HD radio, yes. But you get turn by turn directions via Sync if you get the Sirius travel link subscription (~$4/mo). No wires, just voice commands.

 

The beauty of the driod app market is that they are teaming up with ford to integrate with Sync. There is a development kit and many major apps are already compatible with the system (Pandora for example). Hands free app integration with the Sync system is constantly expanding. With the amazing voice recognition software on the droid you can simply make voice searches for navigation (which is safer than using the distracting EP's GIANT screen )

http://www.syncmyride.com/Own/Module...per/about.aspx

Droid has subscription free navigation that's the best looking interface I have ever experienced.

 

I really don't get how people think a freakin' hand-held cell phone nav app offers an equivalent user experience as a fully integrated unit in the car that features a much larger screen and through-the-sound-system, turn-by-turn prompting. It's akin to somebody selling the idea that browsing on an iPhone is equivalent to a full-sized notebook.

It ain't so, people.

 

 

I am not certain but while driving I don't think the EP's screen is useable for touch options as to keep the driver's hands on the wheel.

I agree that the Droid App market is doing a good thing by integrating with Sync. I think that's really cool. Must be easy when Microsoft is developing your Nav system.

I also use AT&T which as of right now has basically no Droid phones worth buying. With us running more Apple products in our house at this point, the Droid phone is about irrelevant at this point. I get a company discount with AT&T also so it's not like I am switching to Verizon any time soon. Verizon hasn't proven its self to me here in the Mid-west.

I don't think Apple is working very hard to get Sync to utilize apps either. This does suck.

All that being said I am a bit more old school in many things even though I am very young. I won't aplogize for evolving into the "developers generation". I tried it in college, I suck at programming and no one is willing to teach it in a way that I understand. I do understand electronics, just not in the way that involves superfluous amounts of silicon processors. I might enjoy Droid phones more if they seemed more put together, organized.

I don't know how or why this is now an investigation into mobile software development but sorry guys.

 

You have never used it then.

Larger screen <---- The driod's screen is MASSIVE for a cell phone, bigger than my Garmin, which i've been using for navigation for years, and bright enough to be seen in broad daylight.

Through-the-sound-system <-------- The Sync system links the car's sound system to the phone through bluetooth. The phone has access to the same mic and speakers the EP does

Turn-By-Turn prompting <--------- You're kidding me right? That is exactly what the driod is capable of. It uses GPS satellite location data updated in real time.

Article from "The Week" on droid navigation:
The navigation is more than sufficient for anyone's needs.

This is EXACTLY what i'm selling. My point is bigger is not always better. How often do you see someone holding a laptop out in front of them while driving looking at directions? Modern cell phones come with more sensors loaded inside them than any notebook in existence. GPS sensors, Magnetometers, Compas sensors, Bluetooth, Wifi, 3G network sensors and more. All with the ability to sit quietly inside your pocket.

The app store is so full of useful free apps that make the droid vastly more powerful than the EP. There is an app called "Trapster" that tracks your trip and warns you whenever you approach a speed camera, redlight cam, or any common police speed trap point. You can even report when you see a cop sitting on the road to warn other Trapster users of the other kind of 5 Oh. I use that in my car more than I use navigation itself.

The Droid, or really any smart phone for that matter, is the next page in modern communication and software application. Drilling in an overpriced piece of hardware that will become outdated the minute it leaves the factory is a horrible waste of money. For gods sake get an iPad if you're worried about screen size. 20% LARGER screen and at it's most expensive, $800.

 

The look alone is worth it for the EP to me. Having a cell phone mounted to the dash looks tacky IMO

 

1. I didn't know that about the EP. Sounds safe but I don't like the idea of having to pull over to enter anything in. What if I have a passenger who could enter stuff in?

2. I didn't mean for this to be a promotion of the Driod itself or an investigation into mobile software. I meant this as a comparison of EP to Smart phones in general and how it is a far better choice over the expensive nav.

 

You just say the address, don't type it. Or get a LockPick and do that to input on the fly for your pass. if you choose.

 

I have an Android phone with navigation and I had a car with in-car NAV and have ordered the EP. NO question, the in-car stuff is WAY better.

I was using my G1 (Google phone) last night for navigation and it does work well but I found myself having a hard time hearing the "navigator" as the phone was too robotic and it wouldn't automatically turn my stereo down if it was too loud so I had to continue competing with which volume I wanted to hear at which time.

Droid = good, EP = better.

For that matter one could argue a $10 atlas (remember those, old farts?) and a little planning would be better than the droid. But it's not.

 

Correct. I neglected to mention this earlier. Thanks!


An interesting mention on the phone integration, a few years ago, Ferrari had a car without a standard radio, you just plugged in an iPod or iPhone into a dock where the radio would be.
http://www.car411.com/ferrari-f430-s...od-as-a-radio/

This could be a more efficient use of the dash as an option, without having wiring in the car. Just have a dock adapter. Probably not cost effective though. At this point, maybe that Atlas is sounding pretty good. Hell, maybe I can resurect Magellan and throw him in the back seat.

CodeMonkey, I know you weren't trying to advocate a Droid revolution in the post, I'm not trying to burn you on the subject, you just might need to see how hard up you seem about Droid phones. If I could get one reasonably I might, but it's not very reasonable for me.

When your first venture in to GPS beside Pioneer's AVIC systems is this:

It's easier to see why the EP is just a comfort thing.

 

No problem. I think it's a nice additional set of options for those who might want it.

I still carry an atlas in my car. GPS is nice, but rationale and a sense of direction can always prevail. Besides, atlases don't need batteries to run.

 

I have a Garmin... that has voice turn-by-turn and a moderate size screen. You really need to have a center stack screen to follow directions?

 

You don't, but it makes it nice because it's one less thing you have to dig out of your console or glovebox and put up, plug in, etc. You can focus on the other things and it's just "there".

 

Get the NAV over the Brembo's. And a Droid doesn't compare to an in-dash unit. 1/2 the time you won't even mount your phone.

As a compromise to the original question - go half way and order the optional 19's. Cheaper than the Brembos, gives you the look and you won't have to worry about finding a winter wheel (If needed) that will go over the brakes.

 

Yeah, my Dad tought me cars and so even when I was a kid in the back of his Monte Carlo SS, I always had the big Atlas book.
I swear there are about 5 maps of Texas in my car now.

I do still plan on the 19's if I don't go Brembo. I am patient enough, I would really like to see what wheels do and don't work with that package. If the wife gives me the OK to lower the car then I might stick with the stock sliders up front and just go for a very attractive look. Similar to karnutt's.

 

1.) You should drop the Shaker (not Kicker, which doesn't even really make decent sounding equipment anymore) 1000 off your list, as you can't get it with the EP anyway, and if you don't get the EP, you shouldn't waste your money on the S1000.

2.) You have to get approval to lower your car? Jeez, I'm never getting married ...

3.) This is irrelevant, but I know myself. I am one of the few here who actually LOVE the Brembo Pkg wheels. BUT, I KNOW I would eventually change them just to switch things up. Depending on what I planned to do with the car, I would maybe even change up the brakes (front and rear lol), but even so I would get the Brembo Pkg so I have the best handling, best stopping GT from the factory.

4.) The Sync system is going to be constantly upgraded and improved, just like the app stores of many smart phones. I would bet money that it will eventually have its own app store, and sooner than you think. And the EP is more likely to be upgradable than the non EP car.

 

I'm not actually looking into the Shaker 1000, I just made a kitsch name for the subwoofer add on I might be doing from the GT350. Kicker builds the systems for the car. I used to work for them in college.

Ehhh...

I agree here. Every time I see another member with the Brembo cars I am giddy like a school kid, reminds me of the days I used to bask in the glory of pictures of Lamborghini Countachs and Ferrari Testarossas.

Yeah, I see Ford's EP being a pretty successful piece, unlike the regular nav systems from Acura, Honda, so on and so fourth.

 

How long ago was college (you can PM me if you don't want to reveal that you're an old fart publicly jkjk!!)? Kicker, IMO, has gone downhill with their stuff. Their amps are still underrated and bulletproof, but their speakers and subs are...decent at best. You could get better elsewhere for the money. That being said, I forgot about the system they put together for the Shelby, but I think I do remember hearing something about that now.

I think you'll be happiest if you hold off for a little bit and get both options, Brembo Pkg and EP. I would put your order in soon though, before the missus changes her mind! What exterior color are you thinking?

 

It's all good, I was just there about a year ago actually. The military put me a bit behind in my schoolin' so I graduated at 26. I told my boss there from day one that I was a fan of the ZR series of amps and the original Solobaric subwoofers and Reference series Mid range. He agreed and everyone there does too. I will say that their new very high end mid range speakers are incredible, but they come with an incredible price. Most people that work there have been so for many years so they have kept all of their old equipment. I have a few things I didn't have to pay for and I bought a Solo Classic woofer before I left. The idea just popped into my head after I found out they had built the GT350 system and thought well it integrates so easily, that would be one less hassle.

Anyway, I am going to do my best to hold off and get both options.

As far as colors, it's More than likely going to be black. I still like Kona and Sterling though. I don't want a red car but that color (race and Candy) have turned out to be very sexy colors though. Ultimately it will be black. I have a thing for subdued nowadays.