If new gadgets are coming to this model's PCM for 2009 I don't feel like I am missing out. Perhaps I prefer simplicity as I have never used my Nav, stop watch , and don't even have a multi function steering wheel . It's not that I am anti gadget , but I do feel that while driving I would rather focus on driving . If the choices are there it's okto have but I don't care if they aren't.

I got a taste of new technology with this recent M3. It has so many capabilities that I'm almost inclined to think that if everyone on the road has cars like this the accident rate would climb . The time it takes to look at the screen and try and figure out a new setting has got to lure some drivers to attempt it . Not me though . I don't .

My girlfriend loves the ipod, and nav, and the M button . From the moment she saw the car this was appealing to her. I get in the car and don't even turn on the radio much of the time . I like the sound of the engine , the road , and silence . Yep - noise is easy to find but peace and quiet I prefer. I like the M button though --A lot !

If I recall correctly from day one when the salesman demonstrated the Porsche the Nav is a woman's voice . I really never used it. I may be wrong . The BMW is a male voice . I wonder how this is decided by manufacturers .

If you are thrilled aboit the gadgets -- this threads for you to share the positive side of these options .

If you are not thrilled -- or fairly indifferent (like me) -- and want to add your thoughts please do.

 

Gadgetry does entertain when ur stuck in traffic, nice waste of time exploring it when u have nothing better to do.

Although the BMW one is abit OVER, too many settings and too little buttons... so navigating through them takes alot of attention, specially when driving.

 

Im sure you can change the voice from a woman to a mans.. on my rover I can change the NAV voice from a womans to a mans.. and their accent.

 

It's about time Porsche offers the same level of tech goodies that you can get on a $15,000 Dodge. I'm all for them getting with the times. The nice things to have finally will be bluetooth, ipod connectivity, touch screen, and storage space for music. But on the other hand, it can be overdone, as in BMW's idrive system which is not very intuitive and overly complicated, or the GT-R interface which has more info than you can possibly use and drive at the same time.

 

The touchscreen is going to make it easier to dial in your address thus making it less dangerous to use imo. That's if you're going to use it at all.

 

BT is very important to me. I drive on curvy roads, and am called frequently since I am a neurosurgeon. It's BT or an auto. Hate wearing one of those ear things. The intergrated packages work far better than my garmin/BT that I have in my 928.

 

I would like it if porsche didnt offer nav on certain cars,GT3,GT2. Kinda takes away from the purity of it in my mind...different strokes i guess

 

The multi-function steering wheel is a waste of money.

 

Only because it should be standard IMO, or at least a free option. It looks better and offers functionality. Keeps your hands on the wheel when changing the radio station or volume, turning on the phone, cruise control, etc. Kind of sad when a base Chevy Aveo comes with a multi-function steering wheel but you have to pay extra to get one on a car with a base price of $130,000.

 

Couldn't agree with you more...Completely unintuitive and limited.

 

Yep --when I upgraded to the Techart wheel I opted out of it a second time around .

 

In your case there is a practical side to the gadgets. I suppose it boils down to the specific needs of the individual .

Perhaps I am still overwhelmed by the M3 having so many functions . To learn them all BMW ought to offer a class .

In contrast I feel more relaxed when I drive my 997tt in the absence of these items .