G.P.S. Witch one do you have

[LandShark]

I like the Magellan 5000D that I have. It's about 12 years old, weights about 3 pounds, displays LAT, LONG, and Altitude, and is water proof. Biggest drawback is that the 6 AA batteries only last 5 hours, so I mostly use a 12v adapter. Cost was about $1250 back in 1992!!! Guess I should look for something lighter and more high tech but I hate to part with stuff that works so well (like my 95 CTD).

 

[BK]

BK,



Out of curiosity, how many Garmin 2620 hard disc failures do you know of? Mine has not given any problems whatsoever, nor have my inquiries on this and many other forums unearthed any problems at all with the 2620.



Rusty

The 2620 is only a few months - 6 months old that I know of.

I don't know anyone that owns one.



I do know of failures of the micro HDs.

The same technology (micro HD) has been used in other portable devices , such as MP3 players and cameras. And those MP3 players are not recommended for jogging since they fail under the shock and vib. There was a grey market for a certain MP3 player since it contained a very popular IBM micro HD. That MP3 player was being sold cheaper than anyone could buy a replacement micro HD for ( about 1/2 price). So instead of buying the replacement micro HD, folks bought the MP3 player and gutted it for it's IBM micro HD. To save about $200 in the cost of the replacement micro HD.



I know of photograhpers that use the micro HDs and had them fail.

I know of MP3 players folks jogged with that failed, that use the micro HD.

Its a hardrive with the head hovering over the platter by a miniscual distance. One crash and it's dead , data and all, and the Garmin is not usefully anylonger, untill replaced. It's a very commong failure mod for laptop hardrives as well, that people don't jog with, just carry from one desk to another ... many less G's than seen on a hit in the truck going over a speed bump.



Complete solid state and cheaper solution Vs micro moving parts thats over twice the price. Every solution has it's pro's and con's.

Since I haven't touched a 2620, I don't know if the user can install a new HD, or does it have to go back to Garmin? If I want to change my 512mb card it takes 3 seconds.



For the 2620 you don't need a computer to support the Garmin, so its true plug and play. After a large round up and write up in Mobil PC of on the road electronics, they took away major points from Garmin Vs Magellan for setup time, Garmin responded with the 2620. I think I still have that addition of the magazine.



I plan routes, it's easier to make weigh points, plot my route, check it and save it on the pc and then download onto the CF card while sitting in front of the pc than it is to do all of that on the GPS it's self. So I actually like removing the CF card and doing what I need todo than handling and connecting to the GPS. Also the downloads via a card reader are faster than through the 2610 GPS itself.



With the recent price drop in the fast compact flash, I think Garmin's timing wasn't soo great coming out with the micro HD solution. Not their fault either I'm sure. Cost of memory is so unpredictable at times.

 

[jjordan1]

If you have a laptop & dont mind carrying it in your truck the only way to go is get the DeLorme Street 2004 or even 2004. Then get the earthmate system. It is great. I use it for travel all over the states. It will cost you about $150. 00. Good Luck

 

[jjordan1]

IF you have a laptop & dont mind carrying it in your truck the only way to go is the 2004 or2005 Street Guid. Then get the Earthmate GPS. It works great. This set up will cost you about $150. 00. GOOD LUCK

 

[edgrim]

I use a Palm 555 with a megallan add-on works with mapquest maps but it's got a small screen 2 Gen trucks can't use the RB1 so I'll go for a motorized head unit with NAV and a screen.



Mopar4less sells RB1 and installation kits call'em 800 748 2139

 

[MKoth]

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Garmin GPS V on a RAM mount. Only thing I don't like is that it only holds a small area of local roads.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Garmin 296 map aviation unit.

 

[DJOliver]

I have the Magellan Roadmate 700. Would like a better mounting system but the window system works so far. Very easy system to use. Often swap between trucks.







David.

 

[JimBob24]

If you are in to computers, consider a tablet pc. I use a Fujitsu LT C-500 with 8" screen. The Fujitsu 3400/3500 with 10" screen is good too. You can get them on eBay $300-400 range. I recently saw a Fujitsu 3400 already set up for GPS on eBay. With the DeLorme Street Atlas 2005 software and Earthmate USB GPS (about $100) you have a much larger, easier to read screen and is easily to update since it has a hard drive. I made a nice mount out of an old docking station so I have the screen positioned where I can easily see it while I am driving. See http://www.delorme.com

for more info on the software capabilities and GPS receiver.

 

[Pawpaw]

I'll add my vote for Streets Atlas 2005 and the Earthmate USB GPS for those that have (or want) a laptop.



If you power the laptop off the vehicle, the GPS draws it's power from the USB port.



The best feature of all (which I haven't seen mentioned here) is VOICE CONTROL.



I bought a $10 headset. Connect only the microphone plug, tuck it above the driver's sun visor and talk away. You create the route while parked, then use voice control to navigate the laptop screen.



I travel all over the country and drive lots of different rental cars. This system has been serving me well for many years. Of course, the GPS units and software have been upgraded many times along the way. 2005 is the best version yet.



Bob

 

[PRout]

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