Auto GPSs - What Works For You?

[Monster5601]

Everyone makes a big deal of the map updates, 99.9% is unchanged with update.

My older Garmin tells me to update but I just ignore it, my Tom Tom has maps and traffic for life, I didn't even know the traffic feature was active till it gave me a warning of a delay ahead. I don't really need it but that could be a very handy feature for those on the road more than me.

JB

Map updates include more than just road information. Updates include speed limit changes, points of interest, red light cameras, business changes (address, phone), etc. I suppose an update is not as important if you do not live in or near urban areas though.

I had tried a Tom Tom a few years ago but it had one problem I could not find a way to get around. When following a route that took me up a boulevard, at every turn-around on the boulevard, the Tom Tom voice navigator would announce a message to continue in the right lane and continue traveling straight. The Garmin unit did not do this.

 

[gsganzer]

I just bought a Garmin Nuvi 40LM. It's a basic unit, but has the lifetime maps, points on interest etc. It seems to me like it has all the features you really need. So far, it's been great. In all the research I did, the Garmin units were the most recommended.

 

[jonyyuma]

Garmin Garmin Garmin, NOT TOM TOM!

I have 2 garmins and 1 tom tom

Though the Tom Tom has some nice graphic features, the garmin is so much easier/ more intuitive to use. I literally almost threw the Tom Tom out the window more than once.

One of the things I don't like about the tom tom I have is, it doesn't leave the blue bread crumb trail where you have been, that is a great feature.
That's just one thing among many though, I will never get another tom tom, only bought this one cause they had a super special at best buy on them.

All my gps units automatically go to night screen when it gets dark, don't know if it's due to sat signal or simply a sensor on the unit, I thought it was just built in the unit.

I have the garmin you can just talk to, no typing in, cost close to a grand 4-5 years ago but is still going strong. Have it in my service truck, it's great never having to input addresses or even look at the screen.
No regrets, even on the price being so high compared to today's prices. I never see anyone with this type of voice recognition GPS unit.

JB

I bought the tomtom at best buy too for the same free maps. It is harder to use, than my Garmin..

 

[George2615]

I use a Garmin Nuvi 1490 LMT w/ lifetime map upgrade. It has a 5" display and bluetooth for hands free cell phone use built in. So far its been great. Punch in an address and it takes me right to it. I was surprised it is so accurate. Have taken several trips on the thruway and it even knows when I pull off in a rest area for a pit stop or coffee. Its nice to have the estimated time of arrival displayed and the MPH reads the same as my speedometer.

 

[thatguy]

I have a GPS question I hope someone can answer... I have the Garmin Nuvi 1300lm and on the map there are black 'dots' at times.. It first it looked like they coordinated with a business and then it looked like the coordinated with a speed limit sign - but neither was consistant.. They are not any of my 'favorites' either..

Anyone know what they stand for?

Brian

 

[Dmace]

I have a GPS question I hope someone can answer... I have the Garmin Nuvi 1300lm and on the map there are black 'dots' at times.. It first it looked like they coordinated with a business and then it looked like the coordinated with a speed limit sign - but neither was consistant.. They are not any of my 'favorites' either..

Anyone know what they stand for?

Brian

They are POI's (points of interest) but have no icon. You should be able to click on them and get the info bubble.
http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/page7x5.02.htm

 

[thatguy]

They are POI's (points of interest) but have no icon. You should be able to click on them and get the info bubble.
Garmin Nuvi GPS Tricks, Tips, Work Arounds, Hints, Secrets and Ideas -- Page 7X5-02

thanks for the reply and the link..

brian

 

[Dmace]

No problem, I've been using these for years everyday and still learned some tricks from that page.

 

[glkingar]

I have two Garmin. A nuvi 250w and a StreetPilot 7200. The nuvi is for my wife's Volvo and the StreetPilot is for my truck. I like the one in my truck acts like a backup camera monitor which is real handy since I have a contractor shell on the back with out window's. It also makes it EASY to back up to a trailer. The StreetPilot also plays music from a SD card.

 

[crashz]

I've got a Garmin Nuvi as well and love it. Its my first GPS, very easy to use and has tons of useful features.

I did not get the free updates with mine though. Definately will next time.