02 Acura.
J

 

Well of course the level of detail depends on how much the manufacturer is willing to pay to get whatever map offering they believe best matches the needs of its customers. My wife's Infiniti NAV DVD from last year didn't have a street in our neighborhood correct on it as going all the way through. We recently received our updated DVD and now it does. They've also supposedly added over a million points of interest to the new DVD in addition to updated maps.

What is nice about DVD is simply the storage space that the DVD allows, even 2 CD's can't match the storage of a DVD, it's more like 10:1 depending on the format used, etc.

Ease of use is a factor and the last time I used PCM in a Porsche Cayenne it paled in comparison to the ease of use of the Nissan/Infiniti Nav system. The Lexus system is also pretty good, but I'm actually opposed to touch screens for Nav since it just gets finger grease, makeup, whatever, all over the screen and adds to the cost and complexity of the system. I've never seen a voice-command one work well in noisy conditions, like having the radio on or the windows down, top down, etc, and even in non-noisy conditions I've been less than impressed to date although I am sure they are getting better.

I also prefer the 3D Nav systems which allow you to "see" further ahead and get a "perspective" on where you are going and where your route is taking you (of course it should offer 2D/3D for whichever the customer prefers).

There are a lot of different Nav systems out there and as of yet I don't think anyone has done a comprehensive head-to-head shoot out among them.

Ultimately the NAV systems should be tied into road conditions in real time or near real time as necessary so they could route you based on traffic patterns, road construction, and possibly even in conjunction with what other car's nav systems are doing. The possibilities are there, they just haven't made it to market yet.

 

What's the general opinion of the Porsche Navigation (w/ touch screen) vs. the Traffic Pro?!?

TIA

 

If you can, try them out. The TP is a very "simplified" system with a bit less user friendly interface, but it does take up quite a bit less space (head unit) than the other systems.
Interestingly, HB (Harmann Becker) now sells the TP thru Ford Dealers - I've one on order for my Escape!
GR, who is the vendor for Nissan/Infiniti's system info? Navtech?
J

 

Zenrin makes the Nav system for Nissan/Infiniti, although they outsource their maps like most Nav companies do. Where they add "value" is determining how much of each area to cover and to what extent, all of the POI information (which they may outsource as well I don't know), and their custom implementation of 2D/3D rendering and of course the control interface.

What I find is that most people get "comfortable" with their Nav system after a period of time and will profess to like it. That's why a back-to-back test of several would be interesting so you could pull out the nuances of each.

Things like:
How long does it take to learn?
How easy is it to enter a route and follow it?
How accurate is it?
What custom or unique features does it have?

Etc. stuff like that...