Let us talk about this: the tacky AF infotainment

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland) 10/22/2018 at 12:57 • Filed to: I will never be able to afford a new car with an LCD screen bucause I'm looking for a mid 80's mazda 626

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This is from a Mazda 3, however this type of tack-on infotainment system is becoming more ubiquitous as manufactures are getting lazier about integrating screens into the dash board.

Mazda3:

Honda Accord:

2019 Rav4:

LongbowMkII > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:07

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Just test drive a new corolla hatchback and yeah the screen is tacked on :/

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > LongbowMkII 10/22/2018 at 13:07

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I think it’s a looks dumb now but we will all accept it as the norm in a few years kinda situation.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:07

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When I see these, I think of the headunits from a while ago that had the screen that flipped out and blocked your climate controls when you turned the radio on. 

PartyPooper2012 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:08

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The answer is to not buy them.

I also hate they way they want user to navigate their infotainment.... mouse pad, wheel of destiny, scream bloody murder

I also have to say this about me:

ttyymmnn > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:09

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I wonder if it’s laziness as much as it is going with the phone/tablet aesthetic. Also,  they are placing them up high where they are more in line of sight. Otherwise, you have to bury your eyes in the dash to see them.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:09

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Tack-on infotainment only works when it can fold away.

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:09

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I’m reluctantly getting used to the look. My problem with the screen when I test drove the Miata two years ago was the performance . It wasn’t bad exactly, but we couldn’t quite get the good radio stations, and it was slow. The arrival of CarPlay (finally) would make most things better in my eyes.

But yes, I do prefer integrating the screen into the dash, and that’s becoming an endangered species, it seems.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:11

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Honestly I don’t mind them at all, as long as they work decently. Infotainment systems are low on my priority for deal breakers, unless they’re absolute shit like Cadillac CUE used to be initially.

What I hate is 2 screen setups like what Honda used to have and current acura and infiniti. I found that ignoring tacked on tablets rather than raging about them will make you enjoy the car if it is OVERALL a good one like the Mazda 3 or 6 and new Accord.

For Sweden > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:11

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Hot take: integrated infotainment screens are less convenient while driving than tacked-on screens

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:12

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I have a CX-3, I actually kinda like it.  Ban me if you must

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > PartyPooper2012 10/22/2018 at 13:12

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im kind of glad my e90 doesn’t have Idrive. altho the Bluetooth would be nice.

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 10/22/2018 at 13:13

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As I said below, having it on top of the dash keeps your eyes up.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > winterlegacy, here 'till the end 10/22/2018 at 13:13

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its the only real answer. Screens that can be shut off are great, one that can disappear completely would be awesome .

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:15

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remember 2009 when you had that Garmin/tomtom stuck to your dash? well now its factory equipment and controls your whole car. 

The Ghost of Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:20

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Have you seen the Tesla 3? 

The Ghost of Oppo > winterlegacy, here 'till the end 10/22/2018 at 13:20

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That’s just something else to break.  

PartyPooper2012 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/22/2018 at 13:21

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that’s not that hard to rig up

https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Wireless-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Smartphones/dp/B018E0I01I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540228678&sr=8-3&keywords=radio+via+bluetooth

and 100 more > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 13:21

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The line-of-sight argument makes s ense, but then you also have a glowing rectangle of information, that is probably only perti nent to the current circumstance about 10% of the time,   right in your line- of- sight at all times.

For navigation, it’s awesome to have that data right there where your eyes can grab it. Otherwise, for me at least, I find the extra light source distracting at night. I usually set my dash dimmer as low as I can stand, because I find that extra light distracting. I only need to glance at my dash occasionally. Same for my HVAC and stereo. To the extra glare from an always-on screen just seems annoying.

That said, I do have my phone mounted up on my dash. This is specifically for navigation purposes (of which, I do very little lately).

TechJunky > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:22

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Some manufacturers do it better than others, but I personally take no issue with this design trend.  It typically keeps the screen easily accessible, the overall dash low, and looks better to me than a big bulge in the middle of the dashboard.  I take far greater offense to a poorly designed UI or unacceptably slow performance.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > For Sweden 10/22/2018 at 13:24

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Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > The Ghost of Oppo 10/22/2018 at 13:25

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That whole car should be burned.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chariotoflove 10/22/2018 at 13:26

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I am thinking smart glass and a HUD is next....

TysMagic > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:26

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The Mazda touch screen is not touchable while driving - which I found quite interesting. I don’t touch mine anyway, only use the twist knob thing. Anyway, the worst part is the base model radio that still looks to be hot glued on as well

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > winterlegacy, here 'till the end 10/22/2018 at 13:26

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YES.

fintail > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:28

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I think this is an intentional cue from dopey designers who the tablet look will appeal to hip millennialyz y oufs.

MB got this ball rolling around maybe late 2012:

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 13:29

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 Line of sight makes sense, also a stand alone unit made in batches is cheaper than designing a dashboard around the infotainment.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:30

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All I can do is dismiss your comment. Sorry.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/22/2018 at 13:31

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I don’t remember 2009. I never used a GPS. I used actual paper maps.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 13:31

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I don’t know as it makes much difference whether my eyes flit down a couple more degrees for a moment.  It seems far more important how much attention I give it and for how long.  In my two Kias, the screens are on the same level as the gauge cluster, and they are integrated.

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:32

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I’m holding out for retinal implants linked to the car’s AI by whatever replaces Bluetooth.

ttyymmnn > and 100 more 10/22/2018 at 13:36

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Can’t you turn the screen off and still maintain its functionality?

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 10/22/2018 at 13:38

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I don’t know as it makes much difference whether my eyes flit down a couple more degrees for a moment.

It would be interesting to do a study to find out just how long those flits last. I would bet many people become engrossed in the screen, especially if the UI design is not streamlined or intuitive. At the end of the day, I firmly believe that cars simply have too much inside that keeps drivers from paying attention outside .

and 100 more > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 13:40

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My phone? Yes. But i have no experience w/ the new infotainment screens, can they be turned off?

The Dummy Gummy > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:42

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This guy mapquests....maybe?

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 13:43

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I think that’s the key.  No matter how much the computer can do, I like to do the complicated stuff while parked.  While I’m moving, I like to only do things that take one or two button clicks at most, like changing the radio station.  That’s why I like CarPlay.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:46

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HATE these/ Loved that mine tucked into the dash on the S3.

Milky > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:46

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My dash is thin AF and it looks good.  The screen hasn't bothered me once.  

marshknute > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:48

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I swear you people are old AF.

It’s not 1975 anymore. Screens are NOT something you integrate into a piece of furniture.

Nowadays, a screen is meant to float freely in your line of sight, while allowing the dashboard to remain low, elegant, and unobtrusive.

Nobody looks at a wall-mounted TV and complains that it isn’t integrated into some cabinetry, nor do you look at a phone in someone’s hand and complain that it’s not integrated into their skeleton.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > marshknute 10/22/2018 at 13:50

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Check out my entertainment system:

ttyymmnn > and 100 more 10/22/2018 at 13:51

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No idea. My van was built in 2003. But I have rented some vehicles, lately a Nissan Rogue, and I do believe the screen could be toggled on/off.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Milky 10/22/2018 at 13:52

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It looks like they actually tied on the miata tho. The 3 looks really tacked on.

facw > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 13:52

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Sorry but I would design them this way. Much better to have them up high so the driver doesn’t have to look way down into the center console. You can argue that we should have more touch controls, but if you are going to have a big screen, you want it up, like the instrument cluster, not down like HVAC/radio controls you expect to be usable by touch.

and 100 more > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 13:52

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If so, then I like that.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > The Ghost of Oppo 10/22/2018 at 13:52

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Not like modern cars are ticking timebombs of repair bills anyways.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > The Dummy Gummy 10/22/2018 at 13:55

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Mapquest was sooooo late 1990's. I remember printing out multiple pages from map quest before trips then using a highlighter to trace my route because I printed in black and white.

Funktheduck > and 100 more 10/22/2018 at 14:04

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I have the pictured Mazda infotainment set up. You can completely turn the screen off if you want. I do when I’m driving at night and there’s not a lot of ambient light like country roads.

Second point is they always stand out in pictures but when I’m actually in my car or others, they just blend into the dash unless I’m distinctly focusing on them. 

Funktheduck > ttyymmnn 10/22/2018 at 14:05

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I have a Mazda 3 and you can turn off the screen and it still functions. 

Funktheduck > For Sweden 10/22/2018 at 14:05

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Agreed

Funktheduck > TechJunky 10/22/2018 at 14:10

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I’d rather have my lower, cleaner looking dash than one with a giant hump to hide the fact you’re looking at a screen 

Amoore100 > For Sweden 10/22/2018 at 14:21

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The outgoing S80/XC70 did an integrated screen that was pretty well convenient.

For Sweden > Amoore100 10/22/2018 at 14:22

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I assuming this discussions are about people who are bad at design, not Swedes

Amoore100 > For Sweden 10/22/2018 at 14:29

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You can’t singlehandedly say the Swedes are good at design when the five-knob Sensus system exists.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > marshknute 10/22/2018 at 14:30

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Gotta d isagree. That is an elegant dash that is rui ned by it’s slapped-on infotainment screen. They might as well leave the cords running down the dash to really emphasize the laziness, ( to use your wall-mounted TV analogy.)

Milky > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 14:38

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That 3 had to be close to their first attempt. Just looking at first Mazda 6 interior of this generation, damn thats a fat dash. I’d take either “iPad” dash over it.

syaieya > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 15:36

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My problem is less that there is a floating screen and more that they all have a half inch glossy black surround like its 2008.

People give the iphone hell for a quarter inch notch cutout but this stuff still flies.

user314 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 15:37

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Yeah baby, go full VR-HUD, just like in the Knight Industries 4000!

Initiate Enhanced Imaging !

syaieya > fintail 10/22/2018 at 15:37

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They do seem to be slowly going away from the benz catalog. Now its double wide screen covering the gauges too.

punkgoose17 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 15:46

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Mazda is doing infotainment screens correct. The screen is up high, easy to see and use. The screen is also thin adding to an open cabin feeling.

The Accord is wrong because it has speaker behind it facing the back of the screen.

The Rav4 design looks odd for the design choices for the edges and side profile otherwise it is good.

fintail > syaieya 10/22/2018 at 15:52

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Yep, it is a past design theme now.  CLS has lost it, new G has lost it, new GLE has lost it, eventually the double screen will be the thing - and much better looking in my opinion.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 10/22/2018 at 15:58

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I literally just put one of those in my 328!  Although it blocks the center stack gauges instead.  

Roadster939 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 16:34

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It seems like a design compromise. It looks like the only way they can make it look “sleek”. Otherwise, you’d end up with a fat plastic frame around it look ing like a hump on your dash.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 18:19

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I would much rather just not have the screen all together

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 10/22/2018 at 18:36

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But what were those for and did you really need them?

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 18:42

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In a way it kind of reminds me of dashboards in the ‘70s, with a low profile and then a binacle with the necessary information presented to the driver:

I know, that's not in the center but my point sorta remains the same...

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 10/22/2018 at 18:47

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Clock - no

Gas - sorta

Temp - OMG YES!

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > and 100 more 10/22/2018 at 20:37

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most auto dim, and they are near line of sight, but don’t bloc the view. 

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 10/22/2018 at 21:02

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My only actual gauge is the temp gauge so I definitely make sure to leave that uncovered.  I have thought of swapping to a Sequoia cluster to get oil pressure

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Milky 10/22/2018 at 23:19

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See, I like the “integrated dash” better. Like the 5 series has been great:

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/22/2018 at 23:19

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haha this. or tape them together...

Milky > itranthelasttimeiparkedit 10/23/2018 at 09:46

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Looks like too much mass to me. Also:

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > The Dummy Gummy 12/31/2018 at 11:13

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I think I used Mapquest once. Where you’d print off the step by step instructions . I got lost. Pulled over at a rest stop looked at the map there and figured out where I was.