97 Navigation System

[BCarrara]

I am considering getting a 2008 9-7 with the navigation option. What are some of the key features. I looked at the unit briefly in the show room. Does it have text to speech like many aftermarket units. In other words, does it say, turn left or will it say the streeet name as is Turn Left onto Main Street. Also, will it say the name of the exit of highways. Is the voice changeable or is it only one option. About how many POI does the DVD contain and do they display icons like a Shell logo or an Exxon logo for a particular gas station...my friend's Lexus does this? Lastly, is there any upgrade DVD available or planned and how reliable is the mapping. What are everyone's thoughts...also, can it be adjusted while driving or does it have a "safety lock out" that prevents changing routes when moving. Thanks in advance...

[watchez]

I have the navi in my 97x aero. I'm impressed so far with its accurancy and voice and screen quality. I will try to post answers to your specific questions tonight.

[watchez]

It doesn't say turn by name for streets. It does state highways. touchscreesn is user friendly. I believe it has the safety feature. It is a much easier system to use than my 06 cts.

[spartanrob]

This is the first Nav i've had in my car (08 9-7x) It works very well. Yes the POI's show little logos (McDonalds, BurgerKing, etc). Does not announce street names but does tell you to 'take the next right'.

I want to add a question. Is there any way to get traffic updates on the screen?

[BCarrara]

I understand that there is an update DVD available for the map, I wonder if they could make text to speech a sofware update? Many if not all aftermarket (including my current Garmin) as well as my friends Nissan 350Z have text to speech where it will announce the street name as well as direction. I can't imagine it would be too difficult to implement...Anyone get the update DVD map and is it free?

[watchez]

I just got mine so I probably won't look into the dvd update until first service assuming that is true. It isn't a perfect system but overall I think the excellent audio and very good touch screen make up for the lack of text to speech. I actually gave away my garmin nuvi with text because i'm that satisfied.

[Butters]

Does anbody know if it uses the same map dvd as the 9-3 and 9-5? I ask because I might get it next time I visit the States, but I need European maps.

[sellforsaab]

This is the first Nav i've had in my car (08 9-7x) It works very well. Yes the POI's show little logos (McDonalds, BurgerKing, etc). Does not announce street names but does tell you to 'take the next right'.

I want to add a question. Is there any way to get traffic updates on the screen?

The car is not interacting with any computers that send that type of data, so that is not possible. however, if you have XM radio active you can tune into that if you are in a major city.

[BCarrara]

At the least, it would require the XM receiver to inegrate into the navigation system and software. I had a Garmin StreetPilot and live in the NYC area and it included an XM receiver that received traffic updates, overlayed the traffic info on my route and altered the route (automatically or with prompt). Considering that the 9-7 has both the GPS, Nav System (in my 9-7), XM radio and Onstar to boot...this must be a way to have them "communicate" and it may only require a software re-write. Very possible, whether or not it will be done is another story. Several other car makers have it (Acura, etc.) When you think about it...several aftermarket nav systems Garmin, Magellan, etc. have it and are at less the half the price!!! Maybe we should push for it?? Thoughts? While we are at it we should push to have the memory mirrors and curb view assist work also. Just a thought :) I wonder who we would have to appeal to?

[sellforsaab]

I agree with all of your points...but with the 9-7 only sticking around for another year or so I don't see it happening. The most evolved nav system I know of that GM has is on the 9 3's. But I am still not sure if it is capable of what you want.

I would suggest going to gm.com and voicing your wants and needs there. I would assume there is a link to post such items. GM is truly interested in what their customers want. At least that is what I hear everytime from our GM reps.

[cz9h3d]

The 9-7X navigation does not do "Text to Speech" (i.e. announce the street names). It says "next left", "next right", etc.

I've got the manual in PDF if anyone can tell me how to post (or send me a message with your email).......it's 1.4Mb

[watchez]

Though it does say the name of major highways, eg Garden State Parkway etc