car GPS - builtin vs PND

Some friends have their old BMW's with the CDrom based GPS nav system.
And their kids have TomTom's for xmas.

I have a Garmin nuvi 260 -

SO... I was wondering, with all the tech being built into cars,
with MP3 players, internal drives, along with the nav systems,
how does a "builtin" system compare with a handheld PND ?
Aside from the physical logistics or simple builtin vs slapping it on the
windshield...

What else can you do with the builtin systems
with things like software & map updates, custom POI's, and all the other
expanded feature sets ?



--
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"If everything seems to be going well,
you have obviously overlooked something." - Steven Wright

I would never have a built-in GPS, primarily because of the theft problem.
My Garmin 2730 uses a beanbag mount, which can be stowed behind my right
heel before I park...there is nothing to indicate that I have a GPS,
certainly not a roof antenna.

My second problem is with service. I have had three Garmins, and when I had
to call tech service I was always treated well and had my problem (usually
self-inflicted) solved. If my built-in system comes up with a hiccup, and I
don't know who made it, do I go to the dealership and explain the symptoms
to the clueless service writer? And leave the car behind while they research
their sources No thanks.

My 2730 does everything I want it to do, and could do more...it has bells
and whistles that I am not interested in and would not purchase if given a
choice.


Bob Gardner