Maybe I misunderstand, but are you asking about a GPS?
I have a Garmin and like it very much. There are many ways to plan a
trip. There is an extensive list of places -- universities,
restaurants, churches, theaters, gas stations, and very many more that
may be selected as a destination. Of course, any address can be entered
and saved for the future. The device displays a map and gives ample
driving directions audibly as you drive along the route. If you detour
from the route, the device will automatically recalculate a new route.
There is no subscription needed to use the maps and driving
instructions. There is an optional device that may be attached which
communicates with an external radio to offer advice about traffic
conditions so that an alternate route can be selected if desired -- I
don't have this and can't comment about its effectiveness. The map
supplied covers US and Canada. Other maps may be purchased at a price
of about $120 each, such as Europe or Asia.
Maps are not updated. Over time, new roads are created and perhaps some
are closed. A new map must be purchased for $120 when the old one
becomes out of date. I've had mine for 4 years and have not updated.
The only time I had trouble getting a satellite reception was in New
York city among many skyscrapers. After I got a few blocks away the
signal became available.
Almost all brands of GPS use either one of two maps that they purchase
from a vendor. My daughter has a Tom Tom that uses the map from the
different supplier of maps. When I drive to their house on the river in
southern Virginia, my Garmin plots a trip going the fastest way -- hers
plots a different path that is not as fast. I believe it is the map
that makes the difference.
The only thing that gives me a problem with my Garmin is the suction
cup. The cup tends to loose suction when it is in direct sunlight.
As for connecting to a computer, I don't know. I don't know why I would
like to connect to a computer if it can be done.
Wayne Dernoncourt wrote:
Tom Piwowar
You should not just look at the purchase price. Also factor
in the annual subscription price and/or the cost of software
upgrades.
Also do they support Mac's? I can't convince my wife to
switch though so maybe she'll let me use her computer...
Subscription? to what? how often do they update maps?
Does the unit stop working if you don't have a subscription?
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