i think you can change the TMS from classic FM to other stations,  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

as far as i know, from what i have read and also asked the SATNAV is unable to have any downloaded POI's, such as McDonalds, Burger King, Speed Trap and KFC etc

I have heard people have been able to edit the DVD to include this on a BMW satnav but the FL2 works in a completely different way.

I would love to be able to so if anybody has/does find the way let me know

I have no experiance of the LR sat nav but have a used TT720 extensively.

I think the main choice here is one of 'integrated' v ' none integrated'.

The TT and other dedicated unit will 'always' outstrip a built in unit in terms of custom downloads, update-ability and feature sets in general.

As an example my 720 currently boasts:
- real time map updates
- real time traffic updates from a data feed off my phone (runs over bluetooth). TMC off analogue radio is not reliable
- traffic cam updates
- software upgrades as the become available.
- mp3 player with FM transmitter so it can play through car audio or hard wired (my preferance)
- hands free calling from phone - links to phone via bluetooth - dowlnloads the address book etc etc.
- my nephew giving traffic directions - you can record your own voices - very cute!
- bespoke splash screen and colour themes
- photo album from an SD card
- pacman and other games!!
- it doesnt have a link with wheels but it has dead reckoning so when you go under tunnels it can pretty much guess where you are based on your entry speed. Do you often go through the mont blanc tunnel anyway?

It doesnt have special 'off road' features but how often will you use them compared with playing pacman??!

The TT is an ideal choice for someone like me who has a GS as you get mp3 player, handsfree phone and sat nav in one hit.

If you check out my photos you can see I have the security figured as well - kind of. If I lay down the unit with the rubber mat on top it hides it completely - or I can unplug it in 10 seconds if I can be bothered.

I would have loved to have an integrated unit so I gave it my best shot and did a 'no wires' solution that you can find in my other post and gallery.

If you want the integrated look then go SE otherwise save the wedge and go XS improve your pacman score!

S. '57 GS TD4 in Stornoway. Privacy, Leather, Tred Cills. From ebay etc.. 18" 12 spoke HSE alloys, rear spoiler, clear side repeaters with clear leds, led interior light to replace bulbs, sports exhaust trim, TomTom 720.
Favourite Off road vehicle, still my Santa Cruz Mountain Bike! http://www.team-banana-racing.com

Last saturday, I got my FL2 S with a Kenwood SatNav installed by the dealer. For those who have used the Garmin Nüvi, it is very similar (actually, it is powered with a Garmin software). I like it very much and it fits into the "black hole" of the FL2.

It is an interesting alternative to consider! It is cheaper than the LR SatNav and you don't need to buy the higher version in order to be able to have the option available (in Belgium, you need the SE or HSE version). It saved me 1000 euros on things of the SE I didn't have on my wishlist and 700 euros on the SatNav.

I do see what you mean Scotster. That's a big list of benefits for a the non-integrated solution. However, one of the main reasons I chose the HSE I have just ordered is because the built in system will be more convenient and safer.

We are forever being told of the danger of leaving signs of a portable Sat Nav device that advertise there might be something worth nicking if someone breaks in and forces the glove box. That means packing away all the wires and hiding the device in the car, or taking it with you whenever you get out. I already have to carry my keys, wallet, phone and diary. I don't really want to also be lumbered with yet another device.

For the past few years I have been driving my Volvo S60 with a built in Sat Nav - it has a little 7" screen which rises out of the dash when the ignition is on. The car's drive may be fairly dull, but the built in system is very convenient because it can't be nicked, I can't forget it or loose it, and it's always in the car.

While on holiday in Portugal last year I used the Sat Nav on my Nokia phone. I did enjoy the extra features on my phone, however, on balance although the built in system doesn't have as many features as a portable system I am prepared to sacrifice the 3D display, the up-to-the minute traffic info and added POIs for the convienience of a larger built-in screen I can forget all about and don't have to worry about.

Hi Alex.

I agree - if you have to take it out all the time it is another one of lifes little modern annoyances.

Thats why I have 'stealth mode'. It makes life a lot easier..

Scotster. '57 GS TD4 in Stornoway. Privacy, Leather, Tred Cills. From ebay etc.. 18" 12 spoke HSE alloys, rear spoiler, clear side repeaters with clear leds, led interior light to replace bulbs, sports exhaust trim, TomTom 720.
Favourite Off road vehicle, still my Santa Cruz Mountain Bike! http://www.team-banana-racing.com

The Satnav determined the level of spec of SE for me and I have no complaints (as yet). Whilst Traffic info is provided carried via Classic FM, the only update I am aware of is that you would need to purchase a DVD yearly update  Freelander 2 - SE
Sumatra Black - TD4 -4X4 Jack Russel in boot.

when you do send me a copy  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

September is the date for my update  Freelander 2 - SE
Sumatra Black - TD4 -4X4 Jack Russel in boot.

I bought the GS model then bought a garmin Nuvi 250W. It does everything I want in a Satnav, is a lot cheaper than LR's, fits in the hole in the dash nicely, has a sexy voice to boot and I've decided to call her "Suzi Satnav"  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

avtur wrote:

npinks wrote:

as far as i know, from what i have read and also asked the SATNAV is unable to have any downloaded POI's, such as McDonalds, Burger King, Speed Trap and KFC etc

I have heard people have been able to edit the DVD to include this on a BMW satnav but the FL2 works in a completely different way.

I would love to be able to so if anybody has/does find the way let me know

So I guess if one is comparing TomTom vs Built in Satnav this something to consider. Must admit i'd be lost (no pun intended!) without my downloaded poi files.

No known way to edit the KIWI format map files on the DVD to add POIs yet, sorry

My experience of prior portable satnav was a Navman, it was great while the sun was shining! and several 'dead' spots were annoying- now in my daughters FLR1, she gets lost easily anyway  Freelander 2 - SE
Sumatra Black - TD4 -4X4 Jack Russel in boot.

The plus side of built in satnav is the wheel sensor for when you're out of range (in a tunnel), that fact that it knows where it is instantly and the built in 'look & feel'. Other than that, any built in sat nav is IMO is no better than a tomtom. I've used the Merc command system and have the FL one in our SE. Yes they look great, but functionally they aren't really any better than a tomtom.
In terms of updates, our 2 year old tomtom has recently been updated online with lots of new functionality FOC. I was also able to add speed cameras and other POIS. Even if these things were available, an inbuilt system is going to need a new dvd at the owner's expense (normally more than the cost of a new tomtom) making it a very uneconomic option.

The SE has several other niceties that enticed us over the GS (split root, part leather, heated seats etc) and as the satnav is included that's fine, but I wouldn't have paid money specifically for it. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!

As I may have mentioned before (yawn!) I cover a lot miles up and down the length of th UK, I'm constantly surprised at the number of premium cars (e.g.BMW, Mercs and the like) I see sporting portable satnavs. I've even seen the odd Roller and Bentley with a TT stuck on the windscreen. I can only presume that the 'safety camera' warnings are of particular interest??

One of the things about the tomtom is that it is on the screen directly in the line of sight, so you can look at it whilst still watching the road.
The FL is better than most but it's still too low IMO. You have to look away from the road to read it. As it often takes more than just a glance to get the info you need, especially if you don't use it that regularly, this can be quite distracting. The MB one is even worse, right in the middle of the dash. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!