GPS recommendations?

[GrimJack]

Hey folks, I'm seriously considering picking up a GPS unit for the Supra for SILV. I started reading through the various makes and models that are available, and I'm starting to hit information overload!

Anyone with some suggestions? What makes a good GPS unit? What makes one better than another? How much do they cost in the USA? (Maybe I should just buy one on the trip?) Are they complex installations, or do they just take 4 AAA batteries and a suction cup for the windshield?

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input.

 

[shaeff]

My Mom got the Garmin Nuvi 260w for Christmas last year. That thing is incredible. I don't think there are user serviceable batteries inside, but it came with a cigarette lighter charger for the car.

It cost about $350USD. No complex install, it comes with an incredibly strong suction cup mount. I recommend using the cig lighter charger while driving, but you don't have to.

That thing has gotten me so many places without the slightest problem. I love it, and will likely buy the same one.

If he doesn't chime in here, shoot BoostLee a PM, as I believe he used to be a Garmin Dealer or something. He swears by them, too.

Edit: not sure if this link will work or not, but this is the one I'm talking about:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8673697&st=Garmin&type=product&id=1197678339883

 

[GrimJack]

Cripes, in that case I'll likely buy one here. I can get that exact one for $100 less by walking down the street. And it's CDN funds!

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10099013&catid=25833&logon=&langid=EN

 

[suprahero]

Boostlee sells these Grim, so he could probably tell you anything you need to know.

 

[IJ.]

Dave: I'm currently using Co Pilot 10 software on my LapTop with a cheap GPS Receiver and it works really well.

The Lappy is always in the car and I'm not a big fan of small screens and buttons on the handhelds.

 

[Murd]

Using a cheap TomTom One 130 myself. It's small, and does the job well. Free map updates for the first month, touch screen, turn by turn directions. Also has user updates if you choose to use them, where users add/change roads or correct errors. was $130 USD. Screen is small and it doesn't say street names, just shows the name and says just turn left at 100 yards, etc. But it does do the job. I think what it comes down to is personal preference, and what additional goodies you want it to do, like bluetooth, or for it to say street names instead of just turn left with the street name on the screen.

 

[Poodles]

TomTom here as well...

 

[supraman7mgte]

Garmin Nuvi 250 here.
The thing is incredible! Worth its weight in gold!
If you could'nt figure out how to use it,you should'nt be driving!!

 

[Dunckel]

I use the nav feature on my cell phone from Verizon. It's $10/month, or you can use it for 24hrs at a time for $3 each time. It took me down to Vegas, Phoenix and back again with no troubles at all. Audible turn by turn directions, 3D map, weather, and traffic updates. If you miss a turn, it automatically gets you a new route. It even updates itself automatically, so if new roads are built, or closed, it knows.

 

[ilikebigbutts]

my dad loves his garmin, we used it to our 7 hr trip to new york and it got us to my uncles doorsteps no problem.He uses it atleast once a month and never let him down.

 

[Boost Lee]

Dave, I've sent you a PM.

I demo'd these things for years now, and I can't stress enough how innovative Garmin's are.
EVERY Supra meet I've attended, I've had a Garmin with me.

Simply amazing.

Side note - TomTom's and Magellans are fine......but once you use a Garmin, you'll see the difference.


Cliff notes?

Garmin = Cadillac.
TomTom/Magellan = Chevy/Pontiac.


Comprende?

Jeff

 

[ForcedTorque]

Me and Noah had his Garmin on the way to CHI2K7 from the AL/MS coast, and I remember that us and Jeff were the only ones who made it without trouble. There were several there bitching about their Tom Toms. I had borrowed a tom tom for the trip, so I had that too. If I would have followed it, we would have been lost too.

Jeff, I have been scared of the new Garmins now, because they seem to be using the same software as the Tom Toms. Are they still as accurate as they were then?

 

[GrimJack]

Sweet, thanks for the information and opinions, folks.

 

[JMDigital]

I own a TOM TOM GO (got it as a gift) and also have used the Garmin. If I could choose one or the other I would choose the Garmin, The Tom Tom gets me where I need to go, but I agree with Boost Lee's example

Garmin = Cadillac.
TomTom/Magellan = Chevy/Pontiac.

Go for the Garmin if you can...

 

[honestabe]

TomTom FTMFW

 

[Dr Chill]

I used a buddys magellin & had only 1 issue , I could not hear it over engine noise
other than that worked fine for me .

 

[suprarx7nut]

Any Garmin will serve you well.

TomTom is ok, but I haven't found the same cool dashboard view you get with the garmins. (shows speed, top speed, trip mileage, avg speed, etc...)

"Getta, getta, getta, get a Garmin!!!"

 

[92nsx]

If I were to redo my nav. unit I would get Microsoft streets & trips. It is a GPS/Nav. software that runs off any laptop. The price is also right on at $75 with antenna. The only thing is if you have room/area to place your laptop in a spot were you can still the screen.

BTW I am using Pioneer's D2

 

[GrimJack]

If I were to redo my nav. unit I would get Microsoft streets & trips. It is a GPS/Nav. software that runs off any laptop. The price is also right on at $75 with antenna. The only thing is if you have room/area to place your laptop in a spot were you can still the screen.

BTW I am using Pioneer's D2

This is the type of solution I'll be going for in the long run. Placing of the laptop isn't an issue, though, as I'm going to put a computer in the dash instead. I've been collecting parts for this for a stinking long time!

 

[Poodles]

There is an aftermarket app for the TomTom's that shows top speed, ect...

For the price, TomTom wins hands down...