Okay, one of the people who posted on the topic of the '05 OBW was disappointed that it didn't come with a built-in satellite navigation system.

 

One of the advantages, though, of having a hand-held unit is that you can take the unit with you to another vehicle, and you can walk/run/bike/hike with the GPS unit, too, which you obviously can't do with a car-mounted unit.

 

So I got to thinking: What if the GPS/Satellite Nav unit was modular, and could "pop out" of the dashboard for off-vehicle (or other-vehicle) use? Basically a "docking station" concept for GPS.

 

To get even fancier, the "docking station" in the car could have a module with all the US maps (or whatever country) permanently stored in it, while the hand-held unit could be programmed to hold just the maps that the user needs at that particular time and place. The docking station could also be connected to an external antenna on top of the car and maybe even a larger LCD screen for easier visibility.

 

What do you think? Too quirky/expensive? Considering that Subaru markets its Outbacks as "SUV Alternatives" to people who are involved in outdoor sports activities, I think it would fit right in with their intended customer base.

Garmin and Magellan make some set-ups like you're describing. To get some better info on them, go to the message boards at www.geocaching.com. They have a technical board and lots of nice folks with lots of good GPS toys. (I'm nice, but not technical and I have a simple cheap GPS toy...)

the navigation system is coming...

that's what i was told.

 

date/ eta??

not sure likely 1-2 years but it will be a Subaru factory option...

it's been very popular on the Japanese models and should do well here also.

 

I know a couple of guys that have GPS setups in their cars...

never really inquired what model or how it's installed tho

 

Jamie

I already have 3 handheld GPS units. I do use my Garmin GPS V in the car on road trips, but I really want something that is always there. The Garmin and Magellan car units are possibilities, but I really don't want my car looking like it was Velcro'ed together.

 

FHI is selling Nav systems in Japan, UK, Sweden, Germany, and I am sure other markets. Why aren't we getting it?

 

--Bill