![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|||||||
| Photo Gallery | Register | Members List | Videos | Blogs | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
| Open Chat General adult talk about life, relationships or whatever you want to discuss.
Sponsored by: HumaneVoLabs.com |
![]() |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
|
#1 |
|
College Grad
|
GPS Devices
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? |
|
|
|
|
|
#2 |
|
My Role Model
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 15,619
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Gender: MALE
Elite Member
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
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?
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. ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
I have this old model.
![]() 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:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
My garmin came with the free CD.
I've only used once. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
On a Perpetual Bulk
Elite Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: ...
Posts: 6,144
|
I find this to be very effective...
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Smartass anthropologist
Elite Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Anywhere, everywhere, nowhere....
Posts: 5,995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#12 | |
|
On a Perpetual Bulk
Elite Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: ...
Posts: 6,144
|
I meant it gives me something to color while I'm driving.
Quote:
![]() 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. ![]() |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
You have to visit NYC once in a lifetime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
On a Perpetual Bulk
Elite Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: ...
Posts: 6,144
|
I might never come back here......and all of the old ladies in the family would be PISSED.
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Catalyst
Elite Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Hawaii, selling munitions for the war on EcoTerror
Posts: 17,914
Photos: 10 |
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..... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
flawless
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#17 |
|
College Grad
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#18 | |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
Quote:
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. |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
#19 | |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
Quote:
It's not that necessary but if you like it buy it. |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
#20 | |
|
flawless
|
Quote:
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. |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
#21 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|
I wonder who is responsible for putting up street signs?
Is it the City. State or Federal who is in charge of it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#22 |
|
College Grad
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#23 |
|
As Vein As The Next Guy
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
#24 |
|
I See©
Elite Member
|