Need some direction for GPS purchase

GSRstilez · 04-26-05, 08:01 PM

Hi all,

I believe this is my first post here. I poked around a bit in the GPS section and its a bit overwhelming. I appreciate any and all help that anyone gives to me.

I have an X30 624mHz with the Windows software. Pretty much what I want to do is be able to put it in my car and be able to plot directions to my client's houses (I'm a mobile detailer). I'm not sure what setup I really need for what I am doing. I'm not even sure how it all works with the BlueTooth setup either.

Any other info needed, please let me know. Thanks for the help.

tralalala · 04-26-05, 08:27 PM

If I were you, I would buy Bluetooth GPS with long lasting battery. Go to buygpsnow.com or semsons.com. You can buy a bundle: GPS plus software (around $200-$250). You read already that the software is a personal choice. I own PocketMap Naviagator and I'm very happy with it. One more thing: there are at least three popular different GPS chipsets right now: SIRF II/LP, SIRFXT2, and SIRF III. Read more about them here: http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=143&page=1
I own Royaltek with SIRF II/LP and it works perfectly. If you want to be 'modern' - go for SIRF III - the newest. Good luck.

My last advice - please read JakeRich intro to GPS - link is in his signature (I hope :approve: )

04-27-05, 07:55 AM

I recieved a Garmin GSP 10 unit a few weeks ago and it works great. It includes all the functions and the maps are great in detail and function. I have nothing but great things to say about the unit. I am sure there are units and software that are just as good but I doubt any are better. Checkout www.garmin.com for more info and I bought mine from www.tvnav.com for $210.00.

Hope this helps

bladepda · 04-27-05, 08:28 AM

I have been using the Garmin GPS 10 Deluxe for about two months. Great device, I have had no problems.

JakeRich · 04-27-05, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by tralalala

If I were you, I would buy Bluetooth GPS with long lasting battery. Go to buygpsnow.com or semsons.com. You can buy a bundle: GPS plus software (around $200-$250). You read already that the software is a personal choice. I own PocketMap Naviagator and I'm very happy with it. One more thing: there are at least three popular different GPS chipsets right now: SIRF II/LP, SIRFXT2, and SIRF III. Read more about them here: http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=143&page=1
I own Royaltek with SIRF II/LP and it works perfectly. If you want to be 'modern' - go for SIRF III - the newest. Good luck.

My last advice - please read JakeRich intro to GPS - link is in his signature (I hope :approve: )

Thanks for the plug, tralala!
:approve: GSRstilez, tralala's advice is good. The most popular software packages right now are Mapopolis, which is fastest and pretty good, but not the most feature-rich (detour, waypoints, etc), OnCourseNavigator4 (soon to be 5) which is slow to start up, but fast at navigation and is has pretty much every bell and whistle, iGuidance (Dell/Routis/PrymeNav) which is not quite as fast but has a nice interface, Destinator3 (middle of the pack, nice interface) and PocketMapNavigator (acceptably fast, really great interface), and TomTom which is pretty quick and has a good interface. Mapopolis, OCN4, iGuidance all use NavTeq maps, PMN and TT use TeleAtlas maps. (I'm not sure what D3 uses and I'm not where I can check, sorry.) You said you are in Hamden, CT, but tell us what city you will be using the software and perhaps someone can comment on the quality of the two map databases in your specific area. All maps have some degree of "lag" behind the road-building but it varies from vendor to vendor and location to location. What works for me may be out of date for you in your area, so it's good to get a local comment on map accuracy.

GSRstilez · 04-27-05, 01:31 PM

Wow, thank you for ALL the help.

I am gaining a much better understanding for everything and how it works/what to look for. I have a couple more "simple" questions though...

-When I recieve the bundle, will I have everything I need to be up and running (hardware wise)?
-Where do you all reccomend mounting the Bluetooth piece?
-Which car mounting kit would you reccomend for the Axim?
-Any other accessories I should look into with it?

Personally, this is what I have found that sparks my interest thus far...

http://semsons.com/globbluetgps.html

Thanks again.

JakeRich · 04-27-05, 01:41 PM

1. It should have everything you need.
2. Most BT units have pretty good rubber feet and will sit nicely on the dashboard of your car without moving around. The back deck is also good, but turning it on and off is harder there, obviously.
3. Arkon, RAM and Seidio make good mounts. Arkon and Seidio have powered mounts with amplified speakers to provide better sound quality. ProClip also has some good mounts and use a unique mount for your vehicle that makes it very solid.

diesel · 04-27-05, 02:21 PM

can you tell me if navteq or teleatlas is best in the new york city / new jersey tristate area?

thanks

lvgdgts · 04-27-05, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by GSRstilez

Wow, thank you for ALL the help.

I am gaining a much better understanding for everything and how it works/what to look for. I have a couple more "simple" questions though...

-When I recieve the bundle, will I have everything I need to be up and running (hardware wise)?
-Where do you all reccomend mounting the Bluetooth piece?
-Which car mounting kit would you reccomend for the Axim?
-Any other accessories I should look into with it?

Personally, this is what I have found that sparks my interest thus far...

http://semsons.com/globbluetgps.html

Thanks again.

This has been an interesting thread. You initially stated you want to be able to plot directions to your clients houses. For this, all you need is mapping software. You could even download directions for free from Mapquest. This would require planning out the route before leaving for the day.

The GPS unit is what really adds all the functionality. With that you can find your route from any two points with voice directions. You can do that also with just the software, but you'll constantly be looking back at the screen and any moderate or heavy traffic will pose increased risk.

A bluetooth GPS unit is very nice. With many of them you can put them just about anywhere once a fix is obtained(dash, glove compartment...). That, is as long as you don't have a windshield with a metal coating. This way you can have voice guidance and not need to worry abou traffic. I currently am using a Holux GR-231 and it's great.

Once you have the software and the GPS unit, you don't need anything else. A mount can be very handy, though. The Seidio 2500 has a nice tailored look, but is PDA-specific. If you ever change PDA's you'll need a new mount. I use a powered Arkon unit which is universal. They both will charge the Axim, the bluetooth GPS and allow for increased volume with a built-in speaker.

Good luck with whatever you decide. It's nice knowing you never have to stop and ask for directions again.

Additional letters because I am told this post is too short.

04-27-05, 03:24 PM

Eveything comes with the Garmin GPS 10. I stick mine on the dash and its good to go however it has once extra nice feture, its magnatic so if signal strength is a probelm it sticks to the roof, hood etc... to your car. If it rains, well its waterproof....cant say enough good things about this unit. I have tried it on the roof but dont keep it there as the signal is strong enough on the dash.