GPS recommendations

[Larry Gude]

Daughter, being an Apple person, was hung up on Apple Maps, told her she had to try Google Nav and she stopped using that Apple stuff real fast. You can overlay sat view, so if you can orient using overhead (folks who fly for a living might find that easier ) but one of the biggest was the lane specific direction. It will not only tell you which lane you want, but it will show how many lane choices there are and show which of the five lanes you need before you get there.

Yeah. It's been pretty good to me so far. And the ability to press, hold, move the pin, "use second lane from left" it's not bad.

 

[getbent]

I used my Android for a while. Worked great until it didn't. Verizon couldn't fix it and I got tired of using up my data. Is your GPS fairly new? Did you try to call Garmin themselves?

 

[RPMDAD]

What model garmin?? why wont it update anymore, did gaarmin drop support??

 

[PeoplesElbow]

A couple years ago I bought the cheapest Garmin that had lifetime map updates, It was the nuvi 1100 (cost me less than $100 during a sale at newegg.com). That that is teriffic, way better than using a phone with an app, sorry the phones just aren't as good as a real GPS.

The built in nav systems in cars are a total ripoff, you want to talk about something that has ending support and costs an arm and a leg to repair....

Spend about $100 on a cheap Garmin with lifetime maps and you will be happy.

If I had to replace mine I would probably get this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858108552&ignorebbr=1

 

[GWguy]

I like the built-in GPS because of the size of the display. You can clearly see the roads and text without straining.

Which makes me think.... how about a tablet instead of a phone?

 

[merc669]

The only issue with In-Car Navigation I see is who is the manufacturer of the GPS Section of the In-Dash Radio. Garmin, Magellan, Tom-Tom are all well known brands for stand alone. But an In-Car? With most Stand-Alone offering Free Updates, what does the Dealer Charge to Upgrade the Firmware and Maps? Or is it something you can do from the car like On-Star type updates? I think they look great. But I would be worried of costing an arm and a leg to go to the dealer just to get my Navigator updated...

 

[PeoplesElbow]

I like the built-in GPS because of the size of the display. You can clearly see the roads and text without straining.

Which makes me think.... how about a tablet instead of a phone?

I know it would have cost $1800 to get a Honda in dash nav system replacement, plus labor.

 

[GWguy]

I know it would have cost $1800 to get a Honda in dash nav system replacement, plus labor.

It came standard with the truck. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

It came standard with the truck. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Standard equipment isn't too bad, mine was something like an $800 option when new.

Another advantage of the stand alone is I use to travel a lot with work so it was in every rental with me, even when I wasn't the one driving.

Garmin is great about putting resturants and such in the GPS so you can search nearby ______ restaurants.

 

[glhs837]

My 2006, there was an update DVD disc every year and a half or so.

 

[GWguy]

I just checked the GMC site. The standard map I have now is current, but I can get the "next generation" map for the 2015/2016 models for my 2014. Has updated maps, points-of-interest, etc.... $160.

 

[RareBreed]

I had to get used to using my phone, now I adore it. Especially using waze because it warns you of road hazards and speed traps and gives you options for re-routing when your chosen route has traffic...which helps you beat the GPS, of course Plus you get points. I have no idea what the points do, but it sure is fun to get them! It also allows you to use a very good search feature that brings up options in your area for whatever you're searching for. I have used it to find all kinds of things. Its worth a look while your searching for your new stand alone unit, anyway.

Just downloaded the Waze app. Will try it out on my commute home today.

 

[itsbob]

My phone has a terrific GPS but I like the visual of it being on my windshield so I can see what's going on and not just hear it. I suppose I could get a phone mount and just keep the phone plugged in while I'm driving, but I like something that just stays there instead of me having to keep moving it around.

Built in GPS are never as good as Garmins or TomTom.. and are VERY expensive to update.

That being said, I was at Best Buy a few weeks ago, and don't know much about the accuracy of their GPS but (I think it was Magellan) has a GPS with built in camera.. I like the idea. Where do you mount your GPS? Perfect location for a dashcam..

I have a ZUMO on the bike (it has XM, is weather and traffic capable), and I'd look at the NUVI LM models (Lifetime Maps) from Garmin. ALL of them have different cool things, all of them have turn by turn directions, but some have lane choice.. tells you what land you need to be on the interstate when you come to one of those difficult exits..

But I'd google, and do a "GPS REVIEWS" and find one with the bells and whistles most important to you. You can have integrated Bluetooth so you can hands free your cell phone through your GPS.. or have weather, or traffic.. the list goes on and on.

 

[vraiblonde]

but some have lane choice.. tells you what land you need to be on the interstate when you come to one of those difficult exits..

This is one of my favorite features of the GPS

Supposedly my current Garmin has lifetime map updates, but when I go to update it it says I can't because there's no room. I'm pared down to just the basics - no languages other than English, no other voices, icons, etc, so no idea what the problem is. Lifetime map updates are worthless if you can't actually download and apply them.

What's interesting is that the GPS knows when traffic ahead is congested, and other real time alerts, but can't update itself. Duh. You should be able to update without plugging the GPS into your computer.

 

[itsbob]

Then Tom Tom is what you want.

Garmin can do that.. You can have the simpsons give you directions..

 

[itsbob]

This is one of my favorite features of the GPS

Supposedly my current Garmin has lifetime map updates, but when I go to update it it says I can't because there's no room. I'm pared down to just the basics - no languages other than English, no other voices, icons, etc, so no idea what the problem is. Lifetime map updates are worthless if you can't actually download and apply them.

What's interesting is that the GPS knows when traffic ahead is congested, and other real time alerts, but can't update itself. Duh. You should be able to update without plugging the GPS into your computer.

Does it have an SD card slot?

I know mine when I update it (I don't remember the last time) it wiped it clean and loaded all new maps.

 

[itsbob]

Trade up to a newer car with built-in GPS. You've had that red thing for a while. It's due.

We should have taken a clue from Tracey's sister when we borrowed her Highlander with built in GPS, and she had a Garmin sitting on her dash.

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

Supposedly my current Garmin has lifetime map updates, but when I go to update it it says I can't because there's no room. I'm pared down to just the basics - no languages other than English, no other voices, icons, etc, so no idea what the problem is. Lifetime map updates are worthless if you can't actually download and apply them.

My Garmin also has lifetime map updates, but as you said, you have to use a computer; specifically a hardwired desktop computer, as a laptop on a wireless connection does not/will not work.
I have tried using the desktop computer also, with no success. It's the "Garmin Express" program that Garmin makes you install on your computer. Apparently there's a trick to using it I haven't figured out yet. I'm []THIS close to plugging the GPS directly into the cable modem and seeing what happens.

What's interesting is that the GPS knows when traffic ahead is congested, and other real time alerts, but can't update itself. Duh. You should be able to update without plugging the GPS into your computer.[/QUOTE] Makes no sense to me either.

 

[getbent]

My Garmin also has lifetime map updates, but as you said, you have to use a computer; specifically a hardwired desktop computer, as a laptop on a wireless connection does not/will not work.
I have tried using the desktop computer also, with no success. It's the "Garmin Express" program that Garmin makes you install on your computer. Apparently there's a trick to using it I haven't figured out yet. I'm []THIS close to plugging the GPS directly into the cable modem and seeing what happens.

What's interesting is that the GPS knows when traffic ahead is congested, and other real time alerts, but can't update itself. Duh. You should be able to update without plugging the GPS into your computer.

Makes no sense to me either.[/QUOTE]

Did you try to go to just garmin.com , under Maps heading? I have a Garmin and that's what I used, not the express. My Garmin watch won't upload to the express.

 

[Midnightrider]

Does it have an SD card slot?

I know mine when I update it (I don't remember the last time) it wiped it clean and loaded all new maps.

The last time i updated mine i could only load some of the maps without putting in an SD card. You might be all set if you simply load some more storage.

FWIW i have a realitively new NUVi and i really like it. The maps are great and the lane indicators are awesome. My wife's NUVI has "previews' of intersections and exits so you can see what the signs should look like and which lane you should be in. Basicaly they have a CGI of the ramp so you get to see what it 'really' looks like before you come upon it