GPS Travel Computers

[donreitz]

I recent thread here got me interested in GPS-based travel computers. They sound like fun gadgets, but having never used one I'm not sure they are actually all that helpful. Since we'll be hitting the road pretty soon we thought it might be useful to have, say, a Garmin Nuvi--if they actually do anything worthwhile. If you use one, what exactly do you use it for, and is it worth the rather steep price of these units?
Thanks,
Don

 

[Mark-SUN]

I have three units.

One handheld for Geocaching (think of it as natural treasure hunt (http://www.geocaching.com/).

The two car/auto models I have are six years apart. Both from Garmin. The newer units are fantastic. No need to upload data/maps---its all in there.

I suggest trying one in a store, then saving hundred$ by buying online. Newer models are REALLY easy to use.

Some people linstead ike to buy cheap GPS attachments for their PC, but then you have to have it all setup in your car---and hopefully worked with by a copilot.

You are never lost. Many units keep information like nearest gas stations, malls, restaurants etc. Yes, the info. can be out of date after a few years, but compared to what----- if you don't know other area?

I think I have never foudn anyone who bought a good one regret the purchase. Do you know how much you want to spend?

 

[donreitz]

I'm leaning toward the Garmin Nuvi 350. It seems to get good reviews and appears to be reasonably priced. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Don

 

[kanyonkitty]

Hey Don,

I have the Nuvi 350, so far I am happy with it, but have only used it 3 times. I'm not real "techy" so needed something I could understand "Jack" has taken me right to the door of where I had wanted to go. I purchased thru Amazon.com I just went to their site and typed in Garmin Nuvi 350 and searched for the best price, which was $419.00 delivered to my door. "Jack" will be on the road with me starting tomorrow, even though I know where I'm going. Never know when I might want to make a side-trip! I have the suction cup mount attached to my windshield at the very bottom left hand corner (near the pillar) and it's easy to see the display(should I want to), but not neccessary as "Jack" just tells me where to go. (Only male that I allow to do this). The display is easy to view, you don't have to "squint" to see it, and it also has the written directions across the top of the screen should you choose to watch the screen, I prefer to watch where I'm driving, but I'm blonde

Good luck in your decision,

Kitty

Departing tomorrow afternoon for Pigeon Forge, TN, so everyone have a wonderful Easter.

 

[Mark-SUN]

I am a Garmin bigot, so I think anything is Garmin is good.

Garmin does tend to have the most "POI's", especially over all those unknown names that are springing up. (POI's are points of interest, i.e. gas stations , parks, grocery stores, etc.)

Sometime the NUVI's are a bit more expensive because they are smaller, and you can unclip them from your dash, and walk around with them in bit cities. A nice feature, I admit.

Every year/model there are more an more features---and I work in Information Technology (yes, I am a geek), but I am still amazed.

The nice thing about GPS service is that it is free of monthly costs (unlike Onstar). Now they are adding in optional traffic services at a monthly subscription cost of course. The last one I saw had a monthly MSN service which allows you to see real time information like gas prices, and news!

Sorry, I should have posted this before:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4244-3430_7-0.html?query=gps review&sort=pop&fOrder=&type=&tag=srt.pop

http://www.gpsreview.net/

 

[donreitz]

Well KK and Mark, you've done it. Amazon's got my money and the Nuvi 350 is on its way. KK you mentioned that you use a male voice for directions. I've talked to three men who use female voices with their units. I wonder if it's generally true that a driver will use the voice of the opposite sex. If it is true, I'm sure it means something but I don't know what exactly.

Thanks again.
Don

 

[Mark-SUN]

I have mine set to a British female accent.

 

[1boomer]

Just ordered a Nuvi to replace the Earthmate I had for the laptop. Trying to use a laptop in a truck is a recipe for disaster. Would be great in a motorhome.

Anyone want an Earthmate cheeeeep? PM me.

 

[charlsve]

One of my wife's friends has a Nuvi and loves it. She has the more expensive Bluetooth compatible one. So my wife, who admits she has problems with reading maps and getting lost, wants one. We don't need Bluetooth so will try to save a little money there.

Since this is not an adversising forum, I think it will not be illegal to mention to you members that the Garmin Nuvi 350, I believe, was on the top of the CS reports latest GPS review list a couple of months ago.

Charlie

 

[kanyonkitty]

Charlie,

So, your saying those of us that chose to by the Nuvi 350 did a good thing. Nice to know I made a good decicsion purchasing something I really knew nothing about.

Kitty

 

[Richard L]

GPS

I have the Garmin Quest, i'ts one the best investments I've made. i'ts a portable unit that I can walk with or bring to different vehicles. I will no longer travel into unknown territory without it. I purchased the external antenna which provides a strong signal. the greatest benefit is it eliminates most of the bickering between pilot and nagivator, I mean navigator

 

[rich250]

I got a garmin street pilot c340 and it's great