Garmin GPS systems

[Dkevdog]

I am considering purchasing GPS systems for our courier vehicles and was wondering what all is out there and what experience you have had (if any) with them. I see that Garmin makes a fairly compact and portable unit that is easily transferable between vehicles. They aren't cheap at $850 but is cheaper and easier than maps and lost drivers. Are there other less expensive (or more) out there?? Anyone have one of these and can comment on accuracy or pros and cons?? Thanks!



Kev

 

[KLockliear]

I've got the older GPS 3+ and love it. For your deal (getting lost drivers where they need to go), I'd look at the $450 GPS 5 that just came out. Give it an address and it will autoroute and point the way. Plus, if you set a waypoint at any of these destinations, it can point you how to get there from any location.

 

[JCockrell]

Garmin rocks

My wife bought me the eMAP for Christmas. This may be too small for your application. I am just a very satisfied Garmin customer. We had done a lot of research on all the GPS systems out there. Garmin hands down. I agree with KLockliear take a look at the GPS 5. Sweet.



Edit: We bought the eMAP for portability/hiking. Works good on the road too.

 

[JJW_ND]

We have several Garmin Colormaps and one of the newer Street Pilot IIIs. Both are color and have nive big screens. The SPIII allow autorouting. Both allow updated maping and the new Garmin MetorGuide will provide all local, secondary and gravel trails.



The autorouting is the way to go.





If you just want to see where you are at and what is ahead, the ColorMap is just fine.



If you want to know how long it is going to take to get someplace or what is the best route, get an autorouting GPS like the Street Pilot III. The SPIII even talks to you to the point you do not have to look at the screen while in rush hour, 10 lanes in all directions type driving.



We use the suction cup RAM mounts with our Colormaps and streetPilots stuck to the windshield. Still very portable beteen trucks.



http:///www.gpscity.com is a good site the get accessories and pretty good pricing on GPS units.



jjw

ND

 

[C.]

I have a cheap handheld GPS (Garmin Etrex). I use it with my laptop computer. Less than $200 for GPS unit, cable, and software. Just add a laptop and you have a navigation system.

 

[BLACKRAM]

You can't go wrong with Garmin. I have one in my aircraft and it works flawlessly. The Street Pilot has the best database.



Garmin was formed by the top engineers from King Avionics (highly respected, Bendix owned company). This crew really knows what they are doing. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Koa Man]

If you want a good deal on Garmin or other GPS units, check Ebay. They have a lot for sale right now. Just type GPS in their search menu and it will take you there.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Garmin - the whole enchilada

I've had a Garmin GPSIII+ unit for several years now - it was the forerunner to the more recent addition to their product line, the GPS5. Like other TDR members in this thread, I can testify to the quality of the product and to the support and reliability; what is says on the box, it does with minimal fuss.



BTW, I have no commercial affiliation with the company - I'm just a very satisfied customer and their support is worldwide, world class. .



What others have not yet said or commented upon in this thread so far, is that you can augument the factory installed base map configuration, which is pretty good in itself, with additional metropolitan map information from specific CD-ROMs, which provide you with a more granular view at street level with lots more detail, but covering a dedicated, user-defined area.



You can then upload various metro/regional areas into memory and then turn them on/off as your location changes dictate. You can check this functionality out for yourself by clicking this Mapsource Viewer link.



They have a pretty good website too and software updates for download are posted here for download. I recently upgraded from version 2. 03 to version 2. 05 which was relatively painless process. The Garmin web interface is very slick and easy to follow, so long as you remember the 2nd golden rule - R. T. F. M - which applies to most things in life anyway :-laf



Finally, they run Promotions from time to time, so you might be able to cut yourself a good deal ... . Good luck!!

 

[weatherbyman]

I bought a Garmin eTrex Vista for hunting..... works great in the car too.

 

[jwdeeming]

I can also vouch for the Garmin quality - have used the III and III+ for both road use and hunting for about three years. I haven't kept up with the product line but they may have something more appropriate for road use only. I get along with mine but a larger screen would be easier to read at a glance without taking eyes off the road so long.



For safety's sake, take plenty of time to learn how to use it before hitting the road...

 

[radar doctor]

GARMIN 168

I got a Garmin model 168 FISHFINDER AND GPS combined. Put it in the Boat now if i can just figure out how to mount it on top of the CUP Holder in a 1999 Dodge Ram 4x4 All the Bells and whisles. I love it and it works good here in Kansas. If anyone has a good idea as how to mount it above the Cup Holder I'd Love to hear about it. . Radar Doctor

 

[CoreyPerez]

I got the Garmin GPSV about 2 weeks before it was SUPPOSED to be released. ITS BAD A$$! I got mine from www.onlinemarine.com Its listed at $500 but I got mine for $414.



It has a lot of options to include marine nav aids.



I've got a remote antenna to mount the GPS up by the headliner with a clip for better sight options (sun glare)



Later,



corey