GPS recommendations? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benhogan · #1 05-24-2011, 11:59 AM

I need a fairly basic model that will allow me to enter an address and it will give me turn by turn directions. Nothing too fancy.

Any recommendations? any brands to avoid?

Rafi · #2 05-24-2011, 12:10 PM

I have always used Garmin. I have 3-4 of them, different generations. I cannot compare to other brands.

tbomachines · #3 05-24-2011, 12:10 PM

Do you have a smartphone? i.e. iphone, blackberry, droid

panZZer · #4 05-24-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Do you have a smartphone? i.e. iphone, blackberry, droid

I dont reccomend phones that are smarter than the user.

TX76513 · #5 05-24-2011, 12:56 PM

Tom Tom hands down - the lifetime no $$ updates and open source programing should sell itself. I bought 45 for Austin last month all Tom Toms...........We have tried all of them. Some have some cool features and react in favorable ways but when you slice it down we couldn't beat them.

Jim B. · #6 05-24-2011, 01:10 PM

I have a basic Garmin Nuvi that I bought Las Vegas at Best Buy for $250 in2008.

That model is discontinued but now the replacement model has a larger screen,more features and costs about $99I am told.

They keep getting bigger nicer and cheaper.

I have heard that3D building displays on the screen are soon to come, if not here already.

They are replacing maps!!! I have heard that in 2 years or less the AAA won't giver out maps at their offices anymore becausethey are being discntinued.

I have found the programs in them to be about 95% accurate but when I know they are making a mistake I just ignore them, and the voice says "recaculating" enough times until she and I agree on the route and the"recalculating" stops.

TomTom is another acceptable one,as is Magellan,so I have heard.

I have 3 way splitters in both my cars and alway use them.

Cell phome charger

SatNav (Garmin Nuvi)

Valentine One RADAR DETECTOR

All plugged in.

I also have a plug to put in a camera basttery charger in if I need it and the phone is charged up.

Works wonderfully for me on my trips. I wouldn't travel without any of this.

Thinking o getting a CB for my next XCtrip but I don't speak Mexican so channel 19 is probably going to pretty much be a waste of time, so a CB shop owner in the Calfiornia desert told me about a year ago.

lutzTD · #7 05-24-2011, 01:30 PM

ive been happy with my Nuvi 5". good battery life and good graphics. The new ones are slim like iPhones, I would get that if buying again. It wasnt out when I got mine. I use mine a lot while walking in strange cities and it has a mode for walking that doesnt freak out at the slow pace

Rafi · #8 05-24-2011, 01:39 PM

Yeah, I have used mine while walking, looking for an ATM in a strange city. I have also used mine in an airplane as well. It is great in an airplane. you do not need the captain to tell you the speed or elevation or the route. It is all there in the palm of your hand.

lutzTD · #9 05-24-2011, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafi

Yeah, I have used mine while walking, looking for an ATM in a strange city. I have also used mine in an airplane as well. It is great in an airplane. you do not need the captain to tell you the speed or elevation or the route. It is all there in the palm of your hand.

I thought it was not allowed to have a gps on a plane?

tjts1 · #10 05-24-2011, 01:55 PM

Get an android phone. GPS devices are going the way of the floppy disk.

Jim B. · #11 05-24-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Get an android phone. GPS devices are going the way of the floppy disk.

No thanks. A little telephone attached to the windshield is just too much of a target -rich opportunity.

tbomachines · #12 05-24-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

No thanks. A little telephone attached to the windshield is just too much of a target -rich opportunity.

I already have an iphone with unlimited data and GPS as part of the plan. A $6 app is better than most GPS units I've seen, and the traffic info much more accurate. If you already have a phone its a great way to go, just snatch it off the mount when you get out of the car. I recently went hiking and had the GPS track me throughout the woods in the Poconos, no gaps in service whatsoever, and great info to have if you're interested in your hiking speed, ascent/decent stats etc.

PaulC · #13 10-13-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

No thanks. A little telephone attached to the windshield is just too much of a target -rich opportunity.

If it is your personal cellphone, wouldn't you take it with you when you leave the car?

lutzTD · #14 05-24-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

Get an android phone. GPS devices are going the way of the floppy disk.

unless youre cheap like me. I have an android phone but do not pay for the data service. If I need internet on the go, which is very rarely, I find a McDonalds. If I could find a way to store the maps my phone has a gps antenna, but I tried to do the route then disconnect from the internet and it only has limited corridor of maps stored, if I get off the maps it is no help at all

tjts1 · #15 05-24-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

No thanks. A little telephone attached to the windshield is just too much of a target -rich opportunity.

Why would you leave your ever leave your phone in the car? Thats more of a problem with a GPS device than a phone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzTD

unless youre cheap like me. I have an android phone but do not pay for the data service. If I need internet on the go, which is very rarely, I find a McDonalds. If I could find a way to store the maps my phone has a gps antenna, but I tried to do the route then disconnect from the internet and it only has limited corridor of maps stored, if I get off the maps it is no help at all

I pay $25/month for unlimited data + txt and 300 minutes. I make most of my calls through the skype app which is free and the sound quality is a lot better. It seems silly to have a smart phone without data at this point.