Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
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 A new map must be purchased for $120 when the old one becomes out of date.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? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
I've owned or used 2 Garmin Nuvi models and currently have a factory installed car system. In each case, you can instruct the unit to bias the routing based on preferences such as no toll roads, shortest time, shortest distance, easiest or most direct route. The Nuvi also supports pedestrian as well as vehicular. The 750/760 series is advertised as allowing for 12 custom routes (iirc) with as many as 10 inserted waypoints each. It provides turn-by-turn voice prompts for these as well. I also have a Moto Q9h which uses free apps like Windows Live Search, mYahoo, and Google maps in conjunction with the internal GPS chip. I can search for a restaurant, for example, pull up a phone number and get turn-by-turn directions. Sadly, the phone does not automatically update my location/directions as the trip progresses. I need to manually tell it to do so. YMMV * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
Robert Maybe I misunderstand, but are you asking about a GPS? Correct I have a Garmin and like it very much. There are many ways snip 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. Good to know. snip 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. And that's what I was asking about? Why would the algorithm (driving north) route me past a 4 lane divided highway another 5 miles further north to a two lane twisty road... Makes me scratch my head. 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. To update it as you've indicated you haven't done... Garmin (and others) have GPS's receivers that need to have periodic updates. Examples are aviation and marine units. The marine units have the soundings updated, usually on a yearly basis. If your boat was close to the bottom, you might need to update. With respect to aviation, those charts have a definite lifetime if for no other reason than airports do close as well as other restricted areas. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly When in doubt, form a committee * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
I have the Q9C which uses the Verizon mapping service if you so desire. You can subscribe for a month or multiple months if wanted. I have not used it. Stewart At 11:49 AM 10/13/2008, you wrote: I also have a Moto Q9h which uses free apps like Windows Live Search, mYahoo, and Google maps in conjunction with the internal GPS chip. I can search for a restaurant, for example, pull up a phone number and get turn-by-turn directions. Sadly, the phone does not automatically update my location/directions as the trip progresses. I need to manually tell it to do so. YMMV Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] GPS advice
I got mildly lost a couple of weeks ago, a phone call to my sister (lives in the area) provided no real help (rush hour and construction). I use the term mildly lost in, I knew where I was approximately but not precisely how to get where I wanted to go. I was also looking to get a car but was reluctant to spend $1,000-1,500 for an integrated GPS in the car since a top of the line portable GPS is ~$1,000. Last weekend I went shopping for a GPS and tried one out in Circuit City. I was in southern Maryland (Waldorf) and picked out an address in Annapolis. It generated a route that took US 301 to US 3 to MD 450 to the final destination. This is at least 6 miles longer than taking US 301 to US 50, which is a little longer than US 301 to MD 214 (MD 450 is a two lane road, US 50 is 4 lanes and goes across the Bay Bridge). The other GPS receivers didn't seem to get a signal, there didn't seem to be a lot of sales help there, so I left. Yesterday I went to a Best Buy, repeated the experiment and the units there couldn't find the satellites. Of course not, they're in a big steel building! So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly I used to have a handle on life, then it broke. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
Wayne - my only advice, having used both, is to get satellite driven GPS. The others are more like mapquest/google maps. Satellite seems to be more accurate, and allows, at least mine does, a choice of routes (quick, short, no freeway, etc.). /gayley Quoting Wayne Dernoncourt [EMAIL PROTECTED]: I got mildly lost a couple of weeks ago, a phone call to my sister (lives in the area) provided no real help (rush hour and construction). I use the term mildly lost in, I knew where I was approximately but not precisely how to get where I wanted to go. I was also looking to get a car but was reluctant to spend $1,000-1,500 for an integrated GPS in the car since a top of the line portable GPS is ~$1,000. Last weekend I went shopping for a GPS and tried one out in Circuit City. I was in southern Maryland (Waldorf) and picked out an address in Annapolis. It generated a route that took US 301 to US 3 to MD 450 to the final destination. This is at least 6 miles longer than taking US 301 to US 50, which is a little longer than US 301 to MD 214 (MD 450 is a two lane road, US 50 is 4 lanes and goes across the Bay Bridge). The other GPS receivers didn't seem to get a signal, there didn't seem to be a lot of sales help there, so I left. Yesterday I went to a Best Buy, repeated the experiment and the units there couldn't find the satellites. Of course not, they're in a big steel building! So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly I used to have a handle on life, then it broke. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
Check consumer reports. Some of the newer TomTom's plan using the strategy that Gayley mentioned. (plus they learn your habits.) All of the units will replan the route once you deviate from their assigned path. They key is to fond one that does it quickly. But I know CR has done some reviews and Tom Tom and Garmin usually come out the best. Stewart At 07:42 AM 10/12/2008, you wrote: I got mildly lost a couple of weeks ago, a phone call to my sister (lives in the area) provided no real help (rush hour and construction). I use the term mildly lost in, I knew where I was approximately but not precisely how to get where I wanted to go. I was also looking to get a car but was reluctant to spend $1,000-1,500 for an integrated GPS in the car since a top of the line portable GPS is ~$1,000. Last weekend I went shopping for a GPS and tried one out in Circuit City. I was in southern Maryland (Waldorf) and picked out an address in Annapolis. It generated a route that took US 301 to US 3 to MD 450 to the final destination. This is at least 6 miles longer than taking US 301 to US 50, which is a little longer than US 301 to MD 214 (MD 450 is a two lane road, US 50 is 4 lanes and goes across the Bay Bridge). The other GPS receivers didn't seem to get a signal, there didn't seem to be a lot of sales help there, so I left. Yesterday I went to a Best Buy, repeated the experiment and the units there couldn't find the satellites. Of course not, they're in a big steel building! So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly I used to have a handle on life, then it broke. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
buy a disposable(cheap) one. get a larger than the smallest screen. look at the refurbs at ecost and buy.com 90-100 bucks. they work. we have a tom tom 1. works just fine. my syster has a $1500 unit that came in the car. it works. her's does traffic. i would worry about paying for traffic info in dc, as XM radio does phony traffic reports, and my guess is that gps traffic is the same garbage. dc area has too many camera blanks to get good info without call in. 103.5 does good call in. At 08:42 AM 10/12/2008, you wrote: I got mildly lost a couple of weeks ago, a phone call to my sister (lives in the area) provided no real help (rush hour and construction). I use the term mildly lost in, I knew where I was approximately but not precisely how to get where I wanted to go. I was also looking to get a car but was reluctant to spend $1,000-1,500 for an integrated GPS in the car since a top of the line portable GPS is ~$1,000. Last weekend I went shopping for a GPS and tried one out in Circuit City. I was in southern Maryland (Waldorf) and picked out an address in Annapolis. It generated a route that took US 301 to US 3 to MD 450 to the final destination. This is at least 6 miles longer than taking US 301 to US 50, which is a little longer than US 301 to MD 214 (MD 450 is a two lane road, US 50 is 4 lanes and goes across the Bay Bridge). The other GPS receivers didn't seem to get a signal, there didn't seem to be a lot of sales help there, so I left. Yesterday I went to a Best Buy, repeated the experiment and the units there couldn't find the satellites. Of course not, they're in a big steel building! So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly I used to have a handle on life, then it broke. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
But I know CR has done some reviews and Tom Tom and Garmin usually come out the best. I don't know that I would rely on CR's opinion of anything technical. You should not just look at the purchase price. Also factor in the annual subscription price and/or the cost of software upgrades. You wrote that you would not be using this a lot so you may do better with alternative services. I recall reading about a phone-based service (I think Verizon, but I'm sure there are others). In addition to an annual subscription they also offered a 1-month and single-use or day rate. I'm vaguely remembering that a single-use cost around $5. Does anyone here recall this better than I do? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 11:04 AM, gerald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: buy a disposable(cheap) one. get a larger than the smallest screen. look at the refurbs at ecost and buy.com 90-100 bucks. they work. we have a tom tom 1. works just fine. my syster has a $1500 unit that came in the car. it works. her's does traffic. i would worry about paying for traffic info in dc, as XM radio does phony traffic reports, and my guess is that gps traffic is the same garbage. dc area has too many camera blanks to get good info without call in. 103.5 does good call in. The Dash reports anonymously users travel times and locations real time back to the mother ship and give real time reports to users. The problem is there need to be other Dash users on your route. (http://dash.net/) At 08:42 AM 10/12/2008, you wrote: I got mildly lost a couple of weeks ago, a phone call to my sister (lives in the area) provided no real help (rush hour and construction). I use the term mildly lost in, I knew where I was approximately but not precisely how to get where I wanted to go. I was also looking to get a car but was reluctant to spend $1,000-1,500 for an integrated GPS in the car since a top of the line portable GPS is ~$1,000. Last weekend I went shopping for a GPS and tried one out in Circuit City. I was in southern Maryland (Waldorf) and picked out an address in Annapolis. It generated a route that took US 301 to US 3 to MD 450 to the final destination. This is at least 6 miles longer than taking US 301 to US 50, which is a little longer than US 301 to MD 214 (MD 450 is a two lane road, US 50 is 4 lanes and goes across the Bay Bridge). The other GPS receivers didn't seem to get a signal, there didn't seem to be a lot of sales help there, so I left. Yesterday I went to a Best Buy, repeated the experiment and the units there couldn't find the satellites. Of course not, they're in a big steel building! So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly I used to have a handle on life, then it broke. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. I've used handheld GPS devices and own a Garmin 70CS. In bicycle touring circles this falls into the nice to have but not a requirement category. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
I've used handheld GPS devices and own a Garmin 70CS Sorry, 76C. Bad memory. Old age. But I know where I am, I think. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
I got a matchbook-sized Bluetooth GPS receiver about the size of an XM antenna (60 bucks) and subscribed to TeleNav on my Treo 650. As long as you have a scent of a cell signal, you can get postion, directions, compass... it's $10 a month. We also use it on my husband's BlackBerry. We have two Garmins on our boat that give position only, and one mapping Lowrance we use both in the car and the boat. The Lowrance has downloadable mapping to an SD card. I personally prefer my phone's dynamic mapping capability, even though it has a small screen. It will zoom up to be quite useable. If I want a more detailed map, I also have Google Maps on the phone. (you'd never believe from the equipment that the boat never actually gets out of sight of land) - Original Message - From: Wayne Dernoncourt [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 8:42 AM Subject: [CGUYS] GPS advice I got mildly lost a couple of weeks ago, a phone call to my sister (lives in the area) provided no real help (rush hour and construction). I use the term mildly lost in, I knew where I was approximately but not precisely how to get where I wanted to go. I was also looking to get a car but was reluctant to spend $1,000-1,500 for an integrated GPS in the car since a top of the line portable GPS is ~$1,000. Last weekend I went shopping for a GPS and tried one out in Circuit City. I was in southern Maryland (Waldorf) and picked out an address in Annapolis. It generated a route that took US 301 to US 3 to MD 450 to the final destination. This is at least 6 miles longer than taking US 301 to US 50, which is a little longer than US 301 to MD 214 (MD 450 is a two lane road, US 50 is 4 lanes and goes across the Bay Bridge). The other GPS receivers didn't seem to get a signal, there didn't seem to be a lot of sales help there, so I left. Yesterday I went to a Best Buy, repeated the experiment and the units there couldn't find the satellites. Of course not, they're in a big steel building! So is there any advice out there about what to get and what to avoid? I go on trips typically once or twice a year where this would be useful, so I don't see this as being big on features, but it shouldn't be stupid either. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly I used to have a handle on life, then it broke. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
Tom Piwowar But I know CR has done some reviews and Tom Tom and Garmin usually come out the best. I don't know that I would rely on CR's opinion of anything technical. They're a start, they do have a built-in bias against Mac's, it's silly but just realize the bias exists and try to account for it. Watch the opinions at cnet amazon.com as well. 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? You wrote that you would not be using this a lot so you may do better with alternative services. I recall reading about a phone-based service (I think Verizon, but I'm sure there are others). In addition to an annual subscription they also offered a 1-month and single-use or day rate. I'm vaguely remembering that a single-use cost around $5. Does anyone here recall this better than I do? The one on my phone costs $3.50(??) a day, but you almost have to pre-arrange for it. It's tough to do while you're lost in the middle of Va. Beach. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly Press any key to continue or any other key to quit * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 7:37 PM, Wayne Dernoncourt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tom Piwowar The one on my phone costs $3.50(??) a day, but you almost have to pre-arrange for it. It's tough to do while you're lost in the middle of Va. Beach. Verizon offers a monthly price for their phone based gps which is roughly the same as two and a half days. I've been leaving it on because I like to have the traffic info available. The down side is that it is phone tower based and you can drop off the map in inopportune places. I was going to the Zoo through DC and lost my connection right before one of the traffic circles fortunately I sort of knew the way and was using the phone as a backup. -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
in dc, one must use the hands free phone. how you get the map through your earpiece? At 08:05 PM 10/12/2008, you wrote: On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 7:37 PM, Wayne Dernoncourt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tom Piwowar The one on my phone costs $3.50(??) a day, but you almost have to pre-arrange for it. It's tough to do while you're lost in the middle of Va. Beach. Verizon offers a monthly price for their phone based gps which is roughly the same as two and a half days. I've been leaving it on because I like to have the traffic info available. The down side is that it is phone tower based and you can drop off the map in inopportune places. I was going to the Zoo through DC and lost my connection right before one of the traffic circles fortunately I sort of knew the way and was using the phone as a backup. -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
They're a start, they do have a built-in bias against Mac's, it's silly but just realize the bias exists and try to account for it. Watch the opinions at cnet amazon.com as well. They had strange biases long before there were Macs. Way back when I was in college we electrical engineering students used to laugh about the electronics recommendations in CR. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
On Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 8:20 PM, gerald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: in dc, one must use the hands free phone. how you get the map through your earpiece? I sat it on the instrument cluster with one of those sticky pads. The EnV has a speaker phone and it talks the directions. -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] GPS advice
They had strange biases long before there were Macs. Way back when I was in college we electrical engineering students used to laugh about the electronics recommendations in CR. I don't trust CR for computer advice either, but I'm not sure that applies to GPSs, which are pretty much ordinary consumer products these days. What you're mostly looking for is how easy is it to get a route, how readable is the display, how many POIs does it have, stuff like that. CR is usually pretty good with that kind of information. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
