Gps

[skillsaw]

Looking for some opinions on the GPS that you can get with the new trucks. Is the screen too small? Do you need to have the park brake on to operate it... ... any answers.

Should I stay with my DeLorme hooked to my laptop & call it a day?



Just thinking... .



Thanks,

Erik

 

[KHogan]

See the other posts on the site for more info. I have the Cd-based GPS/Nav radio. It costs $800 more than the 6-disc changer on the Laramie and is a rip-off. For that money, the DVD-based unit shouldhave been supplied (although it's not perfect either). Dodge should be ashamed of themselves. It has turn info only, no maps. Yes, you must be stopped or you can't program in additional locations, In addition, it's a hassle to keep loading and unloading the Nav CD. Bottom line, it looks real pretty but is a POS in my opinion. Save your money.

 

[skillsaw]

that's what I figured... thx



-e

 

[stevenknapp]

The one you can order isn't very good IMHO.



The RB4 is the factory one, it's CD based, and gives no maps.



The RB1 is a nice looking unit. About $1200 aftermarket. BUT you need to make sure you order a high end stereo from the factory. So $600ish for the good stereo, remove it and pay $1200 for the RB1 PLUS a CD changer. So you're talking near two grand for this.



The Garmin 2610 or 2620 IMHO offer the same features as the RB1 for a fraction of it's cost. Not factory installed, that's the only problem. I've got a Garmin 276 which offers most all the features and works great on my motorcycle and boat as well!

 

[rbattelle]

Please excuse if this is totally off-base, but if you want a navigation system I believe one can be had quite afforably by installing a PC in your cab like I did. For a relatively meager investment, you can have a PC including MP3 player, GPS navigation, DVD, and (if so desired) on-board diagnostics. If you're interested, check out my readers rigs album and this thread.



Granted, the installation is not quite as "factory" as the factory setup, but the particulars of my installation are not the only solution to the problem.

 

[DDeputy]

Try looking at the new magellen they are advertizing. sorry no web page

 

[claymike]

http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2620/ This is the one I use, well the 2610 anyway. Mounted the bracket on the steering column, works great.

 

[Dean Upson]

I have the Garmin SP3 and am very pleased with it. Last I knew you could still get them for around $600 because they have come out with the 2610.



Dean

 

[skillsaw]

I actually have the laptop w/all the goodies (including the netstumbler kit) & it is a great set up w/the DeLorme mapping GPS.



I was just curious if there was a benefit in anybodys eyes to have the factory unit installed.



My main draw backs..... I use the console much, have 2 dogs that like to hang out all over the truck, & stick shift. Nothing really a major burden, because the benefit is so grand from this set up, but If it were mounted in the factory dash



While snooping the web, I see many cool touch screen LCD's (7" & 8") that seem pretty appetizing!!



Well, just throwing some ideas & looking for the same



-e

 

[cumminsred]

navigation system

I have the RB1 navigation system it works great. It has never been wrong. we've used the RB1 in some large cities it worked perfect. I love the RB1 its worth the money. We've also used the RB1 in rural areas where you use road intersections. Its GREAT

you'll love it

 

[yogibear]

I'll stick with my Garmin 2610, which is a 2620 now. All you need is the 2. 2 GB microprocessor card, and all the maps are there for all the USA, just punch in your address, and it will take you there. And when I get in another vehicle, just unplug it from the cig. lighter, and take it with me. Works great!!



Larry

 

[radar doctor]

Looks great

Thanks for the Info I just need somewhere to mount the thing in my 03.....

 

[Greenfeld]

Just purchased the Delphi unit last week. Very happy with it so far. Screen is bigger and has higher resolution that Garmin 2610. Also a few hundred dollars cheaper. Not as many features, ie: highst speed and average speed. Works great though!

 

[stevenknapp]

I'll stick with my Garmin 2610, which is a 2620 now. All you need is the 2. 2 GB microprocessor card



Actually they are seperate products still.



The 2610 has a compactflash slot, you can upgrade it's memory, and you download maps from a CD in your PC to the unit.



The 2620 comes with a built in hard disk preprogrammed with the entire USA. You can't upgrade to add more memory, but you probably don't need to. I'm not sure if you can update the maps via CD either.



The idea of the 2620 is that it's for folks who don't want to hook the unit up to their PC at all, ever. It's 100% plug and go.



Not to start a brand war, but I've had really good luck with Garmin stuff. Not so with Magellan. Also they are on their 3rd generation of these systems, where many others are on their first. Garmin's units are also typically waterproof, which is a benefit to bikers or boaters.



In defense of Garmin's competitors, they all buy their map data from the same source for the most part. Most all I've seen use NAVTECH maps.



I was geeked about the RB1. I think it's a really slick unit, and would like to have one. It's just too much money for me given I've already got a GPS with most all of the features.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

I ditched my rear view mirror and disassembled it to make a holder for my magellan sport track. Had a few comments that it looks like a factory unit ! It will pop out to use in the field with a push of a button and even swivel so the co-navigator(Wife) can assist... .....

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by R. M. THOMPSON

I ditched my rear view mirror and disassembled it to make a holder for my magellan sport track. Had a few comments that it looks like a factory unit ! It will pop out to use in the field with a push of a button and even swivel so the co-navigator(Wife) can assist... .....

PICS!Oo.

 

[yogibear]

Stevenknapp, my 2610 has the 2. 2GB hard disc, or I believe they call it a microprocessor, with all the USA maps in it. You can add this to the 2610, which makes it the same as the 2620. I never have to load anything from my PC again.



Larry

 

[stevenknapp]

Stevenknapp, my 2610 has the 2. 2GB hard disc, or I believe they call it a microprocessor, with all the USA maps in it. You can add this to the 2610, which makes it the same as the 2620. I never have to load anything from my PC again.



You can get a large compact flash card for the 2610, yes. You had to hook it to your PC at least once tho right? The advantage of the 2620 is that it comes all in one. No PC needed, not even once. And the disk drive is sealed in the unit. Otherwise the units are identical. And Garmin sells both.



I don't know about on trucks, but the vibrations having it mounted on a motorcycle have caused a number of 2620's to fail. The 2610 with a large flash memory card, not hard disk, is the most robust way to go IMHO.



FWIW, it's not called a microprocessor, that's a different thing. Compact Flash or "microdrive" would be the two common terms for the memory used in the 2610. Heck, if you ever needed more storage, or the card broke you could replace it. Can't do that on the 2620.

 

[yogibear]

Your right, its "microdrive", I really like it, works great for me, and what I really like is its easily taken from one vehicle to another. Only disadvantage is its not portable, no batt. , you have to have a 12V source.



Larry

 

[kbarlow]

I use the Garmin iQue 3600 and it has been very good. It's a PDA and portable.



Cheers Ken