DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Car Navigation Systems

Well, I'm finally breaking down and getting one. Its easier for me to make this decision because its business related though.

Anyways, what are your experiences with them? The brands I know off the top of my head are Magellan, Garmin and TomTom. I heard TomTom is not as good with their mapping from someone- they are a European company. However, they are nice looking.

Once brand is established, what models do you recommend? Is the base model really all you need - with the more expensive models just offering fluff that a typical user would never touch?

Lastly, where would you buy to get the best deal? I was just on NexTag - seems they have some good prices. Or would Best Buy be the better option because you can talk to a salesperson.

Thanks in advance!

We purchased an integrated Nav system when we bought our Infinity FX three years ago. It has really saved us A LOT of trouble going places.

We didn't need one to go to the familiar places, obviously. When going to a new restaurant, store or person's house that we've never been to before, it really came in handy. And there's also the times where you're going from your aunt's house to a store, both of which you know where they are but only from your house.

I've only lived in Chicago for 7 years, so I find myself a little lost now and again. It sure helps me.

I'll never buy a car without one.

It really all depends.

How much of the country do you want preloaded with maps? Do you want voiced directions, or just a display screen? Do you want a touch screen display?

Personally, the truck drivers that I know, prefer Garmin. The model they've recommended to me is: This one

Look for the link on this page: GPS Guide. It's Best Buy's guide to which GPS would be right for you. It may help you out.

You'll find that the prices are pretty much the same (or darn close) for the same models at most websites. I've been trying to find my recommended model for less that $400 for a while...it just dipped to $399.99. I'm hoping for just a bit lower before I pull the trigger and buy.

BTW, personally, I currently have a handheld GPS system. It's a Garmin iQue. The mapping software is fine, it gets me where I need to go, but it's also a PDA, which I DO NOT need. I won't use it for anything other than directions. But, I can't complain too much, one of my truck driver friends (and a guy who's really into Geocaching - scavenger hunts done with the aide of GPS) gave it to me until I purchase another portable one.

I also have software installed on my laptop, but I don't like it. I'd have to have my laptop in the car with me whenever I need directions. Not alaways convenient.

If the government forced you to have a tracking device in your car, so you can always be located---then people would be all up in arms.

But package it as a snazzy direction giver, and people will actually PAY to have one. I don't like 'em.

Thanks for the info. I am in sales - and my territory is 3 states. So it will definitely come in handy. For the last 7 years, I've used Microsoft Streets to map out my meetings the night before - writing on a notepad all of the turns I need to make. It might take me an hour to figure it all out - then, if a surprise happens, I need to fire up the laptop in the passenger seat.

I'm also considering getting a newer car - I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee with about 115,000 miles - but I keep it in great condition - still looks new. I imagine I'll be driving more often around Illinois, Indiana and Michigan - so the miles will add up. I only have 2 more payments on the Jeep then its mine free and clear. I may run it till it dies - at the earliest, I'll buy something in the spring. Most likely a 2005 or 2006 model of something. Depending on the car, the GPS may be built into the info center.

Since I just started this job, it may be nice to have one of these units just to be more efficient. They are cheap enough now to buy one - and its a business expense. Therefore, I'm gonna research and get one in a week or so....

I own this one. I love it. It actually has more options than I really use.

I will grade in several categories for ya.

Maps/Directions accuracy - A
Ease of use - A
Functionality - A
Customizable - C
Sat signal strength - A


I love the unit. I gave it a C in Customization because my older unit allowed me to customize more of what is displayed on the screen in addition to the maps.

I use one of these.

Just don't get the "Drunk and Persuasive Backseat Driver' model:

"Chicagodawgfan, take a left."
"But those are trees"
"Trust me, take a left."

Hehe....can I get the model with the optional breathalizer?

Due out early next year. If you're still in the market then, go for it.

I really like the Garmin units. My dad has the nuvi 660 and you get what you pay for. As a GPS its nice because it reads street names to you and has a speed-based estimated arrival time, which I've found to be pretty accurate. But it also has some nice extra features. If you have a bluetooth phone it can act as a hands-free unit and it has a SD card slot for using it as an mp3 player. There's a fairly big online community who make mods that can, for example, have it display speed and light cameras and announce when you're about to approach one.

If you want a basic GPS, the StreetPilots seem solid. Not sure which one my grandfather has, but it got us where we needed. However, it just tells you when to turn, no street names or anything.

Our CX9 has built-in GPS and I used it when I drove to Kennywood this past weekend. I didn't like it. The way it described highway exits and turns was confusing. The menu was too complex. And actually what I think is a big thing, with the map being on the console, you can't just move your eyes for a quick glance, like you can to a dash-mounted GPS.

Both the nuvis and the StreetPilots use Navteq maps, so I assume the map and data accuracy are the same.

Good stuff - I was leaning towards Garmin because they are actually a customer of the company I work for.

I have a Garmin, and I love it. I got it when they first started coming out, so I payed a lot for it. The prices have dropped significantly lately, and they have also gotten thinner than mine. I am going to buy another one soon, and it is going to be a Garmin.

I'd strongly suggest the Garmin Nuvi line of GPS. I have the Nuvi 350. It's been great.

Key features to consider:

1) Text to speech - This means it will actually announce the name of the street - "turn right on on West 9th street in 500 feet" rather than just "turn left in 500 feet".

If you're driving in a city where there might be several intersections close to each other have the name announced if very important.

2) Is the unit portable? - My GPS is LOADED with tons of valuable info besides directions. It's like having a Yellow Pages.with you. On my trip to DC we used it when we were walking around to find out what restraunts where nearby for lunch instead of having to roam around looking. It even includes the phone number so we were able to call and find out how $$$ the place was.

3) Can the software be easily updated? You're going to spend several hundred dollars and hopefully use it for a decade. The Nuvi allows you to download updates for a charge.

I originally bought mine for long trips to Florida and such but find that I use it a ton locally. I've discover new hiking trails, parks, restraunts, golf courses, etc. It's been a lot of fun.

Try Ebay for a good price. Here's a link for a Nuvi 350 for $364 including shipping:

Nuvi 350

Thanks for the info Gift Horse and others.

I could've used it today - I am staying in Grand Rapids tonight. While driving in this morning, I wanted a Starbucks coffee. All that was around the exits was gas stations - and their coffee is usually bitter, and I needed something with some kick (up at 5 am). I assume this unit would cater to my need.

Good price too - I wanted to stay under $400.

Bought a 2007 Chevy Trailblazer in June,,, has the Nav system in it. Not sure who makes it but it's SWEET...

As for portable units,, I have a friend in CT that Swears by his Garmin.. He says it works terrifically.

My only experience with a Garmin was in an Avis Rent a Car in the Boston area... And to be honest,, I couldn't shut the damn thing up.. it was probably giving me good directions, but the problem was that they were in direct conflict with the writen directions my friend gave me to get to his house...

Made for an interstesting morning drive in Haverhill MA! It was a wierd experience..

The one built into our Trailblazer is wonderful however.. Could be because I've taken the time to learn to use it also.

Oh and Tyler D... are you worred about Big Brother watching you? If so, Why? What did you do wrong?

LOL, yeah the Garmin in the Avis rental I had in Ohio didn't like the shortcuts I was taking.

But I found the voice mute option pretty easily.

Quote:

---

But I found the voice mute option pretty easily.

---

Throwing it out the window?

I might get that Garmin unit online this weekend. I'm gonna head to Best Buy to see what they look like in person - then find the best deal.

Quote:

---

Throwing it out the window?

---

Which was one of my options...LOL I actually wanted to strangle that thing..

The DO NOT handle shortcuts well at all.

If you guys want to take the shortcuts on the Garmin in a rental car, then turn the volume OFF!

On the personal Garmins, you can set them up to take fastest route, avoid tolls, etc. The rental car ones don't have those same active features.

BTW, the volume is on the right-hand side of the unit in the Avis rental cars (what can I say, I rent from Avis all the time).

GARMIN

I really liked the Garmins I have used.

When you do veer off the designated path, they quickly recalculate a new route.

Poor thing almost had a meltdown with all the shortcuts i was taking. It eventually turned itself off and came back saying "Would you like to play a nice game a chess?"