GPS Systems- Who Has Them Which One Do You Like?

[Mistress]

Hi Guys- Mistress has a bad habit getting lost going around the block and am thinking about getting a GPS system. Who has them, what kind do you have and do you like it?

[SwampYankee]

The Mrs. has a factory one in her Honda Odyssey, manufactured by Alpine, which is the first one I've ever used. It's primitive (compared to newer ones) and only gets updated with the latest DVD, but worked well enough that I decided to get one for myself. I bought a Garmin StreetPilot 330 because my brother and father each had one and liked them

They are user friendly and get updates over the net. The c330 is in the low-mid price range. I looked at some more expensive models and didn't see any real justification, for myself anyway, to spend the extra money.

Now that I've used one, I don't know how I ever lived without it.

[gmercoleza]

I have a Garmin i2 which has less memory and is black & white (fine for me). I paid $200. The updated version is the i5 for $350 which holds maps for the whole US at one time (I can only fit about 2/3 of the country) and also has a color screen. I love my i2 and can only imagine the i5 is even better.

Consider size when you purchase - if you plan on removing the unit frequently for security reasons (depending on where you park) then you want a small unit. The Garmin Streetpilot i2, i3, i5 series are a bit smaller than a baseball and are easily tossed in a bag for safekeeping. I put one of those Palm PDA screen protectors on mine in case of keys, pens, etc. It has been holding up very well.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by BlackE55

I have one in the S600 and have never used it to it's full potential.

I could see it being helpful for those who do a lot of business travel, eg regional sales reps or those who love to drive instead of fly.

IMHO, they seem excessive for a daily commuter. It's standard equipment in most mid-level and above cars, so except to pay for it. Yet another questionable gizmo.

I'll stick with my map book thank you. Faster and easier.

Ted- You've never been with me in a car when i am lost....it would be money well spent...

[Dee8go]

Originally Posted by Mistress

Ted- You've never been with me in a car when i am lost....it would be money well spent...

!!!!!

[WVOtoGO]

I’d go with anything Garmin.
But before I did that, if I were you, I’d go and take one for a test drive first.
See for yourself what they do and don’t do for you. Will it keep you from getting lost? Or would just looking at a map like Ted does (before you go) work ? Keep in mind too - Can you afford that type of distraction while you’re driving?

[Dee8go]

My thought is that the ones that give you detailed audible directions are the best. At my age it's hard to look down at a map (paper, electronic, or otherwise) and back at the road quickly. My eyes just don't refocus that fast anymore. Don't most of them have audible directions as well as visual?

I have a friend who is a pilot. He takes his in the plane with him, too. Says it works great. I think it's a C550.

[TX76513]

I have the Tom Tom One - not their highest priced unit, but ready to go out of the box. The touchscreen is something the old Garmin didn't have and the T T size makes it very easy to throw in brief case then plug n go in the rental car.

[aklim]

Originally Posted by Dee8go

My thought is that the ones that give you detailed audible directions are the best. At my age it's hard to look down at a map (paper, electronic, or otherwise) and back at the road quickly. My eyes just don't refocus that fast anymore. Don't most of them have audible directions as well as visual?

I have a friend who is a pilot. He takes his in the plane with him, too. Says it works great. I think it's a C550.

But if she is new to this, maybe she should go for a less pricy one with a good map. If she doesn't like it, she can sell it or give it to me. If she likes it, she can move up to the audio ones and give me the old one.

[Dee8go]

Aklim, you are such a nice guy! If I get something that doesn't work out like I wanted, would it be okay for me to give it to you, too?

[GottaDiesel]

go to fatwallet.com > forums> hot deals and do a title search for gps

You'll get TONS of info ++ where to buy cheap..

Pete

[WVOtoGO]

Originally Posted by Dee8go

My thought is that the ones that give you detailed audible directions are the best. At my age it's hard to look down at a map (paper, electronic, or otherwise) and back at the road quickly. My eyes just don't refocus that fast anymore. Don't most of them have audible directions as well as visual?

I have a friend who is a pilot. He takes his in the plane with him, too. Says it works great. I think it's a C550.

Very good point.
That’s why the “test drive”.
Audible vs. Non-Audible in a city like Arlington VA might be quite critical to the decision.

C550 ? What could he possibly do with a handheld/portable?
That screen in the middle of this “base" C550 is more GPS/map then he could ever carry onboard. He must just like having all the extra gizmos around. Many pilots do. Nothing wrong with back-up to the back-ups back-up, I guess.

[LaughingGravy]

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap496/

I asked for this one for Christmas, but it didn't end up in my stocking.
It would have fit, too!
I would have happily transfered my XM Radio account to this unit.

[Mistress]

Thanks Pete will do.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by LaughingGravy

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap496/

I asked for this one for Christmas, but it didn't end up in my stocking.
It would have fit, too!
I would have happily transfered my XM Radio account to this unit.

and it does the weather! Well XM doesn't have Howard...