Last week I made a post about our Outlander's Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS). MMCS refers to a packaged combination that includes a hard-drive based navigation system, a Rockford Fosgate audio system and a wealth of additional add-on features including the ability to rip CDs to the hard drive. For Part Two, I'll detail my experiences with MMCS so far.
Operation: Considering how much stuff Mitsubishi has packed in, MMCS is fairly easy to operate. Most operations are menu-based. The two biggest problems are the lack of a volume knob for the audio system and that it does take some time to learn the menus and the logic behind the organization.
Navigation: Basing a navigation system a hard drive should provide two benefits: more room to store points of interest (POIs) and quicker access and calculation times. How well the Outlander's POIs compare to those found on other automaker's systems is beyond the scope of this post, but suffice to say there are plenty. More obvious is the system's ability to quickly zoom in and out and scroll. There's a definite improvement here, and Mitsubishi has thoughtfully provided a mini joystick on the head unit to allow easy scrolling.
Music Server: As noted before, Mitsubishi has dedicated about a third of the 30GB hard drive to store music files. To use, you simply slide in a music CD into the slot and Music Server will automatically rip the tracks and assign track and artist names via the installed Gracenote software. Music Server also has playlist and search functionality. As I see it, the main advantages to ripping CDs to the hard drive are: 1) one can get true hands-free operation via the steering wheel controls; 2) there's no portable MP3 player to stolen; and 3) it's a lot easier than keeping around bulky CD cases.
However, the functionality of the Music Server is pretty poor, particularly in regards to the more advanced functions. Ripping CDs takes a long time (4X speed) and most of the controls and menu names are just not intuitive. With time, I'm sure an Outlander owner could get the Music Server to work sufficiently to his or her liking, but even then it's just not as easy or as powerful as an iPod (or any other good MP3 player) connected to the AUX port.
Extras: There are some gimmicks here such as the lap time counter, the barometer and the calendar. But the DVD functionality is nice, as are the customizable menus for vehicle maintenance and accessory setup.
Conclusion: Even though MMCS takes a while to learn, it's pretty cool to have. It's very rare to have this much control and customization ability in a 2007 or 2008 non-luxury-brand vehicle. And when you consider that the prices of the navigation system and premium audio system are quite average, what's not to like about getting all the extra content?
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor, Edmunds.com, 6,110 miles
SubyTrojan says:
01:13 PM, 06/ 4/07
Perhaps the lap counter is there for this system's integration into future vehicles such as the Lancer Evolution? Is the lap counter feature available on the current GTS with the MMCS? It was nice meeting you the other week, Brent. Take care up there.
bromans says:
06:08 PM, 06/ 4/07
Though I haven't driven the Lancer GTS, I would assume that the lap counter feature is included (as part of its optional "Navigation and Technology Package"). -- Brent
fxt25 says:
11:17 AM, 06/11/07
@Brent,
Can you tell us to what extend functions are blocked, while driving? Especially in the SATNAV area?
Thanks.
craigm3 says:
06:26 AM, 06/13/07
fxt25 - there is really nothing blocked in the NAV during driving. You can enter addresses, change the map, ask for detours, etc. of course, it's safer if the passenger does it, but it is all active. The only things I know of that are blocked on the MMCS during driving are DVD viewing and bluetooth setup.
fxt25 says:
06:47 AM, 06/13/07
@craigm3
Thanks. That is geat news. I hate it if all the stuff gets blocked. Especially, since I always have a passenger in the care .... not ;-)
Nevertheless, when you say bluetooth setup, do you mean the separate bluetoothe carkit, or does your system have built-in bluetooth?
I don't believe our (European) models have that .....
Cheers,
Anko
craigm3 says:
02:03 PM, 06/13/07
fxt25 - In the US the MMCS has bluetooth built in. In fact I think it comes with any of the premium audio (Rockford-Fosgate) systems. I can't comment on the european models, though. Sorry!
fxt25 says:
10:00 PM, 06/13/07
craigm3 - I see. So, can you control the BT module over the display? Or is it only voice controlled? I mean, when it comes to pairing and all other stuff. Can you, for example, display the address book on the satnav screen?
I think the integration overhere goes no further than the conversation being routed over the audio speakers and the radio going mute. A bit dissapointing that you guys don't know about our models ;-)) . I gues I'll have to find out that last bit for myself.