G.P.S. Witch One

[DieselPuter]

Imho

I personally use Microsoft Streets and Maps 2006, the night time viewing screen is 100 times better then the Earthmate, or anyones elses. But I do a lot of night driving. Streets & Maps also does a route optimization, that is great for multiple stops, it has really saved me a lot of fuel and time over the last year. I do think for most applications Earthmate is the way to go, just not mine.



I use mine in a DieselPuter, I have done the notebook and tablet thing, and even tried the standalone GPS units. No doubt a PC based GPS is the best way to go. Plus my GPS also serves duty as a media playback (DVD / MP3), on board OBDII, e-mail, and near DSL speed internet connection anywhere I have cell signal... ... .....

 

[SEmerson]

I used a megellen 300 for years. It finnaly died so I got a garmin 18 usb. I run both with a computer under the back seat. It drives a 18" flat panel touch screen in the front. My favorite software is delorme. When I installed the garmin I found out that all garmin usb units use a proprity communication. At this time I called magellin and found they do too. So if you use 3rd party software it is a must to go name brand on the gps.



I also looked at the garmin 60csx. It is a killer unit. It will be out soon. Magellin also makes a great unit the explorer 600. It is out now and is cheaper then the garmin. It will be my next portible unit. It also has a rebate now. Look at www.pricewatch.com to get great gps prices.

 

[JanMitchell]

Here's a stupid question:



I've been looking at GPS for a while now, and I'll get on the GPS forum & look around, but this is what I'm looking for. Something like what Hardwick just got, but I don't want it limited to roads. I just picked up a serious CJ-7 for back country wheelin' and I wondered if they all can trace routes on topograghy maps as well as roads. Something like a hiker or hunter might use. Is this a standard feature, or do they specialize in one or the other? I'd like one that combines roads & the features of the Garmin on my boat, but over a topography map. Anyone know if they all do this?

I have used a Magellan SporTrak for lots of years now and it is more GPS than I need as it made for the more adventurous types who go backpacking and exploring. I plug it into my laptop and use DeLorme 2005 or new 2006 Street Atlas USA ($19. 95 Best Buy) software and my car shows up as a green arrow going down the road. 2006 has locations of all Wal Marts, restaurants, and other POI's. 2006 is only made for PC's and I use a Mac with a PC emulator and it runs slow but I do too. It has a "talking" feature if you choose to buy the DeLorme GPS. Real men don't need directions!

Stan Mitchell

2005 Bright White 3500 6 speed Dually

 

[Jrork]

I've got the Garmin Streetpilot 330 and Microsoft Streets & Trips with GPS on my laptop (use it for work).

Without a doubt MS Streets and Trips is better detailed. Incredible how accurate it is but a pain in the rump to find room for the laptop.

The 330 I think does a good job and seems very accurate and can find satilittes better than the Laptop set up.

There are some things that I think the 330 could do better but for ease of use, I'm really impressed.

 

[sarj]

I appreciate all the input from everyone. As it sits right now, I'm lookin' hard at the Magellan XL, partly for the extra screen size, but especially since it'll run off AA's. It does 3D topography with look ahead and gives you a grade analysis of the upcoming trail, as well as all the highway stuff. They're also allowing for memory expandability with a memory card. The only thing I need to look at now, is software that runs on either the garmin or the magellan.

 

[DCasten]

I would suggest the 276C and 376 C Garmins. The 276 is the ultimate in an all in one unit. Auto, marine , topo in a portable unit.

Also, the 376 is out now that incorporates XM Weather (it’s like having a satellite in your car) as well as their XM radio.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap376c/

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/

 

[Blakers]

What is the price range of good mapping GPS units? Should we expect them to get cheaper as time goes on?



Thanks.

Blake

 

[Blakers]

I bought a refurbished Garmin 60Cx on Ebay for $255. Regular retail price is about $425 at Gander Mtn. , etc. The refurbished and new both have a 1 year warrantee.

I really love the GPS. It has a color display and will run off the truck's lighter, or on two AA batteries. Battery life is great. It's accurate to within to ±11 feet and is water resistant in case you drop it in a stream.

I have it loaded with topo maps for the areas I frequent, so it shows almost every back road, creek, railroad, powerline, etc. Even our driveway is on it.

Blake

 

[dsherman]

I had the Magellan RoadMate 760 it died in under a year.

I went with Garman Navi 660 really like it!!!!

You need to really check it out, Go out and look at them and compare them to one another.

David

 

[Blakers]

There's a basic choice in GPS units... .

Do you want something that will work in the truck and can be carried with you, and will give you latitude and longitude, elevation, and a lot of technical navigation information, but generally has a smaller screen?

Or, do you want something that permanently mounts to your dash, talks to you in a sexy voice, is not as technical as far as navigation goes, uses street addresses instead of latitude and longitude for locations, and has a larger screen.

It all depends on what you want to do with it. I chose to the first choice, hence my Garmin GPSmap 60Cx.

Blake

 

[JH8128]

Garmin all the way. I have a magelland and a Garmin. I by far like the screen and versitility of the Garmin. They both work great and get me where i need to go. Just my two cents

 

[dsherman]

There's a basic choice in GPS units... .



Do you want something that will work in the truck and can be carried with you, and will give you latitude and longitude, elevation, and a lot of technical navigation information, but generally has a smaller screen?



Or, do you want something that permanently mounts to your dash, talks to you in a sexy voice, is not as technical as far as navigation goes, uses street addresses instead of latitude and longitude for locations, and has a larger screen.



It all depends on what you want to do with it. I chose to the first choice, hence my Garmin GPSmap 60Cx.



Blake

The Garman 660 will work with latitude and longitude, elevation, and a lot of technical navigation information, Can input latitude and longitude to get you there.

 

[MLee]

you'll have to deside what features that you want and its portablity. Trailer life done a full article on GPS a while back which would be a great help to your dessision.

I use a C0-pilot by ALK industries. They have all kinds of programes for all types of devices. Mine is loaded on a lap top, it is a little bulky but the features that are avalable is worth it. And they update there programing every year. Home: ALK Technologies is there web site better price than Camping world.

Marv.