Portable GPS suggestions

[GalacticRunner]

Did not see mention here so I'll add my 2 cents. Don't forget about the Magellan. The problems of the past have been rectified. I have the 700 and from what I've read the new 760's features make it even better. Very accurate, easy to use, nice size hard drive, and the optional dash mount is on par with Garmin. Also screen resolution is much better.

 

[Mafster]

I JUST purchased a Garmin 2720 for my 05 Sport and love it. I have a C340 on order too for my wife's Accord. I used the C330 and liked it, but liked the additional features of the C340, so I sent it back to Amazon and was willing to wait a couple weeks for the newer model.
There are all sorts of GREAT suction mounts from RAM mounts for them.
You can attach the suction cups to the left/right sides of our center console with those flexible hose mounts, or like what I did, popped out that center drop-down-door under our HVAC unit (never used it anyway) and there is a sweet, smooth surface behind it that will accomade a suction mount, helping recess the GPS. Depending on the mount, you might/might not block one cup holder. Using a small fixed mount, it does block one BUT if you use the flex-arm mount both cupholders are functional.

I just ordered one of those ash-tray converters for our 4Runners, the factory one with the 2 12V jacks to aid in freeing up a power jack.

If somebody wants to see pics of the mounts, let me know and I'll post them.

 

[UoD]

One feature that is kind of important is the ability to store routes .... do all these units have that capability?

 

[Mafster]

The 2720 does. And the small remote that comes with it works soooooo nicely that you won't even reach for the touch screen very often. Check out the comparisons

http://www.garmin.com/mobile/compare.jsp

Oh yeah, one thing I did like with the C330/340 was the internal batteries. You could take and use it anywhere for HOURS without a 12V source. But it has limitations on features and no remote. I know you may think the remote is a mute point, but once you try it, I promise you that you'll be hooked. Less time w/eyes off the road.

 

[UoD]

Awesome --- thanks for the compare link. I searched all over on the Garmin site last week trying to find a way to easily compare their models and was unable to find it.

 

[Mafster]

Funny, I just saw the 4Runner you own and we have twins. I too traded up from my '93. I loved her, but she was becoming dated for today's world of aggressive driving. Just got the Revos on last week, and if you haven't done so yet, the hype is true. They really do make a world of difference, from both ride to cornering. It was a tough leap to make, considering I only had 5K miles on the Dunlops, but I don't regret it now.

Sorry to get off topic!

 

[UoD]

As soon as I get all the other things I want (NAV, mp3 capability, etc...) I plan on getting a set of revos on my baby.

 

[Mafster]

http://www.garmin.com/products/nuvi/

Check out the Nuvi 350 (not the first one listed)--it has North America capabilities.

The big drawback (to me) is its small screen size, but it has great features and would mount very discretely just about anywhere--plus you can take it traveling out of the U.S.

They keep getting smaller & smaller!

 

[vandert]

For me in Europe

Tom Tom is really the only option, it's great, and the maps are the cheapest for me. I'm purchasing in the next few months.

But if you want an expert opinion go to www.cnet.com

That place is the shizzle.

T

 

[Dude]

Is there a product (Garmin preferred) that has the following:

1) Portable w/internal power supply
2) External antena and AC power supply
3) Base map for Auto use that is up-to-date that covers the entire US with the ability to store locations, previous routes etc. Also, very user friendly attributes for auto use (voice, arrows, easy inputs etc.)
4) The ability to create routes on a pc and upload the file to the unit (does this require additional software not supplied with the unit?)
5) expandable memory, preferrably generic card types (CF/SD etc.)
6) Topographical and water maps
7) And last but not least, the ability to have at my disposal an auto route to the woods, topo maps through the trails in a state park, and then out of the car to the boat and then around the lake.

Is there such a product that allows seamless or somewhere close to seamless access to multiple map types (topo, auto, water)? Are the Garmin memory cards proprietary and if so, will they allow you to add additional map detail? I guess at the end of the day, I want the unit for 90% car use without needing to upload any maps....then I want to be able to add topo and water maps on a memory card for other uses.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mafster]

There are some marine GPS units see www.garmin.com, but none that I see with all the capabilities you listed. I'd say get a small, portable gps for the woods/lakes and a 2720 for the car.

 

[Zona4R]

It all depends on how rugged the unit has to be. If you're going to be hiking and slogging through mud and rain on a regular basis, you're going to be hard pressed to find a single unit that does all that. For on the water capability, you're probably going to want it to be waterproof to some degree. If you can sacrifice those two things, check out Garmin's iQueM5. I believe it comes closest to what you want. To run the various map programs, you're going to need a pocket pc type unit (not a PDA) and some cash to buy the various software programs. National Geographic has a very nice software set, similar to MapTech's. Garmin offers 1:24k maps of National Parks divided into Eastern and Western US. Not all the parks are in there yet, but soon will be. They also have their BlueChart series for fishing. Unfortunately, when you load a new map into the unit it wipes out what you already have in there. Basically, you can't combine the 1:24k maps with BlueChart with Street.

If you have a laptop that you don't mind taking with you, you can always upload the maps as you need them. But you'll be forced to use Garmin's software for most of their units.

I own several Garmin units that I use for various purposes.

To get what you want, you're going have to spend a lot of cash. The only software program that I can think of right now that allows you to layer various types of maps, including DOQQ's (aerial photographs) on a pocket pc platform is ArcPad. This is designed for reealtime GIS applications and is probably more than you need. I believe it runs somewhere around $800 for the kit, but you can probably get a free copy somewhere.

 

[Dude]

I guess that I should be more specific....

I am not necessarily interested in seamless transition (too much $$$ it sounds like). Seperate maps would be OK. I just want to have a really nice auto device (that I can move from car to car) that has a hardrive based storage of the auto routes and then the ability to load in topo and water maps on a media card (preferrably generic media, CF/SD).

I looked at a Garmin 2610 today...it seems like units are either harddrive based for auto use only or entirely media card based as in the 2610. I am not going to carrying it through the woods...although it would be kinda cool to strap to my KTM 200 on fire trails. I am guessing that the majority of the time it is either in my SUV or boat.

I am not a big fan of the PDA based products and am looking for something a bit more robust. I think the 2610 has now been discontinued for a new model....but I am wondering if I use a 2Gb CF card, will it hold enough data for vehicle routes and all other topo/water maps to be uploaded as well??

Has anyone used the Garmin GPS map 276C? It sounds like the optional automotive kit that includes MapSource City Select software comes on a pre-loaded data card....so if you want topo maps....you have to give up the other pre-loaded card???

 

[Zona4R]

It sounds like Garmin's Quest 2 might be what you want. It has 140 MB map storage capability and accepts all o f Garmin's MapSource products.

Hte GPS MAP76 series works well too. you get it in color if you want (the screen is a little small for my taste) and it accepts external antennas.

 

[Zona4R]

Just realized the Quest 2 also accepts external antennas.

And if you're wondering if 140 MB is enough storing, I've had all the topos for Grand Canyon loaded in my 76 and i think it only has 64 MB.

Also check out the 276C

 

[AlexJet]

Been shopping around for a portable GPS solution. I did a search on the forums here and was only able to find some dated information about the Garmin 60c and the sp2610.


Has anyone recently purchased a portable vehicle GPS system? I am really thinking about the TomTom GO 700 (as it has bluetooth built in ... which is a nice feature to have). However, I have never heard of TomTom before and I have no idea how good of a brand it is.

Any suggestions?

I just got Garmin StreetPilot 2720 a week ago. What can I tell you...? Awesome unit, I love it, the best in the market. I previously owned Garmin GPSMap 76CS, GPSMap 60CS, StreetPilot 2610, StreetPilot c320; tested Magelan Roadmate 700, TomTom Go, NavMan iCN520 and iCN630. I like 2720 the most. I'll do some pictures tonight and will post them tomorrow.

 

[AlexJet]

Is there a product (Garmin preferred) that has the following:

1) Portable w/internal power supply
2) External antena and AC power supply
3) Base map for Auto use that is up-to-date that covers the entire US with the ability to store locations, previous routes etc. Also, very user friendly attributes for auto use (voice, arrows, easy inputs etc.)
4) The ability to create routes on a pc and upload the file to the unit (does this require additional software not supplied with the unit?)
5) expandable memory, preferrably generic card types (CF/SD etc.)
6) Topographical and water maps
7) And last but not least, the ability to have at my disposal an auto route to the woods, topo maps through the trails in a state park, and then out of the car to the boat and then around the lake.

Is there such a product that allows seamless or somewhere close to seamless access to multiple map types (topo, auto, water)? Are the Garmin memory cards proprietary and if so, will they allow you to add additional map detail? I guess at the end of the day, I want the unit for 90% car use without needing to upload any maps....then I want to be able to add topo and water maps on a memory card for other uses.

Thanks in advance.

Looks like you looking for some sort of Off-Road vehicle with Ferrari performance.
I know just one vehicle like this: Lamborghini LM002. http://www.lamborghiniregistry.com/LM002/.
Seriously, nice features you want to put in one unit. I

 

[AlexJet]

Here is the image of my setup:

 

[Grease Monkey]

Hey all,

Bear with me here.... what is the little DIAL underneath the Rear Window Operation button? Sorry for being soooooo green. Is that the 2wd and 4wd dial for V6? I haven't got my runner yet, but i saw those dials couple of times in this forum. Do all V6 2wd has that dial? How about a V8? Is there such thing as a 2wd V8? By now, You can probably tell i haven't own anything offroadish or SUVish.

ps- great setup you got there, Alexjet, and thanks for your recommandation on all the GPS (still debating whether to get the in dash navi or portable gps)

 

[curtis]

Bear with me here.... what is the little DIAL underneath the Rear Window Operation button? Sorry for being soooooo green. Is that the 2wd and 4wd dial for V6? I haven't got my runner yet, but i saw those dials couple of times in this forum. Do all V6 2wd has that dial? How about a V8? Is there such thing as a 2wd V8?

You are right, that is the 2wd/4wd switch/dial on the 4wd 6cyl. The 4wd V8's are fulltime 4wd....and yes, you can get the V8 in 2wd.