Gps

Does anybody have one of those portable gps systems in their car..............I'm thinking of getting one for my work truck! Do you have to pay to download maps? How do you like them?


thanks in advance

I have whatever the base model is that garmin offers. It works great in areas that haven't been changed in a few years. The only places where I have encountered any trouble is Houston and Dallas. I have driven with it in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana and those have been the only two cities that have given it any trouble. I didn't have to pay to download any of the maps for it. I find that it still helps to look up directions before hand and look over them just so you have a basic idea of where you are going and then keep them in the glove box just in case your GPS tells you to do something crazy.

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Originally Posted by Swmrguy11

I have whatever the base model is that garmin offers. It works great in areas that haven't been changed in a few years. The only places where I have encountered any trouble is Houston and Dallas. I have driven with it in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana and those have been the only two cities that have given it any trouble. I didn't have to pay to download any of the maps for it. I find that it still helps to look up directions before hand and look over them just so you have a basic idea of where you are going and then keep them in the glove box just in case your GPS tells you to do something crazy.

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but for the most part it gets you where your going? I might invest in one of these bad boys

I just bought a TomTom OneXL...I love it. Worth every bit...

gives speed, direction, ETA, voice guided instructions, it's fast to calculate a route, and it's pretty accurate...it rocks!!

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

I just bought a TomTom OneXL...I love it. Worth every bit...

gives speed, direction, ETA, voice guided instructions, it's fast to calculate a route, and it's pretty accurate...it rocks!!

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Tomtom huh? some more variety thanks nate, i'll check them out as well

This will help you out:

http://www.GPSReview.net

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

This will help you out:

http://www.GPSReview.net

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thanks man!

I think I'll be investing in GPS myself this winter. Although I may be looking for something I can use on the motorcyle or the car/truck. I'd be interested in seeing what you go with!

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Originally Posted by TekWarren

I think I'll be investing in GPS myself this winter. Although I may be looking for something I can use on the motorcyle or the car/truck. I'd be interested in seeing what you go with!

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I'll let you know..........i think tomtom makes one specifically for the bike

I definitely want to get one. I just got a new phone yesterday that has the Verizon navigator on it, so I haven't tried it yet. If it works well, then my phone may be my GPS.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

I definitely want to get one. I just got a new phone yesterday that has the Verizon navigator on it, so I haven't tried it yet. If it works well, then my phone may be my GPS.

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Let me know how that works out for you.......i may go that route!

Will do! I thought about seeing if it would get me home during my running around today, but I didn't give it a whirl.

So, I tested out the Verizone Wireless Navigator on the way home today and was very impressed. It even took me the back way that I normally go. Except for two turns that I don't take, it gave me the exact turn by turn directions I normally take.

When I didn't take the two turns it recommended, it immediately re-calculated the drive. How are these things so darn precise to the number of feet until you reach your turn? Amazing!

The only thing I'd recommend is some sort of mount in your car for the phone (which you'd have anyway for a GPS system), as I just laid it in the seat next to me.

I even took a call during the trip and it resumed the navigation as soon as I hung up.

I think Karl and I will use it in Birmingham in a couple of weeks, then maybe we won't get lost trying to find a dining establishment that's 2 miles from the hotel! :P

Here's a review on Verizon Navigator from another site.

http://www.andybrain.com/extras/veri...tor-review.htm

Your the best thanks robin..........i have verizon, but i'm sure i'll have to update my phone and pay a billion dollars but this might be worth it!......................thank you

if you are going to get one for your car/truck get a garmin!...i have tested over 10 diffrent types and Nate i hate to say it but the tomtom were bottom of the list. garmin has an extreamly simple format to follow but can do everything nate mentioned and more. when you get to the higher priced ones ( 500+) they come with bluetooth, mp3 and others. also the 4.3" screen is nice..go to best buy or circut city and play with them

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Originally Posted by reediculous

Your the best thanks robin..........i have verizon, but i'm sure i'll have to update my phone and pay a billion dollars but this might be worth it!......................thank you

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Are you due for NE2 (New Every 2)? If you go to VZW's website, check out their list of available phones for your area and it will tell you which ones support VZW Navigator. You can always get get the 2 year pricing if you extend your contract (or just pay retail if not - for me, it's no big deal since I'm Verizon loyal). One of the phones is even free with a new contract (the Samsung U310, Karl's using that one).

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Originally Posted by NickMyers03

if you are going to get one for your car/truck get a garmin!...i have tested over 10 diffrent types and Nate i hate to say it but the tomtom were bottom of the list. garmin has an extreamly simple format to follow but can do everything nate mentioned and more. when you get to the higher priced ones ( 500+) they come with bluetooth, mp3 and others. also the 4.3" screen is nice..go to best buy or circut city and play with them

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There are SOOOO many GPS units to chose from that it's almost daunting. My concern with buying one, like Garmin for example, is that it's static. Meaning that it doesn't update with new road contruction, etc, whereas Verizon is always updating.

Am I wrong about that? My knowledge of GPS is admittedly limited. I'm interested in getting a GPS for my parents this year for Christmas (they're on Alltel, not Verizon), but don't want to spend an arm and a leg for one, but also want one that isn't using outdated information.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

There are SOOOO many GPS units to chose from that it's almost daunting. My concern with buying one, like Garmin for example, is that it's static. Meaning that it doesn't update with new road contruction, etc, whereas Verizon is always updating.

Am I wrong about that? My knowledge of GPS is admittedly limited. I'm interested in getting a GPS for my parents this year for Christmas (they're on Alltel, not Verizon), but don't want to spend an arm and a leg for one, but also want one that isn't using outdated information.

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i thought you had to download new maps, and pay 100$ per download with Garmin............If so, thats how they get you

garmin comes with a built in maping system that is current ( has my apartments in it that are only a year old that mapquest doesnt even have) downloads/upgrades of maps are free with the system i purchased. i have friends that use the one on verizon but the draw back is when making a long trip and keeping it on there goes your battery..all in all i would say no matter what get a gps. any gps will do the job its how it works and the ease of use. it has saved me hours and jobs

Ok, I have to chime in here with my bits and pieces of knowledge... (I used to work for Verizon AND Garmin).

If you are wanting a good navigation system, Garmin is DEFINITELY the way to go. I'm not saying that just because I used to work for them, but because being in the industry, I had the opportunity to test models by all the major manufacturers. Garmin devices have a simple user interface, audible voice guidance, and MANY options in different price ranges. Garmin updates the mapping every 1-2 years and you can purchase map updates to load into the GPS. Unfortunately, new maps aren't free, but they're also not mandatory. If your system is getting you around just fine where you are using it, no need to update every year. The accuracy in Garmin units is top notch. Generally, a Garmin nav system will display your position within 10 feet of accuracy, sometimes even better. The voice guidance is good, very audible, with adjustable volume. As for charges, you pay the one time charge to buy the hardware and there is no monthly service fee. The only other cost you will incur is to purchase the map updates, if and when you choose to do so.

Verizon navigator is fairly new and wasn't around when I worked there, but I have used it and played with it for comparison purposes. The upside is that the maps are all updated by them and you don't have to do any map loading. Now, the downsides. There is a MONTHLY charge for the service, $15 a month if I'm not mistaken. The screen will be very small compared to a stand-alone nav system. Also, the voice guidance is barely audible over road noise. It WILL get you where you're going, but you have to pay attention to your cell phone screen so you don't miss a turn. I think the IDEA of Verizon navigator is a good one, but the execution of the idea is slightly lacking...

Just my :2cent: ;)

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Originally Posted by NickMyers03

garmin comes with a built in maping system that is current ( has my apartments in it that are only a year old that mapquest doesnt even have) downloads/upgrades of maps are free with the system i purchased. i have friends that use the one on verizon but the draw back is when making a long trip and keeping it on there goes your battery..all in all i would say no matter what get a gps. any gps will do the job its how it works and the ease of use. it has saved me hours and jobs

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With long trips, I plan to turn off Navigator and then turn it back on when it's closer to the next turn. It will tell you it's 100 miles to the next turn (for example) so turn it off until you are 95 miles down the road, then turn it back on.

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

Verizon navigator is fairly new and wasn't around when I worked there, but I have used it and played with it for comparison purposes. The upside is that the maps are all updated by them and you don't have to do any map loading. Now, the downsides. There is a MONTHLY charge for the service, $15 a month if I'm not mistaken. The screen will be very small compared to a stand-alone nav system. Also, the voice guidance is barely audible over road noise. It WILL get you where you're going, but you have to pay attention to your cell phone screen so you don't miss a turn. I think the IDEA of Verizon navigator is a good one, but the execution of the idea is slightly lacking...

Just my :2cent: ;)

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$10 a month actually and I had no troubles hearing the verbal guidance over road traffic. I actually drove with the cell phone closed, and the verbal guidance gave me plenty of advanced notice of an upcoming turn with the name of the street, not just "approaching left turn" but rather "turn left on Warsaw in 1 mile".

If the upgrade on Garmin is $100, then I can get 10 months of VZW Navigator for the same price and not have the additional cost of the actual GPS unit (since my phone was free with the NE2 upgrade).

It all boils down to what works well for each individual user. It's good to hear the feedback on the Garmin since I do plan to buy a unit for my parents for Christmas.

But for my personal needs right now, VZW Navigator performs well and is a very good alternative.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

...not just "approaching left turn" but rather "turn left on Warsaw in 1 mile"...

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As far as I know, all the automotive GPS units Garmin is releasing also have the turn by turn with street names. I know they were working toward that when I left the company 9 months ago.

Which Verizon phone do you have? I have the LV enV but I have only tried the navigation with the phone open. The voice guidance on mine is very quiet and I haven't found a way to get the volume to go higher than it already is. I also haven't tried it with the phone closed, so I may do that too.

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

Ok, I have to chime in here with my bits and pieces of knowledge... (I used to work for Verizon AND Garmin).

If you are wanting a good navigation system, Garmin is DEFINITELY the way to go. I'm not saying that just because I used to work for them, but because being in the industry, I had the opportunity to test models by all the major manufacturers. Garmin devices have a simple user interface, audible voice guidance, and MANY options in different price ranges. Garmin updates the mapping every 1-2 years and you can purchase map updates to load into the GPS. Unfortunately, new maps aren't free, but they're also not mandatory. If your system is getting you around just fine where you are using it, no need to update every year. The accuracy in Garmin units is top notch. Generally, a Garmin nav system will display your position within 10 feet of accuracy, sometimes even better. The voice guidance is good, very audible, with adjustable volume. As for charges, you pay the one time charge to buy the hardware and there is no monthly service fee. The only other cost you will incur is to purchase the map updates, if and when you choose to do so.

Verizon navigator is fairly new and wasn't around when I worked there, but I have used it and played with it for comparison purposes. The upside is that the maps are all updated by them and you don't have to do any map loading. Now, the downsides. There is a MONTHLY charge for the service, $15 a month if I'm not mistaken. The screen will be very small compared to a stand-alone nav system. Also, the voice guidance is barely audible over road noise. It WILL get you where you're going, but you have to pay attention to your cell phone screen so you don't miss a turn. I think the IDEA of Verizon navigator is a good one, but the execution of the idea is slightly lacking...

Just my :2cent: ;)

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thanks for your input.........very helpful

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

As far as I know, all the automotive GPS units Garmin is releasing also have the turn by turn with street names. I know they were working toward that when I left the company 9 months ago.

Which Verizon phone do you have? I have the LV enV but I have only tried the navigation with the phone open. The voice guidance on mine is very quiet and I haven't found a way to get the volume to go higher than it already is. I also haven't tried it with the phone closed, so I may do that too.

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I have the LG VX8700 - darn sexy phone too!