gps navigation

I'm not really into electronics but these new GPS Navigation things look neat. If you have I want your feedback. How often do you use it? what's it like? Where did you buy it and about how much should I plan to spend?

Stef26 -

We got the Magellan Roadmate 300 because it was the highest reviewed in our price range at about $350. We bought it shortly before moving to a new area and it's been invaluable because of the fact that all the streets around here are numbered. Only the location of the "SW" (before or after street number) give you any reasonable clue of the direction we're heading.

The device has functioned well. We're able to lock the device, requiring a password on startup, save addresses in the system, it has points-of-interest (banks, restaurants, etc.) and speaks the directions ("exit on your left in 1-point-five miles.")

However, Magellan hasn't made an map update available to us and the one that came with the machine is now a year-and-a-half old. So there have been times where I've gone out the car, tried to map a location and then had to run inside and look up Google Maps because the street just didn't exist in the unit. It's also directed us to non-existent Dairy Queens, a real frustration when my wife is jonesing for a Blizzard. It's also directed me to a freeway onramp that no longer existed.

That said, when you do get hopelessly confused in a large city with lots of one-way streets, it's helpful at keeping your bearing. Sometimes when you're in the midst of tall buildings, they say you can lose your signal (because it can't see the satellites), but we've only had that problem when under tunnels and stuff.

Because it just connects to the windshield via suction cup, it's illegal in California. It's also something we're worried about giving someone a reason to break into our car, so we always remove the device and the attachment arm from view whenever we leave the car, making it a little less convenient.

If we were to do it over, we'd place a much higher emphasis on how frequently the manufacturer provides updates (typically via download from their website). I'd also look for one that mounts lower on the dash so it (or at least its attachment arm) is less obvious to people walking by the car.

And I would certainly not buy another car without one built-in.

http://www.engadget.com/ shows probably 2-3 new add-on models a day. They don't always eventually make it to the U.S. market, but they show a hint of what's to come... the ability to play MP3s, function as a hands-free device for your phone, get traffic updates, download map updates wirelessly, etc., etc. The future of this type of device shows a lot of exciting potential to an electronic junkie like me.

Hope this has been helpful!
James

2007-03-03 09:08:00 by luv2travel

a demonstration of Google Maps Navigation (Beta), an internet-connected GPS navigation system that provides turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free ...

I have unlimited data plan on my phone. I am willing to buy any software allowing me to use GPS navigation on my phone utilizing my data plan. However I am not aware of any software of that kind. (I don't want to buy a GPS receiver)

Here's the info:
Phone - HTC Touch
OS - Windows Mobile 6
Unlimited internet data plan

But without any gps receiver (built in on your HTC or add on hardware) any gps software/application you have on your HTC wont point your current position on the map.If your HTC come w/o GPS feature which mean have NO internal gps receiver you need to add some things::
a> Bluetooth GPS receiver OR USB GPS receiver if your HTC has pc-like usb port,but i dont think so.
This is to capture satellites data position and then give it to the GPS software installed on your htc through bluetooth connection.This kinda like this http://www.semsons.com/bluetgpsrec.html
2> Navigation Software.
To proceed datas from receiver use to point the appropriate position on the map.This can be obtained by purchasing or search for free application like in here http://www.maps-gps-info.com/fgpfwmobile .html#Java
3> MAP.
You can use the map (purchased or downloaded) and stored in your device memory or Memory card ,or you can use onlie map like Google map or Google earth.But using online map will use internet connection of your device with either GPRS or 3G.And this is is your data plan obviously used for.

2009-04-14 13:48:06 by Rick D

Price: $319.99

Free lifetime map and traffic updates for the most up-to-date maps, POIs, and navigation info, along with constantly updated traffic information
Advanced navigation features including voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, lane assist with junction view, fuel-saving ecoRoute
Preloaded City Navigator® NT North America (U.S. and Canada)
Sunlight-readable, 5-inch backlit TFT color touchscreen display with 480 x 272 WQVGA pixel resolution
Includes travel tools such as JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, currency/measurement converters, calculator and more

I work as a college admission counselor, and travel to community colleges twice a week. I would like to get a GPS navigation system, as I've discovered that I lack an inner compass and frequently get lost (my atlas has been helpful, but it is dangerous to consult it while driving). I would think that 90% or more of my usuage of this product would be business related, but I don't know if I would be able to write this off since I'm not self-employed. Any thoughts?

if you're not self employed - doubtful you can expense it - just chalk it up to it helping you be more efficient in your job

2007-08-16 18:07:18 by evita302

Price: $39.99 $25.99

Garmin ball mount easily attaches to your existing cradle
One-year limited warranty
Four-arm shape conforms to your dashboard
Ships in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging
Compatible with nüvi series GPS navigators and StreetPilot C5XX series

I am trying to determine which GPS Navigation device is the best, most reliable and won't break the bank.

Remember in competitive markets you tend to get what you pay for. You want the best gps device? But for what purpose? The best marine gps is different from the best roadway device and different still from the best for hiking national parks. Garmin gps units are the most popular for a reason. Garmin is the leader in innovation. Go to:

http://www.garmin.com

and spend time looking at the different features for different uses before deciding on what to buy. Hope this helps.

garmin handheld gps

visit me at http://www.garminhandheldgpsstore.com

2009-04-11 18:14:53 by sjc5287

And also is it true that it is dangerous to own a GPS navigation device in Brazil because criminals will think you are rich and break into your car to steal it.

I live in the U.S., in a upper middle class neighborhood. Our GPS was stolen in front of our house over night because we forgot to lock the car...so, I don't think it matters where you are...
I believe only the well off in Brazil can afford to buy a GPS. A very small percentage of the population.

2009-04-25 21:24:44 by T4Former