Just considering taking the plunge and going for the Columbus for the Octy however I already own a nearly new TomTom Live XL and I'm wondering ow the nav compares? Is it any good? I have to say my only experience of VW group nav was in a 2yr old A3 and I can honestly say I nearly took a hammer to it!

Any advice / comments appreciated!

You cant have speed camera alerts if thats what you need. Otherwise many have said it's just as good - if not better.

I'd have a columbus, but all my spare cash goes into the baby fund :(

I went from a TT720T to a RNS510 and the only thing that bugs me on occasion is the lack of full postcode search.

Other than that I think the whole system as a complete package is fantastic. As a nav on it's own the TT would win hands down. But it's everything else it does that makes it soooooo good

See if there are any members near you and see if you they will give you a quick demo. I'm happy to if your near folkestone.

Carl:thumbup:

Edited 26 August, 200916 yr by Mater

Gadget... babies are rubbish - a Columbus doesn't make smells or cry!!!

LOL, I'll let you explain that one to SWMBO

SWMBO can play baby dvd's on the columbus !!!!!!!!!

The Colombus is a great piece of kit, hence why I have removed it from my existing car and have had it fitted into the new car that I am due to pick up any day.

Not only is the sat nav really good, especially with the automatic zoom, and the navi showing in maxidot, the quality of the sound from the unit is far far superior to the stream radio that was fitted as standard before I removed it.

And it does not keep falling off the windscreen

Definitely worth the money IMO

For years I used TomTom on a pocket PC - since getting the Columbus, TomTom hasn't seen the light of day!

The thing is TomTom's have come on in leaps and bounds and I can tell you for certain that your old Pocket PC version simply can't be compared to the latest models. I have full postcode search, google search, speed cameras, traffic, POI's, Motorway junction detail, the list goes on. What I DON'T like is the monthly fees!

Speed cameras are not really an issue - I use an Origin B2 which has served me well for over five years and knocks any satnav based solution into a copped hat. I can seriously recommend if you want to save your license!

I am very concerned to hear the Columbus hasn't got full postcode search. I mean what the hell is all that about? What is the use of a satnav without this feature? Its the best way of entering destinations as its so quick - It takes me literally 15 seconds to program a route into the TT and finding out I've got to do this "longhand" in a Columbus has got me seriously considering fitting a decent Alpine head unit or something and keeping the TT to use as and when.

BTW - they don't fall off the windscreen anymore either!

I seriously like the Columbus but I'm not pleased about the lack of postcode search. Also there appears to be SO much confusion regarding models, firmware and stories of dead units from ebay...........

Another vote for the Culumbus here

BTW - just as with a TomTom, you can set destinations from the comfort of your own home & store 'em to an SD card - then navigate from that... haven't got around to trying that bit - YET!!

Doesn't this need the firmware upgrade as discussed here http://briskoda.net/ice-security-insurance/latest-fw-rns-510-columbus-2660-2666-2662-2668-2664-a/155343/?

I've tried SD destinations with my unit and it failed to recognise them, but I see from here -

4. SD Card entries now viable for Navigation (not sure if they had this before ive never noticed it)

The SD option has appeared.... Has anyone tried load destinations using this new option yet?

You use the VW Nav companion to do so: Volkswagen Nav Companion - It's How the People Go.

(enter postcode, clcick go then click on red marker)

Although I haven't tried it yet, will do after fw update;)

Another vote for the Culumbus here

Doesn't this need the firmware upgrade as discussed here http://briskoda.net/ice-security-insurance/latest-fw-rns-510-columbus-2660-2666-2662-2668-2664-a/155343/?

I've tried SD destinations with my unit and it failed to recognise them, but I see from here -

The SD option has appeared.... Has anyone tried load destinations using this new option yet?

I've got the new download working, and yes, SD destinations do work, and make the nav system even better, as you are not relying on 4-digit postcodes.

Go to the VW site mentioned above, put in a postcode, click on the red teardrop on the map, and download the destination into a file called destinations on your SD card. Make sure that's on the same SD card as your music, otherwise you'll have to take your music card out.