Ford drivers in the U.K (except Ranger and 2009 Ka owners) now have a new navigation option. Called the MirrorNavi, this is a 3.5-inch touch screen navigation system and rear-view mirror combination.
The Garmin / Wollinkom MirrorNavi has voice prompts, voice recognition, lane assistance, traffic patterns, is self-dimming and has Bluetooth. It can be bought at any Ford service center (in the U.k) for about $460. Installation is extra.
It's not that we like the nav screen low on the dash, it's just that's what we're used to. What say you? The MirrorNavi keeps eyes up and at least forward, but will it get in the way or cause more distracted driving?
( Cnet )
felonious says:
09:48 AM, 09/ 8/10
I don't think it'll be any less distracting than a lower nav screen, but I don't think it'll be any more either. I question the wisdom of making it a touchscreen, though. It seems like a pretty far reach, and a bump while driving may change the angle of the mirror/nav.
93aero says:
09:50 AM, 09/ 8/10
i find it much easier to look down-ish then sorta across and up, especially if you need to see detail. 3.5 inches is ok, but i think in some confusing areas, itll defiantly get you mixed up. U can test it by seeing whats more natural, looking at your radio/nav where it is, or trying to drive while looking at the mirror. i think either way your attention is going to be averted; so id go for looking where the other controls are , seems like a more fluid motion(just a 2nd hand kinda thing). ...Back to detail on maps, the roads in the UK are pretty tricky, youd think a nice full screen would be a plus.
throwback says:
09:58 AM, 09/ 8/10
I don't think it will be more distracting, just different. At least that's my guess, as I don't have a navi unit. I still like reading maps, they force you to pull over and they can keep a copilot engaged. I am teaching my 10 year old how to read a map and he thinks it's the coolest thing. Who knew?
hybris says:
10:13 AM, 09/ 8/10
Smaller mirror is unacceptable and I would rather be lost then blind.
ptcdawg says:
11:01 AM, 09/ 8/10
Costco/Sams has an option similar to this, except you can move it from vehicle to vehicle. Runs $200 and under. Well under at times.
e10rice says:
11:40 AM, 09/ 8/10
Well i knew it was only a matter of time till this happened. I actually prefer the nav in that location. When i used brothers and my friends for my trips thats where i suction in to the window. Its up right next to the rear view mirror, which if your good driver your eyes should be scanning all of your mirrors every 15 or 20 sec. so its not like you have to go out of your way to look at it. Plus its not on my dash or taking up an usable windshield space. This just cleans up any loose wires. I'll stick to the suctioned windshield if this makes it to America.
sniperruff says:
12:18 PM, 09/ 8/10
Smash and grab just got easier.
txdave13 says:
01:15 PM, 09/ 8/10
The Boyo VGT43 (I think that's the model) is pretty much this mirror exactly. Google "GPS Mirror" and you'll get it.
It comes with Bluetooth, as well.
zoomzoomn says:
06:40 AM, 09/ 9/10
That's right where I mount my portable nav in my Armada. It's a great spot.