Visual Boost or Radio Boost

[Lost Prophet]

Hi,

I've just ordered a Mini Cooper D on Monday and wasn't aware of what the Visual Boost was. This looks pretty cool from what I have seen

Any recommendations to order or not to order it? I have an iPhone so feel that I could just my iPhone for the features that it brings. Am I right?

Also, I have a SatNav App on my iPhone. Does the video link mean that I could get the SatNav from my iPhone on the Visual Boost screen?

Also, do you have to pay for Mini Connected and the related iPhone apps?

Quick response would be appreciated as I will need to contact the dealer ASAP as the build will be starting soon

[wlegge]

I'm in a similar situtation where I'm looking to buy a mini with the media pack etc and I have an iphone too.

Mini Connected is free to use on the iphone (ie the app is free) but you need to buy mini connected in the car. Data is used on your talkplan obviously

No, the iphone satnav won't be put on the screen

Yes, it's pretty cool

Media pack is the way to go - you get visual boost, nav and connected all in one package - together with full bluetooth and voice control. Job done.

[Lost Prophet]

Quote: Originally Posted by wlegge (original)

Media pack is the way to go - you get visual boost, nav and connected all in one package - together with full bluetooth and voice control. Job done.

This would be far to expensive. All I fancied was the iPhone connection but if I won't be able to see my SatNav App for example on the screen then all it would be used for is a pretty Album Artwork display and general vehicle menu - not really worth £350.00

I assume I get the phone connection as standard with the Chili Pack so still have the mobile connection

Just called the dealer anyway (wanted to save any sales talk for if I could add it) and he said its too late to order it BUT he clarified my thoughts that it isn't worth the £350 (he laughed saying it isn't THAT good when I asked about the SatNav App connection). TBH, from what he said the Mini Connect at the moment isn't that great

[wlegge]

yep thats my understanding too.

I'm ordering the media pack as I want the built-in nav, so for me the whole 'connected' and 'visual boost' thing is just an added bonus.

The chili pack includes basic bluetooth for phone calls etc but I don't think it supports bluetooth music streaming. You'll get the aux socket under the central switchpack too so you'll be able to link your iphone/pod in there to be able to use it (no need for visual boost).

[zippy.mini]

If you don't have the visual boost screen, how do you navigate around the iphone music menus and choose what you want to listen to (I'm asking because I'm intrigued - not because I know the answer)?
I spec'd the media pack and my thoughts are that Mini Connected is a waste of time. Maybe it will get better over time, but I've not used it at all in 4 months. I even don't really like the sat nav because it lacks some features that I had on my Navigon that I really miss. I'm not even sure I'd have the full bluetooth and voice control again - especially the latter as I've never used it! I did use the bluetooth to play music from my iPhone but you still have to change tracks and albums etc on the phone so I find it's easier using the screen and the little joystick when it's connected via USB....

My personal opinion is that the visual boost screen is well worth the £350 because it looks so much better than that stupid speedo, even if you can still navigate and control the iphone without it