Navigation GPS Systems

bat1161

We have a Heathkit receiver that my uncle built for my folks sitting in the basement. It was used until about 5 years ago, so the thing just never died!

Mark

ateixeira

Rats, I bought the 2008 map update back in January but I doubt I'm eligible.

I'll e-mail them. Garmin was *very* cool in the past and let me upgrade my c320's maps for free.

tmart

They definitely built good stuff, from small volt meters to big TV's. Only problem was they only made kits, and I guess there wasn't enough folks who wanted to build their own stuff. In their whole catalog, only the AR-15 was offered as both a kit and factory built. It was a hell of a receiver in those days.

dolfan1

Finally got my 360 from Amazon. The vent mount I ordered the same day came several days ago. You may have a different brand than the one I got, but the thing won't work if the power cord is plugged into the back of the cradle. A bit disappointing.

What wasn't disappointing was the 360. What a incredible little machine. (Remember, I'm a virgin GPS user). I just had no idea, it amazes me.

But I do have a question I need to ask anyone out there who knows these things:
While reading various reviews about the vent mount I noted one guy who said the operational life of the lithium battery would decrease faster if the unit was constantly kept at full charge.

Is there any truth to this? If so, what is the best thing to do? Run the battery down as far as possible before recharging? I knew it used to be that way with the early camcorders and things, but I thought modern technology fixed that years ago.

mstem

I am glad you are happy with your initial experience with your new Garmin Nuvi 360! Don't worry about the battery-life issue. Lithium batteries don't have the dreaded "memory effect" that the older style Ni-Cad's did. While it doesn't hurt every once in a while to run it down near exhaustion, there is no real evidence that keeping it nearly full-charged all of the time is detrimental. Many laptops used today spend nerly their whole lives plugged in to a power brick, and then they perform fine on battery power. Enjoy!

ateixeira

Really? My vent mount does not block my Nuvi 200W's charger.

Bummer.

kiawah

Just bought a vent mount for my daughters 200, bought the GN047-200 from www.mountguys, and it has the ball and socket connection where the standard garmin holder connects right into it...just like it connects onto the windshield mount. Works great, and no problem with the power plug.

I think the 360 might have a different mounting arrangement than the 200 however, but you might check out their site to see if anything that fits your 360 better. Good luck.

dolfan1

Finally worked out getting the updated 09 maps from Garmin (I think). Thought I'd test it so I went to a newer neighborhood (been there about 2 yrs) to see if the streets were in the GPS and it didn't pass that test. If they are truly the most up to date maps (just released this month), you'd think streets that were built 2 yrs ago should be there. That's a bit of a concern but not too much considering 99.99% of the places I'll want it to find on vacation will have been long established addresses. Also noticed a restaurant that has existed for several yrs wasn't one of the POI's. Again, it doesn't concern me that much because most of the other restaurants in that vicinity were listed. I guess it's unrealistic to expect every business to be in there.

Again, I'm assuming the download was successful. But just to be sure, is there a way to check which maps are installed?

ateixeira

OK, I got a good test for you, if you feel up for it.

There is a gas station near me that was an Exxon a few years ago, then it became a Chevron, and recently it changed again to a Sunoco.

Let me find the address, if you want to try a search to see what it says...

Rats, can't find it. It's at the intersection of Tuckerman Lane and Seven Locks Rd in Rockville (or Potomac) MD.

I'm curious as to what it says.

Let me search again, on my v2008 maps...

Found it!

11355 Seven Locks Rd.

On Maps v8, it still said it was an Exxon.

I think my v2008 says it's a Chevron. At the time it came out it probably was.

But it's been a Sunoco now, can you check what your v2009 says?

dolfan1

Didn't mean to delay getting back to you, been out of town for several days with no internet access.

It took some time playing around with it, but I was finally able to match it up using the Fuel Finder. According to it, the place is a Chevron.

ateixeira

Yeah, it just switched over, so even that is out-of-date.

It's hard with POIs, they can change so quickly.

dolfan1

I mentioned before the after-market vent mount I purchased wouldn't allow me to plug in the car charger on my Garmin 360. I noticed others writing reviews on Amazon related the same story.

I have a friend who is handy with tools; took it to him and using a Dremel he notched out the plastic allowing the charger to be used with the mount. At first he was concerned about a possible loss of integrity in the mount by removing the plastic but it seems fine. It only takes the removal of a little of the plastic just below the ball to make it work.

This was a big relief because I didn't want to hassle with charging the unit at night in the hotel & still having to worry about it running out of power during the day on long drives.

Therefore, if anyone has problems with a vent mount that won't allow the car charger to plug in, there is a solution. You just have to find someone with the right tools. I wouldn't recommend using a hammer & chisel!

ateixeira

Cool, thanks for the update.

Fortunately mine does not interfere with my Nuvi 200W model.

Hey, anyone tried out the new voice-activated Garmin model? Nuvi 880 I think?

boaz47

I decided to get a Megellan GPS for a vacation we were planning in our RV. I have to admit it was pretty easy to use and made getting in the correct lane for freeway changes pretty easy. Without much trouble we managed to leave home and find each RV park we wanted to stay in between California a Fort Carson Colorado. The only problem is the woman trapped in the GPS system seemed to get angry whenever I got off of the freeway to check out some site we spotted. We made up after I got back on the freeway however.

ateixeira

What did she say?

Mine says "Recalculating" in a condescending tone.

boaz47

Mine says the same thing, "re calculating route". But you can almost hear the sigh like she wanted to add, "again" It also likes to suggest that I make a "legal U turn" at the first possible opportunity. I am still learning how to use the thing and only now realized that if you touch the gas pump on the screen it gives you the kind of station it is. It even gives the bank names under the dollar signs. I didn't even realize it did that.

kyfdx

Thinking of asking for a Garmin..

It seems that text-to-speech is somewhat important... I think I saw the Nuvi 260 for around $233?

So... would I be better off with the Nuvi 260 with 3.5" screen for $233..
Or... the 200W without TTS, but with the nifty 4.3 widescreen for around $200?

Is the size of the screen more important than the features? This is just for basic vacation stuff.. I'm more of a map guy.. (I even navigated around a closed interstate one time by noting the moon position.. :surprise: )..

Any other suggestions are appreciated... but, I'd really like to keep it under $300... We are finishing the basement, and the cost of the bathroom is around $1,000,000, I think..

regards,
kyfdx

ateixeira

Tough call.

Our c340 has TTS and is 3.5".

Our Nuvi 200W has no TTS but has the 4.3" screen.

With TTS the screen size is less important. So this makes sense - smaller screen but it tells you the street names. It also tells you the street number when you arrive, i.e. "Arriving at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave".

With the big screen, it's easier to read street names, but you still have to look down.

Tough call, but I'm used to the big screen now, so my wife's 3.5" screen seems small. It didn't when I was using it, so you may never know unless you actually sample a big screen.

kyfdx

Tough call

No kidding... you've got both of them... and even you can't tell me.. :P

ateixeira

Well, how far away will you mount it? Up on the windshield, or with a vent mount? What type of car?

If it's far you may want the bigger screen, to compensate.

FWIW, I have the big screen, the wife has the TTS. I don't think I'd trade back.

kyfdx

Well.. I drive a CR-V, which we are taking on vacation this month... She drives a 3-series, but it's going back in November..

We tend to stick with smaller vehicles... So, I'm guessing it won't be too far away, no matter what.. (I might even get a MINI!!)..

ateixeira

Hmm, will a small one fit in any of the bins in the center? If so you could do a hide-away setup.

Otherwise, consider the distance to the windshield, or wherever you will place it.

kyfdx

The '02 CR-V has the little bin, that won't hold a CD.. They made it bigger the next year..

Chances are... I'm not going to do anything more complicated than a suction cup and a power cord...

ateixeira

Windshield, then. That might be farther away then you think.

You may even want to consider the new voice-activated models, though that's a different price class.

boaz47

When you read the reviews on many of the GPS systems they all like the bigger screens. But if you are simply looking for a unit to take a vacation with a 3.5 would be just fine. I have a 3.5 and it is mounted on my dash, California doesn't allow windshield mounts. I drive a Tahoe pulling a travel trailer and I can see things just fine. I can just reach the touch screen if I wanted to but I hardly ever need to. The simplicity of these GPS systems is pretty nice. When on the freeway a voice will tell you that you are two miles from you turn off and what direction you will be turning. It also has a arrow showing which way to turn. My units restate the direction at .5 miles and then a bell rings just as I get to the off ramp or freeway interchange. You should have no problem getting what you need for less the 300 bucks.

kiawah

I have used my laptop for years (have all our vehicles set up as mobile offices), running microsoft streets and trips. Large 15" screen, with lots of details and you can't beat it with all of the different functions and configurable items it has. However, that obviously isn't for everyone.

I just bought a little Garmin 200 for my new driver daughter, and I've been using it for probably a month to test it out. Very nice and practical unit, very user friendly. I wanted a smaller one so she can easily carry it with her, and it fits the bill great.

The only thing I don't like, is when you go off course, it wants to take you back on to where you went off course, rather than re-calculate a new route automatically to the destination. However, you can manually force it to re-calculate a new route, just takes a couple button pushes.

Didn't want to spend a lot of money incase she drops it, looses it, or it gets stolen. So for $100 bucks, it's a perfect solution for her.

ateixeira

Yeah, it works better if you hit Menu/Detour rather than just going off the route.

My 200W is the same, except the screen is bigger, so I know what you mean.

dolfan1

Just returned from a trip to CA with my new Nuvi360. Sure did come in handy. The bluetooth feature is really nice when looking for a restaurant. I like to try local places vs the chains, and you don't know if they're open. It's really convenient to just hit the screen after selecting the POI to see if it's open for business.
I did get messed up a couple times though. I noticed when quick turns are required sometimes it just can't give you enough advance notice, especially if in heavy traffic because it's difficult to get into the correct lane in time. Intersections were also a challenge at times when faced with several different options. For example, I came off the interstate, came to a intersection with about 5 different choices I could have taken. The Nuvi says "continue on so & so street." Problem is, can't read the street signs in time and end up on wrong street. Not blaming the GPS, it's just one of those things.
But overall, it was a wonderful little tool to have with me. The vent mount worked just fine. Highly recommend one of these units. I don't think you'd be disappointed.

stever

For just at $1,000, you'd hope so. Still cheaper than most factory units, but - wow.

Garmin's Nuvi 880 sells for $1000

kyfdx

My birthday isn't until next Friday, but since I was presented a present today, I guessed what it was (we leave for vacation on Saturday)..

Garmin Nuvi 260W

Wide screen and text-to-speech..

Haven't even opened it up yet... but, I'm very happy..

tmart

for $198.86!! Wow.

kyfdx

I think you'll continue to see the 3.5" units go down in price.. Widescreen is taking over..

stever

The 350 is small and I'm traveling next month so I'm tempted. But I'm taking my navigator with me and my birthday is months away. :shades:

Rumor is that the Nuvi 650-R is going to hit ~$215 soon, but who knows - that price sounds way wrong and would be $200 off msrp. Maybe I'll set an email alert up at FatWallet.

ateixeira

I wonder how well the voice commands work.

The ones on my BlackBerry don't.

paotron

Does anyone know which big size SUV or Minivans has the Navigation with real-time traffic information?

gagrice

We drove out to look at a home on a lake very close to our home. The subdivision has been around since the 1970s. It has two lakes. One is pond the other a little over a mile long with homes lined all along one side. Our Sequoia NAV had the pond in the right location. It did not even show the lake. Who provides the software in the 07 Toyota Sequoia NAV units? I am getting so discouraged with this my first NAV, that I am about to pull the dang fuse and go back to my AAA maps & Thomas Brothers. I would NEVER buy another vehicle with NAV they are a total rip-off. At least if you buy a cheapo at Costco you can take it and get your money back. I think I am going to try going after Toyota. Maybe file a small claims against them.

Maybe someone with a Garmin will put in 3777 Via Palo Verde Lago, Alpine, CA 91901 and see if that address is on a lake. It is on Maps.live.com

PS
It also said it had no directions in this subd that is 30 years old.

kiawah

My Garmin is out of the road already today, but I check my 2007 Microsoft Streets and Trips which runs on a laptop w/GPS. It typically has much greater detail than the Garmin.

I see that address in S&T, off of Via Dieguanos Road. It does however have it all shaded in green, as apparently it is part of the Cleveland National Forest area. I do see the Loveland Reservoir, large body of water.

I do see a pond (ouside of the National Forest Area), down off of Via Viejas and Via Belota.....so I'm suspecting it has something to do with the fact that it's in a National Forest area and a smaller pond.

gagrice

Thank you for checking. Sounds like all NAVs use the same useless software. Loveland is a BIG lake further south. The pond you see is on my NAV as well. The lake that is in the subdivision is at least 10 times larger than that pond. The address I gave you is right on the lake. That street runs about half the length of the lake then it is a dirt road from there around the lake. It is in the Cleveland National Forest. When they get a NAV that is like maps.live.com it will be a useful tool. So far it has failed me about 3 out of 4 times that I really needed it.

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=32.812679~-116.720595&style- =r&lvl=16&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=6215855&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&cid=5A4C295- 5EFD17119!130&encType=1

ponderpoint

Some portables have real-time traffic now. Save yourself some money and ditch the in-dash navi - not worth the price. If you have "stupid money" and don't care, a lot of high-end SUV's have real time. The Acura MDX has a good one but, once again, if you leave it at the airport parking lot - all that capability is worthless when you pick up the rental car in Boise or wherever - could have taken the portable with you.

I have a 2006 Acura TL with an in-dash that I will let it idle with the display on so I can see where I am but past that, it's pretty much a dinosaur already. I leave the serious navigation to the portable comically perched above the in-dash until I grab it for the airline flight and the city I'm not familiar with.....

lmacmil

I am using a Garmin 2610 with City Navigator 2008. It's generally pretty good but I was pretty disappointed getting in and out of Manhattan. Going thru New Jersey heading to the upper west side, it correctly pointed me to the George Washington Bridge but just before the bridge entrance, it told me to turn right and head towards Fort Lee. I ignored it, crossed the bridge and headed down the Henry Hudson Parkway (route 9A). Instead of exiting on 79th (the hotel was on 81st), it tried to send me down to about 34th street (couldn't really tell because I got off at 79th).

On the way out, the map where the HH Parkway hits the bridge were totally out of whack (these roads are at least 40 years old). It showed a 90 deg left turn where in reality there were ramps that veered left and right and at one point required a decision to go in one of three directions. The road signs were clear but who knows where the GPS would have taken me.

Once in PA on westbound I-80, it showed 2 rest areas where none existed (or had ever existed). Good thing I was pretty familiar with this route.

I wonder if the 2009 update has any of these issues fixed?

ponderpoint

Going thru New Jersey heading to the upper west side, it correctly pointed me to the George Washington Bridge but just before the bridge entrance, it told me to turn right and head towards Fort Lee. I ignored it

Even with the best GPS units, you still have to intervene with the "human" view, even with a place or city you're not familiar with. The in-dash navi I have in an Acura TL is downright dismal, only useful now for getting a general picture of where you are but to have it navigate? - Pathetic. It will ignore a perfectly good state road that cuts a diagonal to favor the interstate, miles away.. Even with a "minimize freeways" selection, it's still pretty bad with strange routings....

ateixeira

I agree, your own common sense often prevails.

Yesterday my brother came to pick me up at Dulles air port, and the GPS didn't tell him to use the Dulles Toll Road, which for airport traffic is free and never is full even at rush hour.

Instead he sat in rush hour traffic and was almost an hour late.

I don't think the software can think and reason the way a human can, probably never will. It calculates distance and time, and maybe a few other inputs.

Having said that, it's still a useful tool and adds information for the human to make decisions. If you know a better way - take it! Let the GPS recalculate and keep up with you. The maps are useful, as are the distance and time remaining, things like that.

I would have taken the Dulles Toll Road, let it recalculate, and then it would still have been useful to tell me how many miles to the airport, plus an ETA. I could call and say I'll be there around x:xx.

For Gary's case, I'm thinking perhaps gated communities are private and therefore not as well mapped?

stever

I broke down and got a Nextar on sale a couple of weeks ago for my road trip last week and for an upcoming trip in Virginia in a rental car. It seems pretty good, even though the maps aren't that new (copyright 2005). My sense of direction is so bad, just having the compass part helps a whole lot. $120 shipped seems to be within $20 to $30 of the cheapest text to speech ones I've found, but there are a lot of sales on them recently.

The 3.5" screen fits handily over the tach that I rarely use in the Quest. Looks like the windshield mount will be the way to go for the Outback and rentals. Here's a pic:

ateixeira

Cool, and it's less visible to thieves there so it probably won't get stolen.

Text to speech for $120 is cheap. My Nuvi 200W was $199 and doesn't have that feature (I wanted the big screen).

Call Nextar to see if you're eligible for a free map update, you never know.

stever

I'll have to do that Juice.

It worked well getting me from Dulles to northwest Virginia. I routed myself on the back roads to avoid the interstate and I didn't miss a turn.

Your comment about the "toll" road being free heading toward Dulles helped me get back to the rental car lot too. :shades:

I can see where having a bigger screen on the dash somewhere would be good. I didn't want to stick my hands through the steering wheel while driving around to type in a POI or zoom in or out.

ateixeira

Yeah, where you have it mounted a big screen would just block the speedo, too.

murphydog

Anyone have input on the Sony model? Not sure of the model number but it was wide screen, I saw it at a local costco for ~$250.

Seemed like a good price for a wide screen GPS unit.

I have an magellan roadmate 360 - however I don't want to pay to update the maps.

ateixeira

Found this one on Costco.com for $300:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11294330&whse=BC&Ne=5000002+400- 0000&eCat=BC|79|4842&N=4001412%204294908475&Mo=6&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_P- rice|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

I sampled an earlier model at the Sony store at a mall in my area, and was not impressed with the interface. It was a bit cumbersome to use, took me a while before I could it to show my address.

See if you have any Sony stores in your area, if so you can sample it first.

crkeehn

I treated myself to a Mio Moov 200 for my birthday. The 3.5" screen seems to be big enough and clear enough to read, where I have it mounted on the dashboard. It comes with TTS which seems to work well, it did get tripped up on a local road name but it's certainly understandable. It referred to Lead Mine Road (pronounced LED) as LEED Mine road. My son thought it was hilarious.

My wife was impressed, we had to go to downtown Raleigh to an area I hadn't been before. The GPS unit announced that our address was to the right, just as we pulled in front of the building. We'll give it our first real test this weekend as we visit the in-laws in Chincoteague VA

ateixeira

Funny.

Reminds me of how the Aussie lady on my Garmin says bat-TREE instead of battery.

Let me know how that goes. I considered a Mio but got cold feet on the day of purchase because the demo unit at Circuit City malfunctioned. It was well priced, though.