Which GPS?

Want to just shoot the breeze? Forum 42 is the place!

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
vskid
Senior Member
Posts: 6314
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:25 am
Steam ID: vskid3

Which GPS?

Post by vskid »

I want to get a car GPS in the next few months. I have a Holux m1000 GPS receiver (used with my n800, traded away the n800), so I could buy a cheap pocket pc or laptop to use it with, but I'm not impressed with any of the software I've seen.
I've narrowed down my options to either a $sub-200 Garmin Nuvi or one of these units from DX. I really like the Garmin's interface and the way the maps look, but map updates cost $100 (almost the same as just getting a new unit). The DX GPS has a less than thrilling interface, but uses Windows CE 5.0 and has many more features (AV in, video playback, can use different navigation programs, bluetooth, internet, etc).
So, should I get the more expensive, refined, costly update unit, or the cheapo jack-of-all-trades unit? I'd prefer replies from people that have experience with either unit (though others can still provide food for thought if they want).
Image
ghosstt
Senior Member
Posts: 1551
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:14 pm

Re: Which GPS?

Post by ghosstt »

I've got a Garmin Nuvi Widescreen. Got it at circuit city when they were closing out. It's a really great little device. It's extremely easy to use, and very intuitive. The interface is beyond simple, and its easy to type in locations. (Though it tries to finish some locations for you, which can get annoying) You can get the active traffic monitor for $20 a year, which is a steal. (Though I don't have it) It comes pre-loaded with TONS of PoI (points of interest) It has food places, hotels, gas stations, car wash, etc. etc. If you do get it, I'd make sure you get the widescreen. I was hesitant at first, but after using it, its definitely worth it.

edit: You can put movies, pictures, and games on it too.
vskid
Senior Member
Posts: 6314
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:25 am
Steam ID: vskid3

Re: Which GPS?

Post by vskid »

What model do you have? Does it have a headphone port (to plug it into aux instead of FM)? Now that I think about it, the maps will probably be up-to-date enough to work for several years, by which time I'd just buy a new one with new features. Can it take SDHC cards?
The DX GPS would probably be better suited as a device to play around with, not something to reliably get me from point A to point B...
Image
ghosstt
Senior Member
Posts: 1551
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:14 pm

Re: Which GPS?

Post by ghosstt »

I have a Garmin Nuvi 255w

Image

The only ports it has are the USB for charging via cigarette lighter and pc hookup, as well as a SD card slot. (SD only from what their site says)

Heres the specs page:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=13431#specsTab" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
palmertech
Senior Member
Posts: 3225
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 1:40 am
Location: California, land of the homeless and hippies

Re: Which GPS?

Post by palmertech »

I have a third gen TomTom. It is awesome, and runs on a linux powered base, so source is available. Woo. :P

The coolest part is the huge database of free voices you can add. I like "Australian Outback Radio Operator" and "Darth Vader". ;)
Image

Excellent
cowsgoquack101
Senior Member
Posts: 1981
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:21 am
Steam ID: cowsgoquack101
Location: Cold, grey Indiana!

Re: Which GPS?

Post by cowsgoquack101 »

palmertech wrote:I have a third gen TomTom. It is awesome, and runs on a linux powered base, so source is available. Woo. :P

The coolest part is the huge database of free voices you can add. I like "Australian Outback Radio Operator" and "Darth Vader". ;)
I wouldn't recommend TomTom's. I've had 2 die on my family before. I still have a broken one around here if anyone wants it.
vskid
Senior Member
Posts: 6314
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:25 am
Steam ID: vskid3

Re: Which GPS?

Post by vskid »

From the pictures I've seen, I like the Nuvi's interface better than the TomTom's. If the price is right though, I still may be swayed to get a TomTom. The TomToms look like they have some neat features that the Garmin units lack (at least the cheaper ones). I'll just have to check out some store displays and do my own comparisons.
Image
HotDog-Cart
Portablizer
Posts: 3804
Joined: Sat Jul 16, 2005 12:07 pm
PSN Username: Lythinca
Steam ID: scythe_king
Location: Your IP Address, Connecting...
Contact:

Re: Which GPS?

Post by HotDog-Cart »

What about a Magellon?
Image
bicostp
Moderator
Posts: 10491
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 5:47 pm
Steam ID: bicostp
Location: Spamalot
Contact:

Re: Which GPS?

Post by bicostp »

I have a couple Rand McNally 2D nav units in the car, and Google Maps is installed on my PDA so as long as I can find a McDonald's (or some other place with free WiFi) I'm all set. :lol:
vskid
Senior Member
Posts: 6314
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:25 am
Steam ID: vskid3

Re: Which GPS?

Post by vskid »

HotDog-Cart wrote:What about a Magellon?
Hm, never really seen any. Looks like they're priced about the same, I'll have to try one out.
I bought cow's broken TomTom, we'll see if I have any luck fixing that.
Image
Post Reply