portable GPS

**HudsonHawk** · 03-16-07, 11:00 PM

I'm in the market for a portable GPS and was wondering if anyone has purchased a GPS recently or has suggestions on what to buy? I'd like something portable that I can use in both my personal and work vehicles. I was looking at the "Tom Tom GO" which has a decent size 4" screen and also plays MP3s. (I only have a tape deck, no CD player, in my car)

I'm open to any recommendations. Thanks.

**BEB** · 03-16-07, 11:06 PM

Never used one myself, but I heard a radio show talking about them and the host was very biased toward the Garmin units and didn't like the Tom Tom at all.

While I won't say he's right, his later advice seemed sound - borrow models from others and see which one you like best.

**Hannibal** · 03-16-07, 11:29 PM

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Aut...e/iWAY600C.asp

I have one, and I love it.

**General Patten** · 03-16-07, 11:43 PM

Well, I don't know anything about the vehicle-mounted units, but if anyone is in the market for a handheld GPS, check out the Magellan SporTrak Map. I own one, and Im quite happy with it. It did keep turning on accidently at first, even with the hold-down-for-ON feature, but chopping off half of the power button easily fixed that. Now I just stick the thumb-stud on my knife in there to turn it on and off

**Jim1348** · 03-17-07, 12:34 AM

I use a Garmin StreetPilot 2730 and I am pretty satisfied with it. I haven't ever used a TomTom so I can't really compare. Here are some GPS webpages. As you probably already know, there are a number of GPS receivers on the market right now.

Here is one helpful site for selecting a GPS http://www.rated4stars.com/html/car-gps-reviews.html

Here is a post on a gal looking for a GPS For her deputy sheriff boyfriend
http://gpsinformation.biz/phpBB2/vi...3571&highlight=

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/default.asp

http://www.poi-factory.com/

For whatever it is worth, if I were buying today I would probably get a Garmin Nuvi 350 or, for a bit more money, I would get the widescreen Garmin Nuvi 650.

**deputysykes** · 03-17-07, 01:16 AM

I've got the TomTom Go 910. I'm pretty happy with it. I got it for Christmas and am still learning new tricks with it. I'm satisfied with it over all.

**Jackalope** · 03-17-07, 01:50 AM

I have a Garmin Rino 130:

It's not going to do you much good for vehicle navigation, but it's great for handheld navigation in the wild. It's also got a built-in FRS/GMRS radio so you don't have to carry one of those separately.

**Virginian** · 03-19-07, 10:07 AM

I have the Garmin I3 but here's the I5, they're relatively cheap compared to others but work amazingly well. Gotten me out of being really lost a few times.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-StreetP...4313197&sr=8-7

**Beans** · 03-19-07, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by Virginian

I have the Garmin I3 but here's the I5, they're relatively cheap compared to others but work amazingly well. Gotten me out of being really lost a few times.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-StreetP...4313197&sr=8-7

Is there any gadet you don't have???

**Virginian** · 03-19-07, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by Beans

Is there any gadet you don't have???

Yeah, one of those alarm things that notifies me when your car pulls in the driveway - but it's shipping today I think - no more awkward moments when you catch me in the kitchen making a sandwich!

**Beans** · 03-19-07, 10:22 AM

Awwwwwwwwww Man!

**deputy29** · 03-19-07, 11:01 AM

I have a Magellan in my personal car and love it.

**KaiGywer** · 03-19-07, 11:19 AM

I have a GPS on my laptop and use Microsoft Streets and Trips. More cumbersome than those little ones, but nice to have a big map to scroll around on

**Piggybank Cop** · 03-19-07, 01:58 PM

I just have a model #1 WIFE; she knows where I am all the time.

**Virginian** · 03-19-07, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Piggybank Cop

I just have a model #1 WIFE; she knows where I am all the time.

The downside is the expense of that unit

**TXCharlie** · 03-19-07, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by KaiGywer

I have a GPS on my laptop and use Microsoft Streets and Trips. More cumbersome than those little ones, but nice to have a big map to scroll around on

And much cheaper than anything else if you already own a laptop - I've seen the Streets and Trips Software + GPS receiver combo on sale for less than $100.

I'm not sure how well it works in a moving vehicle, though. Does it do ok in that environment, and keep up with your position and its routing pretty well?

**Virginian** · 03-19-07, 02:31 PM

The Garmin (and others I'm sure) is amazing as far as accuracy, it displays your speed down to a single MPH, and estimates your arrival time down to the minute according to your speed and route. Pretty awesome.

**Piggybank Cop** · 03-19-07, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by Virginian

The downside is the expense of that unit

Talk on, talk on.

**KaiGywer** · 03-22-07, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by TXCharlie

And much cheaper than anything else if you already own a laptop - I've seen the Streets and Trips Software + GPS receiver combo on sale for less than $100.

I'm not sure how well it works in a moving vehicle, though. Does it do ok in that environment, and keep up with your position and its routing pretty well?

Yup, I paid $99 for mine, and then for $39 you can buy the updated maps each year. S&T isn't necessarily the best for directions and displaying (top down on a map), but the best for planning. iGuidance is one of the best ones for showing route, but not as good as S&T in the planning aspect. It's also more expensive.

It worked great for my trips for Florida and DC. It kept up both in town and on the interstate. Didn't like tunnels too much though

Another thing to keep in mind with a laptop is that you'll need an inverter to get 110V AC for your adapter. This can cause problems for your cigarette lighter if you have a power hungry computer. I had to hardwire mine to the battery (well, with clips so I can take it off) and then route the wires through the door frame. Works great that way, and I can remove it when I don't need it.