KentDog

I have been wanting one for a long time now and have put off the purchase for one until this weekend (when I feel I will need one; I will be driving about 1,100 miles cross country). The only thing is, I don't know much about them (they all look the same!).

Everyone at Best Buy recommends the Garmin brand ones. They are supposed to be most user friendly (and reviews support this). However, the model I was looking at (Garmin Nuvi 200W GPS) does not announce streets by name, which I was told to look for. My brother's GPS has this and I like it, but I do not want to sacrifice screen size for this feature at the same price range ($200 is what I am looking at). The Garmin 750 GPS has this feature, but it is double the price. Is it really worth it? I don't care if these things can play MP3s and audio books (fuck that, I already have a CD player and iPod for my car).

I am told the TomTom brand GPSs are not as user friendly, which really turns me off to even considering them. However, I haven't heard anything about Magellan brand. They seem a bit more expensive and I can't tell why.

Also, no one has given me a straight answer about auto updates and if these things require you buy upgrades for new maps. Is Garmin the only brand that you for sure need to buy an $80 cd upgrade to if you want to upgrade (these are released annually)? I was told TomTom automatically downloads for free, but their maps are inputed by non-professionals (which is kind of scary). Any insight into this? How about Magellan?

IainDaniel

I like my Blackberry with GPS :P

The few I have tried, which may not count for alot, the Garmin was pretty simple to use.

Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

Michael Jordan

danzik17

I have a nuvi 300 and it's pretty good. I will say that you should be careful that you don't become dependent on it (I did). I don't drive with it half the time anymore because instead of anticipating a turn half a mile ahead, I was waiting for the "turn left here" that happens like 2 seconds before the turn. It's not good for safety in the long term.l

Ron Paul 2008

Journal: Boom goes the dynamite

min0 lee

Plug-and-Play Navigation Shopping Guide



Plug-and-Play Navigation Shopping Guide

by Dominic J. DeVito
Learn which key features to look for on plug-and-play navigation devices, so you can make the best decision about which one works for you.
Plug-and-play navigation is intended for use in your car, but it's also portable and has a ton of features, which makes it one of the most versatile forms of GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation you can get. The options, of course, can make it difficult to choose which navigation system is right for you. Read below for helpful ways to narrow down your search.

Many plug-and-play navigation devices feature convenient windshield mounts, bright color displays, and touchscreen controls.
Where do you need to go?

• Maps: A majority of plug-and-play navigation systems come with all the maps you'll ever need built right into the system. A few still require that you upload map data from CD-ROMs, but the CD-ROMs are also included, so its just a small extra step to access your maps. If you want to use your system "right out of the box," you'll want a device with the maps built-in. In most cases, you'll get maps of the lower 48 states, as well as major Canadian cities. Some units come with a CD-ROM — along with the built-in maps — that provide maps for areas such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, so you can find your way, even if you're in an out-of-the-way place.
• Points of Interest: One of the more distinguishing features among plug-and-play navigation devices is the number of points of interest, or POI. POI are all the various places along a journey that might make it more fun, more educational, or be of use, such as theaters, museums, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. If you want the greatest number of options for places to stop, rest, or explore, look for a device with more POI. Dash Express, through their two-way Internet connectivity, provides unlimited, up-to-date consumer-rated POI for businesses, products, and services.
• Storage capacity: A good deal of plug-and-play navigation models also offer additional maps available for upload from their brand's website, so if you want a super-detailed map of New York City, or some maps for your upcoming European vacation (for units that work in foreign countries), they're right there for you. If you think you'll be uploading maps frequently, choose a unit with lots of storage space. Some websites offer additional POI as well, in case you wanted to see a more in-depth tour of your destination. In some instances, you can even upload marine and fishery maps

How are you going to mount it?

• Mounting: Most of the devices will come with a windshield mounting bracket (suction cup mount), which is one of the easiest and most easily viewable ways to install the device. these work very well with the smaller plug-and-play devices. Other mounting options include heavy-duty adhesive backing, or what's called a "friction beanbag mount." The beanbag mount is a non-slip paperweight, if you will, perfect for uneven surfaces.

There are many other features which could mean the difference between you choosing one unit or another, so be sure to read each product description before you decide which system is the best one for you.

We hope this how-to-choose guide has helped you decide which plug-and-play navigation device to go with. The more you know, the better choice you can make, and the more you'll get out of your new purchase. Enjoy.

min0 lee

Garmin has raised the bar for portable automotive navigation with the StreetPilot 2610. This capable navigator offers everything you want in an automotive navigation system — automatic route capability, voice prompts and a large color display — for much less than built-in systems.
With the StreetPilot 2610's touch screen and remote control, entering and retrieving information has never been easier. Perfect for both business and vacation, it's turn-by-turn routing and voice prompts get you where you're going accurately and safely. It's fast processor means quick route calculations and map redraws. The 2610 also features a large, easy-to-read screen, built-in maps, and everything needed to download additional map detail and look up points of interest and addresses in seconds. Select maps and transfer data directly to the unit through a USB connection and onto a standard CompactFlash® memory card.
The StreetPilot 2610 now includes a number of new and exclusive software features including:

• Multiple Destinations — Do you want to find the most efficient route for deliveries or sales calls? Users can enter a series of destinations, and the StreetPilot 2610 will automatically sort them to provide an efficient route.
• Road Segment and Area Avoidance — Would you like to avoid traffic tie-ups or roadwork? Users can specify areas and road segments to avoid when calculating routes.
• Find Nearest on Route — Are you running on empty? This time-saving feature allows users to limit searches for gas stations, restaurants, etc., to upcoming points near a route.
• Adjustable Road Class Preference — How about taking the road less traveled? Users can adjust preferences for major, medium, and minor road categories.

The 2610 is powered using the external speaker with 12/24-volt adapter cable or A/C power adapter (both included in purchase). The StreetPilot 2610 also offers WAAS-enabled support to ensure the highest degree of GPS accuracy.

min0 lee

My car radio died so I may replace it with an In dash GPS model.
Pluses...bluetooth, ipod ready, siruis ready and a DVD.
Minus...it's permantly installed in your car so a thief can kill your spirit by stealing your $999.99 DVD/GPS radio.




If you want to maintain the factory look of your dash and add the convenience of a large fold-out monitor, look for an in-dash navigation system. A typical in-dash navigation system consists of a car stereo with a built-in monitor (ranging from 6-1/2" to 7"), a hideaway connection box that contains A/V inputs and outputs, and an external GPS antenna. The stereo mounts in the factory stereo slot in your dash. The hideaway box is usually mounted behind the dash or under a front seat. In addition to CD playback and AM/FM reception, most in-dash systems include DVD playback, so you can watch a movie on the built-in screen when parked. Installation of an in-dash system can be complex, as they require connection to power, ground, the vehicle speed sensor, and the parking brake.
Warning: removing your seat could deactivate your vehicle's SRS system.
Use our In-dash Navigation Shopping Guide for more tips on how to choose an in-dash system. For more detailed information on how to install an in-dash navigation system, see our Navigation Installation Guide.

min0 lee

My garmin came with the free CD.
I've only used once.

DaMayor

I find this to be very effective...

min0 lee

Your showing your age.

goob

Would'nt want to take the wrong turn and smash into that giant bird.

min0 lee

We once passed through there while on a bus ride to Florida, nice place...real quiet.
What really stood out was how much of a slower pace it was compared to NYC.
I like that, here in NYC if you walk too slow you risk the chance of people running over you.

DaMayor

I meant it gives me something to color while I'm driving.

That's why I'm still here.....you yankees are too high strung.

My employee an I were just talking about folks from up North...I personally appreciate the differences. I've been to the West Coast (loonie tunes) PA, Cananda, through N.Y State...didn't stop in NYC, my father-in-law was driving, so our nerves were already fried.

min0 lee

You have to visit NYC once in a lifetime.

DaMayor

I might never come back here......and all of the old ladies in the family would be PISSED.

maniclion

I would never buy one of those. I live on an island, I drive in one big circle and end up where I started or if I started driving with the water on my right side all I have to do to get back is drive with the water on the left.... Actually some of the inland places in the mountains have really bad roads that criss-cross all over, I've gotten so lost in this one spot in Manoa I ended up on the other side of the island somehow.....

shiznit2169

Kentdog, did you end up buying one yet? If so, which one did you buy, where did you buy it and how much was it?

I may need to buy one because i am working in Virginia and the signs are very misleading around here. I got lost a few times so i think it's time i need one since I'll be traveling for business purposes like yourself.

My Journal

KentDog

I actually ended up checking for plane tickets at the last minute and got one for $260 to leave the next morning, so I decided to put off the GPS for now. I was going to get the Garmin Nuvi 260W from Amazon.com at $262 (Best Buy has this one advertised this week at $300). The main reason for deciding to go with this one is that it announces street names (instead of just saying "turn left in 100 feet"). It also has a 4.3" screen, great reviews, and the brand is very reputable. This will be my first pick if I were to get a GPS today.

min0 lee

I don't know about other states but when I went to New Jersey it was a joke the way they have the signs set up.....in most cases there are no signs.
Some are too small, it's a mess there.

The way they usually give me instructions over there is by landmarks...like when you see the old cow bessie you make a left and as soon as you see the water tower you make a right. Awful.

Some parks of Long Island are also bad.

min0 lee

It sounds like a good deal but trust me, you don't really need the announcement, you know if you hit your destination once it say's "100 feet to Destination"
It's not that necessary but if you like it buy it.

shiznit2169

Ya, northern Virginia and parts of Maryland/Wash. DC is terrible. Half the roads don't have signs, some you can't even see them (tree branches blocking the view) and others are just very misleading. I was trying to make my way back to work after having to travel 15 miles to another place for a business meeting and i needed to get off at "Centreville RD". To my surprise, it said "Centreville RD next 3 exits" but it wasn't specific on what it connects to. In my case, i had to get from Centreville RD to Woodland Ave so i took one exit too short and ended up on another turnpike and went the wrong way.

An hour and several toll booths later, i found my way back because some roads were closed and there was also a major accident which slowed things down. I asked around for directions and nobody had a fricken clue. The major traffic during rush hour around here doesn't help either.

My Journal

min0 lee

I wonder who is responsible for putting up street signs?
Is it the City. State or Federal who is in charge of it.

KentDog

Eh, it may not be necessary, but I feel it's worth an extra $60 or so. I think this feature would come in handy on the highway with multiple splits, or making turns on non-main intersections. I went to Chicago over Memorial Day weekend using my friend's GPS that didn't have this feature and I had to continously check the screen to make sure I was about to make the right turns.

Art

Garmin are functionally great, but you buy the mapping software,
and then pay again as you upgrade your hardware.
You only get to register two devices to one mapping product,
so that could be an in-car unit and handheld, then the next unit you buy,
you have to pay for the same maps again.

I have three Garmin GPS units, but can only use two with maps unless I want to pay again

That, and their overly strict activation methods which leave you GPS-less
right before your holiday if you've changed your PC, are the two reasons I wouldn't endorse Garmin.

min0 lee