Requirements
- 2d and 3rd Maps
- Complete US Maps can be loaded all at once, ie don't need to load maps per region
- Good POI (Point of Interest) Database
- Touch Screen
- Easy interface
- USB connection to computer
- Good Maps
- Audio voice giving directions
- Accurate Directions
- Good battery life
- Battery Powered and Car Charger
- Multiple destinations\way-points
- Quickly updated instructions if I pass the correct road or destination
- Knowledge of U-Turns (I'm king of U-turns.)
- *Small enough to carry in pocket or backpack
- Compass
- Read street names (ie "Turn left on Pine street in one mile") not just "Turn left 1 mile"
Update:
Best GPS Reviews http://gpsinformation.net/
NuVi http://gpsinformation.info/nuvi/nuvireview.html
Quest http://www.gpsinformation.us/quest/questrev.html
I3 http://www.gpsinformation.org/i3/i3.html
I5 (no link yet)
NuVi discussion forum
Magellan RoadMates
The problems with the Nuvi I've seen is that they only offer 1 via point, which I'm assuming means specifing a particular route that you want to take as part of its calculations, but it does allow multiple way points. Once you reach a point you can tell it to proceed from there to a different one. Also while it sounds as if it isn't good for geocaching because it may not show GPS cooridantes on the map. Just on a separte page. Also its unclear if you can put GPS coordiantes as a destination on the map. It also provides no trackback feature to allow you to follow your path back. It also doesn't appear to have a built in compass screen. It only has a battery life of 4-6 hours and is not waterproof but but that is forgivable since its primary for car use. Battery is built in and can't be replaced (I'd at least like to be able to carry a backup pair of batteries if possible).
Postives for the Nuvi included tiny size, best GPS chipset in general use, 3d, says street names, rechargable battery (unfortunatly no-removable).
Some of the new roadmates appear to be direct competitors for the Nuvi and new models are coming out now for a lot cheaper than the Nuvi. I'm looking into those now.
TravelMate 760 & 860 T http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=51884
Bigger than the Nuvi, but still hand held with similiar features. One huge plus of these devices is that since they run Windows CE they can be tricked into running other apps for CE, divx players, and support for http://www.oziexplorer.com/. Which is the coolest moving map program for hiking I've ever seen. Just scan in or download any map, upload it and the software will help you calibrate your position on the map. It doesn't do routing but it moves the map under you and points you in the direction of your next waypoint.
Don't get any of these from normal sites, the prices vary a ton on the web
http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Garmin_nuvi_350_Personal_Travel_Assistant,__11841514/sort_type=price
1 comment:
If your cell carrier and cell phone offer it, you might be able to subscrie to a GPS directions service for your phone. Both my LG VX8300 and my wife's Motorola 815 have built in GPS (i didn't realize it had become so common). We have Verizon and their sevice is $10 a month I believe. In the long run the standalone unit would be cheaper, but it might take a while to reach financial equality.
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