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Author Topic: GPS units  (Read 360 times)

Offline nuchpatrick

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GPS units
« on: March 15, 2006, 11:10:21 AM »
Okay, in the 6 years I've been working in our family business I don't think my father has once used a fraggin map cause he always calls me for directions!!

Has anyone try'd this TomTom GPS unit? Or something compairable? Keep in mind it has to be very user friendly and any electrical my dad can screw it up.. so it has to be something I can teach him or remember how to work it and not see it..lol

Thanks
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Offline beet1e

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« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2006, 11:23:08 AM »
I've tried it, but I don't like it. I like to understand the whole route before starting. Some people, however, are not good navigators, and therefore worship TomTom. I will say that the display and instructions are very good, as is "wrong turn recovery".
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Offline Maverick

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« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2006, 12:57:54 PM »
A gps unit can also get you into trouble. They are very literal and if you ask for the shortest route, may direct you through downtown alleys to get accross town. It takes a while to use one efficiently and you want to make sure it will be very user friendly.

The old Garmin moving map I used for flying had many features I didn't use since it was so hard to program. I set up the route on a map, listed my waypoints and set them one or 2 at a time on the GPS.  I still don't depend on a GPS to know where I am. I like having the GPS merely confirm my location for me. If the darn thing breaks or goes down you are on your own.
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Offline Staga

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« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2006, 02:18:57 PM »
I've used TomTom in my GSM-phone and it's very easy to use and maps have been accurate.
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Offline Nilsen

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« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2006, 03:32:47 PM »
TomTom is cheap and for what you pay you get a good package. Alot of cellphones are comming out now with decent gps units inside so maybe you should have a look at some of them.
You also get some PDA's with gps and they too give you something extra for your money. I am wondering if I should get me one from Asus that has gotten some decent reviews.
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Offline john9001

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« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2006, 06:10:50 PM »
i always hire a native guide, they work cheap and know where the water holes are.
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Offline Sandman

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« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2006, 06:14:15 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Nilsen
TomTom is cheap and for what you pay you get a good package. Alot of cellphones are comming out now with decent gps units inside so maybe you should have a look at some of them.
You also get some PDA's with gps and they too give you something extra for your money. I am wondering if I should get me one from Asus that has gotten some decent reviews.


As near as I can tell, a TomTom is over $500.

Not so cheap.
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Offline Masherbrum

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« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2006, 08:09:24 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Sandman
As near as I can tell, a TomTom is over $500.

Not so cheap.


Try around $700.

Look at the Garmin V for $350.  Granted you don't get the color screen, but you save cash and have a great GPS unit.

I agree with Sandman, the TomTom is NOT cheap.

Karaya
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Offline Staga

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« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2006, 01:36:44 AM »
That Another option: Cellphone or PDA & Bluetooth GPS receiver.

Compatible phones (mostly Nokias with Symbian Series 60 like 6600 & 6682) are up from 200-250$, PDA's about the same and GPS receiver & software bundle costs around 200$.
I chose to use phone as a navigator because it's always with me.
Usually I don't watch the screen at all; I just listen the instructions from the phone's built-in speaker.

If you're going to buy a GPS receiver buy one with SiRFstar III receiver chip; that is most sensitive chip available and can receive satellite signal even indoors. Friend bought one and it works even if he puts his to the glove box of his car when my receiver needs to be on the dashboard...

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Offline Holden McGroin

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« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2006, 01:42:08 AM »
I usually buy a map.

$5 and no batteries required.
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Offline Nilsen

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« Reply #10 on: March 16, 2006, 01:46:40 AM »
Although i agree with you Groin, there is something about that gadget factor. I am a true fan of maps and good old navigation at sea, but recently I have been thinking about a gps so i have an aid if the fog sneaks in while im skinny dipping on some remote island.
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Offline Holden McGroin

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« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2006, 01:53:09 AM »
I have a sextant too...  all I need is a good watch...  and.... and this Thermos.
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Offline Staga

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« Reply #12 on: March 16, 2006, 02:28:50 AM »
Watch? I though real navigators used only stars...
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Offline Staga

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« Reply #13 on: March 16, 2006, 02:38:28 AM »
About "gadget factor"... Software I'm using in phone now (Navicore) is having a "Location Messaging"; it can be configured to send your location as a little map (Multimedia message) or as code another Navicore program can show, it tells the exact location, speed, heading and address... :)
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Offline Nilsen

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« Reply #14 on: March 16, 2006, 02:50:04 AM »
that is cool Staga :)
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