Portable GPS suggestions

[AlexJet]

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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)

Thanks, I'm still thinking to make it better...
Get the portable GPS. Look for Garmin or Magellan. As far as I know they are the most reliable units. Plus you getting it twice cheaper then in-dash, latest, and I mean latest, mapping; software upgrades cost you 3-4 times cheaper. My 2720 provide me with the latest maps, like I have the street where I'll move in December (it's still construction site), turn-by turn directions, speak-to-talk function (it saying the name of street or exit you have to turn, like "turn right to Queen street in 200 meters"), 11 languages, fully customizable display, trip computer with more 30 different functions, touch screen, more 6 million of POI, custom loading POI, traffic alerts, etc. Just my 2c

 

[Mafster]

My install pics~

I removed the drop-down door panel beneath our HVAC controls and found a nice & flat mounting surface for a suction cup. Satellite signals are fine there too! It recesses the unit some. Using a fixed mount, it blocks one cup holder, while using the flex arm it doesn't. I can attach the flex arm on the side of the center console as well.

 

[Mafster]

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[Mafster]

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[Mafster]

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[Mafster]

Don't laugh at the feet shots! I'm taking these Sunday a.m. before I forget and I'm in my snazzy robe. As you see this forum takes priority over my Sunday routine!

 

[Dude]

Don't laugh at the feet shots! I'm taking these Sunday a.m. before I forget and I'm in my snazzy robe. As you see this forum takes priority over my Sunday routine!

What mount is this? Where did you get it? I assume it works for the 26XX and 2720 units?

Where did you get the dual 12v unit shown in the first pic?

 

[Zona4R]

mafster,

nice setup. if you don't mind me asking, what was the final cost for the total package?

i know you said you still get decent reception with the unit mounted down there, but how good is the accuracy? 5 meter?

 

[Mafster]

The main unit was about $760. The mounts are about $40 each. Using WAAS it is down to about 5meters.

 

[Mafster]

http://www.ebatterytechmounts.com/index.html

I search the above for 2720/ or Garmin mounts. They have great pics and side views of the mounts. Shipping was quick too (about 4 days).

I purchased the double 12v at http://www.toyotapart.com/

It costs about $70, but is nice. Only takes a couple minutes of prying to pop the old one out and the new on in.

 

[AlexJet]

My install pics~

I removed the drop-down door panel beneath our HVAC controls and found a nice & flat mounting surface for a suction cup. Satellite signals are fine there too! It recesses the unit some. Using a fixed mount, it blocks one cup holder, while using the flex arm it doesn't. I can attach the flex arm on the side of the center console as well.

Mafster, does it stick to the side silver trim with a suction mount? It looks like more temporally then permanent solution. Thanks for the pictures. I tried the same way (with attaching RAM mount to the plastic behind the door, but I used 3" arm and it was too long. May be I'll try with 1", but I need to buy it first.
Anyway cool pictures.

 

[Mafster]

Yes the suction mount sticks hard to side console.

 

[Mafster]

If I wasn't moving the GPS between vehicles, I would consider mounting it inside the cubbyhole area beneath our HVAC (after removing the door) without a RAM/suction mount (all by itself). It would fit in there nicely. This might be accomplished by using industrial strength velcro?
Obviously it would have to be angled up, to view properly. A small piece of foam afficted to the bottom of the unit might work too.

 

[Dude]

After seraching and not being real happy with mounting solutions, I was up at Dicks Sporting Goods tonight and ran across a Garmin mount that is similar to the beanbag mount that comes with the 2720. The primary difference is that the internal metal base in the mount is somewhat flexible...kind of like a stiff aluminum piece. I was able to bend the mount as you see in the pics and it is a perfect fit for the cupholder.....here is the kicker....it was $4.97 as a closeout item.

The internal metal piece holds it's form so the mount and unit sit down in the cup holder and are really solid. Other benefit....I still have my original mount to use in other cars.

 

[Dude]

Another

 

[AlexJet]

Another

Cool... Looks nice. How stable is this solution? Is it vibrating, or moving?

 

[Dude]

Cool... Looks nice. How stable is this solution? Is it vibrating, or moving?

no vibration at all...the internal metal plate is pretty stiff and puts just enough tension in the cupholder.

 

[linuxgeek]

I have garmin ique 3600 and i love it, i dropped it i 4 feet onto rocks like 5 times and once fell off the roof of my car onto ground and still worked fine. but finally i had it in my pocket and fell hard onto it and it wouldn

 

[ebelen1]

Nice pics and great info. I've also been looking for a GPS unit but in reality, not a necessity. This hasn't stopped me before so I'll chime in.

The unit I'm really eyeing is the Garmin C340. Main reasons are: price (about $550 w/ shipping and all mounts, maps and required cords); 2 gig flash memory, not a hard drive; and latest maps. For the price and convenience, this is the unit.

BTW, it only came out a few months ago for about $200 more. I'm waiting a little longer and hoping for another price drop.

 

[sharp4runr]

Nice pics and great info. I've also been looking for a GPS unit but in reality, not a necessity. This hasn't stopped me before so I'll chime in.

The unit I'm really eyeing is the Garmin C340. Main reasons are: price (about $550 w/ shipping and all mounts, maps and required cords); 2 gig flash memory, not a hard drive; and latest maps. For the price and convenience, this is the unit.

BTW, it only came out a few months ago for about $200 more. I'm waiting a little longer and hoping for another price drop.

Where did you find the C340 for 550? I've found the C330 for that price, but not the C340. The C340 has the traffic redirection unit while the C330 doesn't right? I didn't want to shell out the extra money for the C340 because I don't want/need the traffic redirection as well as I don't want to pay for the extra service.