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Automotive News & Views Navigation GPS Systems
1723 messages, Last post on Nov 19, 2009 at 9:51 AM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Deminin, I agree with your cost breakdown but I don't think Navi systems will be the next hula hoop. I actually think they'll be the next air conditioning or power windows or cruise control, or in other words, a feature that 10 years from now will probably be standard on every car. Once I tried one I was hooked and came close to buying an Accord just for this feature, but then luckily I stumbled upon these messages that talked about less expensive Navi options, so now that's the direction I'm heading in. I think that anyone who ever grew up watching Batman, Knight Rider or James Bond movies would go ga-ga over Navi. Talk about the ultimate grown up toy! Like any toy, Navi is fun and cool for the kid in us, but practical for the grown-up who hates asking for directions or thumbing through a road map book. I think it will be that way for at least a few more years until the next gizmo comes a long (anti-gravity cars I hope). Now I have a question for the board: does anyone know if another company makes something like Honda's voice activation Navi? The idea of just speaking "find me a Chinese restaurant" and having the system come up with the info is just too cool for words. |
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| Here's another question: a few people mentioned the idea of just buying a laptop or PDA with a built in GPS and Navigation software. Can anyone suggest some specific models & brands for this sort of thing? | |
| I opted for the laptop and purchased the Delorme software with Earthmate GPS. I've been really disappointed in it. It doesn't automatically reroute (other than to tell you "Off route!" and "Turn back on" followed by the name of the street you are already on). And I have never had it actually take me to the exact location up to this point. So, needless to say, we still use maps and plan our trips ahead of time. | |
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The PDA system I was looking into was the Garmin Ique 3600. It has the built in GPS, and it is a Palm v.5.1(?), so you have the best of both worlds. I ended up going with the Garmin Streetpilot 2610, a stand alone GPS sysytem, as I figured in the long run it will benefit me more. Mark |
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| The Garmin iQue3600 is definitely the best bargain for a beginner GPS driver that wants versatility and convenience. RadioShack carries them and they are on sell for $550. It’s a big purchase, but it is a PDA/GPS & MP3 Player all in one!!! This thing is awesome and the guys at RadioShack were the best. It’s so fun and easy to use. Turn by turn voice guided directions. It’s easy to justify spending that much when you think about how much a PDA, GPS, & Mp3 player would cost separately. Plus, it has Palm OS so it’s a proven product. Garmin is highly recognizable as the leader in the industry. RadioShack has lots of cool GPS products from Garmin AND Magellan. They have the Roadmate on the web with a really cool demo. Go to RadioShack and buy an iQue3600, you won’t be disappointed. | |
| I know that I went a little RS crazy there for a minute, bu they offered me the best deal & they know thier GPS stuff!!! | |
| Dont you realize that these systems are like having Yahoo maps or MapQuest in your car, and yes it is illegal to be playing with the GPS while in motion. | |
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Actually, if you want any of these aftermarket systems shop around. You could get the Ique for around $460-470 online, and the other units are discounted as well. Radio Shack is good for learning, but they charge list. BTW-the Garmin 2610 prevents you from doing any route changes while the car is in motion. The most you can do is change from map to text. Mark |
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| but do you know or trust these little web dealers? My extra $50 I paid to RadioShack made me confident that I chose the right unit and gave me piece of mind. | |
| Thanks for that Garmin info! If I buy one I would probably get it from Radio Shack because they are one of the stores I like to support. Can you imagine a world where there wasn't a Radio Shack down the street? | |
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