Anyone using a portable GPS mapping unit in their car?

I love my solution. I've been using a Dell Axim Pocket PC (current best value = Dell Axim X50 Handheld 416MHz @ $254) with a generic Compact Flash GPS Card ($90)and Mapopolis software ($99). I attach to the windshield via a mount I purchased from Seidio ($80, but worth it). My Dell X5 has much better sound quality out of the speaker than my friend's $800 HP Pocket PC, but the built-in speaker on the Seidio mount makes it a moot point.

Great things about the Pocket PC/Mapopolis combo: (a) GPS integrates with your Outlook Contacts (simply select name, home or work address, and click "Route to") (B) you can take it with you from car to car, and © you can take it with you if you're touring a city or walking around (tho mapopolis is not the ideal solution for hiking---it will pinpoint your location fine, but doesn't do map overlays)

I can't say enough good things about Mapopolis. Good cleand display, impeccable accuracy and it is the fastest of all the mapping programs out there. Also runs fine even in low memory--very rare in Pocket PC GPS world. Had purchased Teletype GPS, but it was a dog!!!

 

does it talk to you?

 

Yes, it does speak to you. In fact, it is so reliable, if all you wanted was step-by-step spoken instructions and you didn't care so much about the map, you could leave it out of site and just be guided by the voice.

It has a synthesized voice (my wife calls it "Arnold," after you-know-who) that advises you of the next turn. It pronounces the name of the street, the distance, and the left/right side. The number and frequency of warnings is adjustable. I have it set to provide the first warning at 40 seconds, then 2 more warnings before the turn.

You can also program the hardware buttons on the Pocket PC. In fact, some features I didn't even discover until I went to program the hardware buttons. I have one set to zoom in, one to zoom out, one to jump to my bookmarked/favorite locations, and one to announce general info--it announces what street I'm currently on, my speed, my direction, how far to my next turn, my altitude and the time. Very cool!

 

Do you need an external antenna?

 

I had the Garmin iQue3600 w/auto kit until I had my Prius. It was a bit more accurate than the Nav in my '05 Prius, but not that much that it's a big deal. And I loved being able to synch my contacts with Outlook and then just "Find" on the location.

It's also great for travelling, though you have to bring the power, because the battery life is short.

 

We're also thinking about the purchase (for our '05 #4).

I read in a bunch of Amazon reviews that while the TomTom is great for usability (and has cool features like downloadable voices), that it's maps are not as good as the Garmins. (Sounds like TomTom uses a 2nd tier map database?) Other people complained about its occasional choice of weird routes.

Anybody in the SF Bay Area have a recommendation on which system seems to have the best maps and route choices?

 

I've got a Garmin Quest, it's very portable since it's the size of and old fashion cellphone. Only negative about the unit is that the speaker which is on the cable is crap... But I know there's 3rd part options to hook it up to the stereo (maybee not in the prius).

The maps are great and the best part is that it's waterproof soo I can use the unit on my motorcycle as well...

No more fiddeling with maps while riding...

/Zappa

 

I also use a Garmin Quest and agree with Zappa's comments (note that while speaker's not great, it is useable). I like being able to use the Quest in multiple vehicles (including rentals) and to use it when on foot in an unfamiliar city.

Just a side note of interest. My sister has a new Lexus with factory navigation. We both entered the same restaurant address, then took off a couple of minutes apart. I arrived at the restaurant with no problem. She called on her cell phone from another part of the city and had to get directions. My cost - less than $500. Her cost - over $2,000.

 

I have Tomtom Navigator 5 with is installed on a Palm smartphone. I have had no issues with the maps or routing in the SFBay area. A stand alone Tomtom unit should be as good or better. Tomtom uses a 3D map presentation which is a bit easier to follow while driving than the Prius Nav system maps. The only issue I have is that the POI data (resturants, etc) is a little complicated to use due to the categorization that Tomtom uses. Overall, Tomtom offers great nav products.

 

I've used TomTom for about a year now with my huge-screen PocketPC (HP-iPAQ 4700) . With the most recent update I can even use TomTom's premium voices. I have a hillarious experience every time I use NAV since John Cleese of Monty Python fame is the voice of my GPS!

Top that one!

(no I am absolutely NOT kidding!)

Terry

 

I use the Garmin 2610, great unit like others mentioned. It does a really good job plotting routes, letting you choose between fastest, shortest, and cross country (should be helpfull when in a boat). We tried the shortest and fastest options on a known route wherethe shortest had a number of stop signs vs the fastest about two blocks longer but only 1 stop sign, it was smart enough to pick the longer route when I selected fastest and the shorter with the stop signs when I picked the shortest.

If I were to replace it though, I'd also look at the newest Tomtom unit (model 700), this unit also includes a bluetooth interface that alows it to be used as a handsfree car kit, I see it at Sams Club for about $800.00