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Erm, sorry you did make that clear last page - it's Map, not Nav, and that's where it draws the GPS position. Thanks for answering all these questions!

(and yeah a cell phone video would be awesome still lol) :)

@archibaldcrane - The icon on the APPS bar is the same as with the Tech package, but labeled Maps instead of Nav. The Google Maps presentation on the screen is the same as with the Tech package, with the current location pointer in the center of the map that tracks along your path of travel as you drive, just like the Tech package. What's missing is any option for the app to guide you from point A to point B, or draw the route on the map. There is no map data displayed on the instrument panel.

Two things I haven't mentioned before is the map screen has buttons to switch between a satellite view map and a 2D drawn map, and also to turn on or off Google traffic. The default is satellite map and traffic on. The traffic feature doesn't provide any written alerts, but does draw a green, yellow or red outline along freeway routes from data obtained, presumably, from the speed sensors in the roadway. I'm also presuming the Tech package Nav will do this too.

The traffic feature doesn't provide any written alerts, but does draw a green, yellow or red outline along freeway routes from data obtained, presumably, from the speed sensors in the roadway. (stevenmaifert)

Not exactly. Data is from other Google Maps users, such as yourself:
http://googleblog.blogspot.de/2009/08/bright-side-of-sitting-in-traffic....

@steven- thanks for all the continued info- it's really great! Here's another question for you- in our current car I can have my iPhone 5 plugged into the car via the iPhone port and since the 5 has voice turn by turn directions on it, those directions play through the car speakers (found out by accident). Is this possible with the S? I don't know if all of the info gets transferred via the USB port or the bluetooth option in the S... Thanks in advance!

archibald;
Have you examined the Cinergi videos? Some fairly extensive footage of the navigation and maps there.
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/10637-Cinergi-s-Model-S/pa...

Can anyone comment on the question from BigTex? I don't have a smart phone to see if it works.

I'll try it tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure it will work. On my Ford, anything that plays through the speakers on the phone will play through the speakers on the car via Bluetooth.

I received a non-tech-package Model S today, and can answer this one (for my phone at least):

since the 5 has voice turn by turn directions on it, those directions play through the car speakers (found out by accident). Is this possible with the S? I don't know if all of the info gets transferred via the USB port or the bluetooth option in the S... Thanks in advance!

Using bluetooth with an Android phone (Galaxy Nexus), ALL audio from the phone (including the phone's turn-by-turn nav AND music) are played through the car stereo... it's a lot like the car is plugged straight into the audio jack of the phone.

One downside is that when bluetooth audio is coming in from the phone, it can't be mixed with the car's streaming radio: ie, either you phone is navigating and playing music OR the car's streaming radio is playing. Due to this fact, I'm ever-so-slightly regretting skipping the tech package... I hope that the S's navigation is eventually sold as a software update independent of the hardware that comes in the tech package.

I knew I had promised to get back on this issue, but I couldn't remember what thread. Thanks, Stu, for bringing it up.

Yes, when my Bluetooth-connected iPhone 4 is selected as the audio device in the car's media app, ALL audio that would normally play through the iPhone's speakers is routed through the car's speakers. This includes turn-by-turn directions in iPhone apps such as Waze and Google Maps, music, etc. My Rhapsody music service plays great through the car's speakers, and the touch screen has play-pause-skip controls and album art. I do have the Tech package and the upgraded sound system, but I doubt that either of these options is necessary.

These features are available over Bluetooth, but not yet over USB.

Do you have to use the FOB to lock the car without the tech package?

becky@willbraff - "Do you have to use the FOB to lock the car without the tech package?" Yes.

For those of you debating over whether or not to get the tech package:

I took delivery of a 60kw on 2/2 and specifically did not want the tech package because I did not want to wait for a motorized rear hatch to open and close.

Xenon head lights? Who cares?
Electrochromatic side view mirrors? Mine work just fine
HD back-up camera? My camera works great!
Fog lights? Well, I have lights is there any data to suggest that LED fog lights are safer?
Automatic keyless entry? Really? I have that without the tech package, the only difference is that I have to press a button to lock the car. Can you press a button for $3750? I thought so.

The only reason to get the tech package in my view is for the Homelink and $3750 is a lot of money to pay for Homelink.

@kevjo I think you can get a homelink on Amazon, which was what I was thinking :
http://www.amazon.com/Liftmaster-895MAX-3-Button-Frequency-Remote/dp/B00...

or I would maybe go for a homelink mirror with auto dimming?
http://www.amazon.com/Gentex-GENK40A-Homelink-Mirror-Auto-dimming/dp/B00...

@kevjo
You didn't mention a biggie: Turn-by-turn navigation, but yea, still overpriced.

I got the tech package mostly because of the navigation. It wasn't clear exactly how limited the mapping and navigation would be without the tech package. We only saw and test drove cars with the tech package. Checking the box is expensive, but seemed to be the wise choice to avoid disappointment at delivery.

Kevjo,

Xenon headlights are a big deal and worth a lot of bucks. So much brighter as to be nearly unbelievable. However, at this price, it should have the cornering headlights found on all BMW and MB vehicles that have xenons.

@Pungoteague_Dave | FEBRUARY 7, 2013: However, at this price, it should have the cornering headlights found on all BMW and MB vehicles that have xenons.

There are corning lights (LEDs) on the tech package. Maybe you mean lights that move with the direction of the steering wheel?

For homelink I plan on installing the Infinity Mirror with HomeLink. It looks like a good style to fit with the car - maybe even the existing mirror is from Infinity?

http://www.homelink.com/afterMarketHomeLink

I don't think you can replace the non-tech package rearview mirror - it still contains several sensors, including the light sensor for the auto-headlights and rain sensor. It's also electrochromatic, so it's not a basic unit.
The only thing I would recommend getting the tech package for is if you plan to use the rear jump seat option - there's no way for kids in the back to close the hatch themselves. You'll have to get out and close the lid after every time they get in or out.

@mai - It does? Well that stinks... Hmm. It sounds like I might have to go with a custom headliner install then. Unless the sensors aren't actually in the mirror but in the mount? As for electrochromatic, that's just a fancy word for auto-dimming isn't it? The after market mirror I was looking at is auto-dimming too.

I have had my car for a week and I am very happy without the tech package. My homelink is clipping the garage buttom into the cubby below the screen. Works perfect. My wife loves all the interior and outside lights when the car is unlocked by me pressing the button twice from the outside of my pocket. Never had all the Tech features and don't miss them.

You actually do not need the fob to lock or unlock the doors if you don't have the tech package.
Unlocking requires you touch the handle. In settings for the car, you can set the car to auto-lock after you get out.