gps units

I want to buy a GPS unit for my older Parents who are a bit tech challenged. So, what units are there that tend to be the easiest to use? I want something that can go with them in a car, that has voice guided prompts.

Thanks.

Check put TOMTOM and Garmin - the models with touch screen are very easy to use

2007-07-16 08:57:33 by Middy S

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This came up with a coworker as we were looking for GPS maps in other countries.

Which auto manufacturer / country was the first to put GPS units in cars? Japan? US? Germany? Anyone know? Obviously we're talking as standard equipment options, not just customized James Bond type alterations.

First used in military vehicles but as far as OEM install GPS units, I would guess Japan would be the first since in NA, Zexel was the first to put the PathMaster in the Avis rental car and Rockwell later took over the deal and Magellan purchased the driver information system from RockWell aka Rocekwell PathMaster later on to be Magellan PathMaster. They were first sold in NA in the Olds 88 and Olds 98 as a factory dealer add on in 1996.
I know Blaupunkt and Alpine also have some first generation back in mid 90's.
But I am pretty sure the first country that offered an OEM GPS solution was Japan because of how small the regions was and they were into high tech gadget.
Right now they have very neat features that is not currently available in North America like finding POI's inside a high rise building.

2008-08-19 10:04:45 by John R

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
Includes travel tools such as JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, currency/measurement converters, calculator and more
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

I've used many GPS units in the field with topo software, though have yet to purchase a vehicle GPS unit. I'm wondering, do any (Tom Tom, C330, Nuvi) allow you to view the exact UTM coordinate of your location? Do they also allow you to switch which datum your using? Please don't answer unless you understand what I'm talking about.
I've used many GPS units in the field with topographic software, though have yet to purchase a vehicle GPS unit. I'm wondering, do any (Tom Tom, C330, Nuvi) allow you to view the exact UTM coordinate of your location? Do they also allow you to switch which datum your using? Please don't answer unless you understand what I'm talking about. Do they also have topographic software built in? available?

I haven't seen these features in the Tom Tom, or the Garmin models designed for turn by turn directions. However Garmins Handheld model GPS 12XL has Datum changing and UTM coordinates for map making.
The only way you are going to get these features is on a handheld or a PDA style System. That information would only confuse the average user.

2007-09-25 13:39:58 by znie

Price: $199.99

Lifetime map and traffic updates
Park position recall - find your car where you left it.
Speed limit indicator - unit displays speed limits for most major roads.
Over 8 million points of interest and see branded icons on the map as you navigate.
Lane assist with photoReal junction views.

What GPS do you have? What has your experience been like? Why (or why not) do you recommend this unit or brand?

I concur. I did a lot of research prior to my purchase and feel Garmin makes the best, most user-friendly GPS units available today. My NUVI has a touch screen and gives turns by street name. It's very accurate, despite what I read online.

Keep in mind, these units aren't perfect. One time, I was driving on the interstate and there was an exit right on a bend in the road. The GPS unit decided it was shorter (not faster) to take the exit and get back on the highway. Once I passed the exit, it recalculated and I haven't had a similar situation since.

2007-06-28 19:43:58 by unlvraptor

I'm doing a lot of research on GPS units, but none of their websites seem to say whether or not they come with route planning software, update software, etc. What has your experience been?
I need a unit that will plan and optimize (not just sort) a route with up to 80 waypoints.

while all PNVs (personal navigation devices) come with software for routing etc, i am not aware of any that will optimize your route. it would be a nice piece of functionality but from what i've seen you have to define the order yourself.
best of luck.

2008-08-23 23:32:35 by JJJJJJJJJJJJJJ