Installing the 5.2 DVD for navigation

It sounds like a bad DVD, so if you can't read it in a computer's DVD drive either (look at files, etc.), then it should be replaced...

 

Perhaps 5.2 only works in the new 06 Nav system? If not, go back and let them know. I have no idea why you'd spend $26o on an update. 4.2 is pretty accurate.

 

I'm probably wrong, but I heard there were two versions of the 5.2; one for the 2005 and one for the 2006 (because of the enhanced graphics).

 

If up to date into is vital to you, you miht be better served with a portable unit that is updated more often.

 

Jeez...I'd like to think that if you had the warranty you'd get upgrades for free or AT LEAST a lower cost (i.e.; computer software "upgrade" pricing). $260 (discounted even!) sounds like a bit much.

 

Let us know if you notice any substantial improvements. There are a couple of older posts about the differences in among the versions. This one might be of interest.
I got the free upgrade from 3.3 to 4.2 but was dissapointed. What I wanted was updated POIs but didn't notice anything significantly better and I feel the newer version is actually less flexible in re-routing logic. It seems to have a much greater preference for returning to the original route. Last week, I wanted to use a parallel street (with less traffic) for about 20 blocks. It kept asking me to return to the original street even though the overall distance was the same. I'd be interested in knowing your impression of 5.2 when you get it. Thanks.

 

i do a lot of deliveries and would be interested in 5.2

Andy please let us know if you notice any significant changes in 5.2 cause i might jump on board

 

Like I stated in my post, a portable unit that can download updates, and augment POIs with yout own, might serve you better if you depend on accurate and fast Nav for work. Even if you buy a new DVD every year you won't be as up to date as a portable unit that can download updates any time.

It's not of real value for 90% of users, who like me will prefer the ease and integration of the built-in Nav. But if accuracy (as in up-to-date info) matters for money, the aftermarket units may be a better bargain. You'll have bought it in a couple of years of DVD costs anyway.

 

On board navigation systems as supplied in vehicles by manufacturers have, astonishingly, avoided the major hand held, portable, marine and aviation GPS developers (Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, the list is endless). All the major "portable' GPS makers have the most detailed and up-to-date maps; the same goes for their built in POI lists and have developed very comprehensive and cost effective map and POI updates for their units.

Instead of going with GPS developers for their maps, mapping logic and processing performance, most manufacturers have gone to their electronics subcontractor and asked them to build, usually from the ground up, a nav system for their vehicles. Sometimes the onboard systems use maps from Navteq, which are usually excellent, but often times they source their maps from other places, which are not as accurate nor have the reputation that Navteq does.

It is totally counterintuitive, but nearly all of the built in vehicle GPS systems in cars today are nowhere near as accurate at route creation and do not have nearly as detailed a map set as a $400 unit you can buy at any major electronics retailer. Even if you strip off the BlueTooth phone capabilities and the voice command from the Nav equipped Prii, you still end up with a $1000 nav system that is less accurate and less detailed than that $400 unit the size of a deck of playing cards.

But we have seen this situation in cars before. 20 years ago an aftermarket radio in a car was an excellent choice because the factory radio was a significantly less capable device as compared to an aftermarket device and was smaller and less expensive than what a manufacturer offered that was equivalent

 

Actually NAVTEQ is one of the data providers for Toyota's Nav system. I agree that auto manufacturers have their own unique way of accessing and displaying the data but the basic data comes from only a few sources. Here's a picture of the DVD from a recent Prius (stole it from another post, sorry). The players: DENSO, NAVTEQ, GDT & InfoUSA.
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Thanks Andy for you insights into the 5.1 NAV dvd for the '05 Prius. It is good information to know and we appreciate you posting your results!

 

Yes. Thanks for the reply. Sounds like the map data is newer. Any experience with the POI data. Have you noticed any restaurants, etc that are missing even thought they've been around a few years?