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ajprice · Oct 9, 2005, 11:34 AM

There are various ways of getting a GPS system, like dedicated systems, software on a phone or PDA, a PDA or phone with built in GPS. Its a bit confusing to know which type of setup is the best to go for, nevermind which brand of system. Anyone here have a GPS system? Whats recommended, what isn't?

Macpilot · Oct 9, 2005, 01:36 PM

I got a Garmin C330. It rocks.

http://www.garmin.com/products/sp330/

Has a hard drive with a database of all kinds of stuff like restaurants, gas stations, etc.

I placed mine in my dashboard in such a way that I don't need the external optional antenna.

It uses a touch screen system that is VERY easy to use, has a really nice screen, voice commands in several languages, and can store a bunch of addresses you want.

It has a 3-D map mode, and a 2-D mode, and other cool stuff.

It comes with a mounting base that I chose not to use since the unit actually fit in my dash in front of my speedometer in my Scion tC.

The database of the unit I got was from June of 2004, so there are a few new roads and businesses that are not in the database, but it can be updated from a Windows PC with the included USB cable. One reason to have Virtual PC, which I stupidly got rid of. Oh well. When I decide to actually update the database I will just bring it to my buddy's place and use his PC. The yearly update costs about $130. This erases the hard drive and updates all the database info with new stuff.

It has a battery that lasts 4 or 5 hours. But I just have it plugged into my cigarette lighter all the time.

If you wind up getting this unit or a similar Garmin model, I have the optional extra antenna unit if you need it.

Good luck!

ajprice · Oct 9, 2005, 02:35 PM

Thanks Macpilot, but thats a bit high end for me, I'm looking for something basic really. Sorry, I suppose I should have stated that before

.

Are the dedicated GPS completely standalone or do they have to be set up via a PC or Mac first? I suppose the best kind of system would be something that is updateable on the go, and not stuck to a map that you have to upgrade and replace to get a new map.

I was thinking of something like an Acer N35 PDA, but wasn't sure how well it talks to a Mac, and apart from that, its, y'know, Windows...

. The Motorola A780 GPS phone also looks pretty funky, but I don't want to be paying a contract, as I've just come off one to go back to a pay and go phone.

Macpilot · Oct 9, 2005, 02:39 PM

The price on the Garmin site is not accurate. You can get it for about $100 cheaper than that.

You don't have to hook it up to a computer. Unless you want to get the updated database at a later time.

If you want an easy system that is very reliable, get it.

Doofy · Oct 9, 2005, 02:40 PM

Person with breasts and upside-down map. That's your best bet.

Failing that, I hear good things about those TomTom Go efforts.

Goldfinger · Oct 9, 2005, 02:42 PM

A fixed GPS with gyro and speed pulse. All the others suck.

RobOnTheCape · Oct 9, 2005, 03:06 PM

I have the basic Megellan model. Needs a pc to install the software. Has proven invalulable to me since I'm on the road for work. One downside is that the processor seems a bit slow. Response time when punching in addresses is quite annoying. More, you hit a button, think you didn't hit it hard enough, hit it again, then it thinks you hit the button twice taking you to something you don't want.

bad_quote · Oct 9, 2005, 06:42 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAGELLAN-ROADMAT...QQcmdZViewItem

Color screen. Easy to use. SD card memory.

$350. NICE!

JFischel · Oct 9, 2005, 10:20 PM

I have a TomTom 300 in my 350Z. I highly recommend it! It works great here in Middle NJ and North NJ / NYC. Get's me through all the crazy roads and tunnels / bridges in and around the area.

The update and backup software is also native to OSX so you don't need to purchase a 3rd party software tool.

If you have questions, you can PM me.

-Josh