(22-12-2011 01:26am)dandavis1 Wrote: Granted, it's easy to use. But I think it's lacking in features - its just a digital map.
For example, it doesn't show speed limits (which it must know to accurately estimate the ETA?), it often picks the longest route, it doesn't have 'avoid roadblock' and 'travel via' options and the TMC automatically assumes it's better to take the diversion whereas staying in the traffic may be quicker.
I also REALLY miss the way Tom Toms zoom in as you slow down at junctions etc and then zoom out as you speed up.
SatNav technology varies considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer if you want to get really blown away take a look at the HDD Audi systems with 3D terrain mapping/buildings or the 3790t Garmin devices.
However that really isn't the point - the HDD based navigation system in the Evoque is more than just a digital map isn't it? Is it not also the hub for the audio/video system too? It's integrated - no 'toad' sitting on the dashboard or wobbly device hanging off the windscreen. It probably isn't perfect and that'll be fixed with a software update or too I'm sure.
Now on to your why doesn't it know the speed limits if it can calculate the ETA. Actually geo-mapping data is bought in layers of map detail and yes one of those is the statuatory speed limits. However that's said from an ETA calculation point of view that's of little use in central London where the speed limit maybe 30mph but it is unlikely to be achieved very often. Another layer of data shows the known average speed between fixed points - that Nav system will be adding up those that are in the route sections to calculate the ETA.
TMC is an interesting one - given the way the data is derived it is a little removed from real-time howver I reckon (from bitter experience) that there is 50/50 chance of getting caught in traffic on the original route nowadays as a lot of people have TMC enable satnavs so you could change routes and just be in another queue...
If you like TomToms then buy one - I did read that loss of market share is hitting their business so they need your custom or better still buy the Garmin mentioned above (my wife has one for her DS3 and it is simply stunning).