FlyerTalk Forums - GPS recommendations?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by themicah (Post 7558760)

It's me with the GPS-wanting techno-ignorant dad, back again.

After looking at Garmin's lineup a bit more, I think Dad would appreciate a GPS that spoke street names, so the c530 is out.

I'm trying to decide between the c550 and the nuvi 350. As far as I can tell, the main differences are that the c550 is bigger, has a built-in traffic receiver (which he'll never use) and has bluetooth (which I doubt he'll use).

Are there other differences? Are they equally sensitive and quick at locking in a signal? Are the screens the same size (I know they're the same resolution)?

Can't help you with the models you're evaluating, but....

(i) a GPS that speaks is WONDERFUL when navigating a busy city or even driving a beautiful countryside and actually taking in the surroundings. I mostly drive by what my GPS *tells* me, rather than looking on the screen - so you're right on the money there....

(ii) In Europe, where I'm based, traffic data coverage is fairly good. I use a combination of RDS-TMC and GPRS-acquired data, which comes over a bluetooth link to my cell. I've got a 30min ride from work to home when there's no traffic, and getting a heads up halfways that I can expect to spend 2h stuck in traffic allows me to divert to do shopping, take another route etc. Something I'd definitely not be without.

I'd urge you to consider in particular (ii) again when making your choise....

How much do you pay for that traffic data though? Would GPS be as popular if we had to pay monthly to receive the GPS signals?

Is that traffic data better than local radio? It would be if you're traveling in an unfamiliar area. But for your daily commute?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wco81 (Post 7559801)

Hm.....good questions.

I haul about 2MB of traffic data through GPRS to my GPS per month, and I have that out of a 10MB/month subscription which costs me.....6 Eur/month on my personal subscription. I use the GPRS stuff for a few other personal things too, but have not thus far crossed the 10MB/month threshold, so to me that's acceptable.

The RDS-TMC data comes over the FM band, and I do not pay for that -- not even for the premium service. The "traffic-over-gprs" is more accurate than the RDS-TMC stuff, i.e. one gets more alerts and such - but either solution works.

I actually use the traffic data a lot on my daily commute: from my place of work and to home, I pass two airports (a FT'ers dream or worst nightmare?), and accidents are not uncommon on the main roads so it's handy to know when to take side roads or go shopping ;) There are one or two "habitual" congestions that always happen at the same spots, but the rest are unpredictable :(

As for "better than local radio" -- I'd have to say yes, although that depends on where one is. In my area, the local radio does not advertise traffic conditions. Obviously, YMMW.

World NAV -TeleType

Last week I ordered and received the deluxe model (refurbished for $279) and immediatly put it on my car. It took me about an 1/2 hour to understand the system and teach the Navigator the basics. While on a weekend trip to NVA it was very useful in finding several recent POI's. I also used it to find a telephone number to let my friend know that we were going to be late for brunch. It also directed me too the closest dealer to get the tire fixed. When I did not take the route suggested it rerouted very quickly. It gives voice audio to alert turns and also uses the street name. The maps can be updated using the website(for a fee). It will allow music and video to be placed on the SD card. I have not tried this as of yet. It was a good buy and seems to be a very adequate utilty.