Community Forums

Doris · 07-19-2006, 04:59 PM

We've talked about getting a GPS for months..but it's been all talk. We're planning on a trip HI, and I read on another board, how people rent cars and use their GPS's while traveling the islands. I've been lost my fair share with Gil, and it would be nice to not get lost. I'm looking for all and any suggestions. It must be portable. I'd also like to know once you buy it, what the cost is to run it, and how long does it work on battery.
One of our own NorEasters has a TomTom, and it seems to work well..any other suggestions or info for me? Thanks.

Doris · 07-19-2006, 04:59 PM

We've talked about getting a GPS for months..but it's been all talk. We're planning on a trip HI, and I read on another board, how people rent cars and use their GPS's while traveling the islands. I've been lost my fair share with Gil, and it would be nice to not get lost. I'm looking for all and any suggestions. It must be portable. I'd also like to know once you buy it, what the cost is to run it, and how long does it work on battery.
One of our own NorEasters has a TomTom, and it seems to work well..any other suggestions or info for me? Thanks.

Tootall · 07-19-2006, 06:37 PM

Doris,
I bought a GPS years ago, and am still kicking myself that I did not buy one that had an external antenna plug.
If I do buy a new one it WILL have an antenna plug.
Just one example to put on your wish list.

omnc954 · 07-20-2006, 04:49 AM

Garmin StreePilot c330 get my vote for one of the easiest to use and its portabable too!!!!!!

Retird2Golf · 07-20-2006, 11:40 AM

Check out DeLorme.com. they are in Maine. I have their "Street Atlas 2005" and bought the GPS unit as a package.
Works Great and you use your own Laptop.
Cost of Map Program and GPS was $99.00.

Good service and support. I am very satified.

Check it out on the Web

"Ride it like a Ford"

Doris · 07-20-2006, 03:24 PM

Is there a monthly fee with these? If not, who pays so you are on line with the gps?

DonavonP · 07-20-2006, 03:43 PM

Hi Doris, The signal is free from United States owned satellites. You don't need to go online.

BigRedLancer · 07-21-2006, 11:32 AM

I second the vote for the Garmin C330. I have the C330 and is "VERY" simple to use and can be seen in indirect sunlight. It is the most "user frendly" consumer electronics device I have ever owned. I handed it to my wife and without looking at any manual, she was able to select a location in a matter of seconds. The entire US and Canada maps are loaded and the GPS speaks to you in your language of choice to let you know when your turn is comming up. You can go one better and get the C340 that will anounce the names of the streets and roads.

Cheers

Doris · 07-21-2006, 11:49 AM

That's good to hear. One of the things mentioned in a few reviews is that it's not easy to see when it's sunny out.
The Tom Tom seems to do a little better in the reviews and pricewise (on some of them)..but I have found the 330 Garmin for under $400 shipped. Many of the Tom Tom's have good reviews, so it would be harder to decide among them. Back and forth, back and forth I go!
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BigRedLancer:
I have the Garmin V and is "VERY" simple to use and can be seen in indirect sunlight. : </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bill Davis · 07-22-2006, 05:32 AM

We have been on the road for over a month, using the Garmin 330. It does work very well, even in the Boonies on Forest Service roads, not listed on most maps. When we make a mistake and miss a turn, our "Lady of the Dashboard" is very forgiving, repremanding us gently with a "recalculating" announcement, and we proceed on. I even felt bad for bouncing her around in the Jeep.
Owners manual could be improved, but most features can be figured out with use.

rayw · 07-23-2006, 11:55 AM

Doris
Depends on whether or not you have a laptop. If you don't have a loptop, you may wish to think of a handheld Garmin. On the other hand, if you do have a laptop, I would heavily recommend the DeLorme Earthmate Satellite receiver (about 2" square) and either DeLorme's mapping program or (as we use) MS Streets and Trips. In any event, your outlay should be between $100 and $125 to put yourself in business....
We have been using GPS via a laptop for 9 years.

brad03ca · 07-24-2006, 03:32 PM

Hello Doris....Just got a Nextar GPS. The huge 7 inch touch LCD screen make navigation at a glance, very easy. The 40 GB memory allows for easy downloads of MP3 music,(stereo) as well as tons of addresses. Comes pre-programed with all street maps (colour) in both Canada and United States. On a recent trip to Eastern Canada, Maine, VT. etc,,this unit was VERY helpful, and easy to use.
I still carry my hand held Magellian as well.
Was a good unit, but didn't have the download map capabilities.

Don (W5IT) · 07-24-2006, 03:55 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Retird2Golf:

Check out DeLorme.com. they are in Maine. I have their "Street Atlas 2005" and bought the GPS unit as a package.
Works Great and you use your own Laptop.
Cost of Map Program and GPS was $99.00.

Good service and support. I am very satisfied.

Check it out on the Web

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Doris I second the Delorme if you are gonna bring your lap top. I have used this system for several years. I bought the 2006 version just before my Corpus Christi, TX trip in May.

RV Cams is where I bought my latest upgrade. Give Tim a call and tell him I referred ya. I have known him for MANY years. (He camps with his family every chance he gets)

He is very knowledgeable on several systems. He'll do his best to make sure you get the type that best suits ya.