Corin said:
Ditto what Kris said. I want to know more. I'm currently looking at the Garmin, but am looking into other options as well.
Things I'm interested in:
1) Ease of use
2) Ease of installation/removal (like transfering between cars)
3) Features (i.e. learning new streets, avoiding streets/areas, detail of the maps)
4) Accuracy of the maps and your location (does it think you're on a different street, for example)
5) Any problems with GPS signal?
6) What's the thing that you like the BEST about this model?
7) What's the thing that you like the LEAST about this model?
I'd love to hear you answers!
(hey, why bother to do research myself when I can mooch off of others?) :4:
I have the Garmin Street Pilot III. It is color and gives turn by yurn voice prompting (you can upload a British voice if you prefer an international flavor)
1. It is relatively easy to use. The only thing I dislike about it in the Murano is the distance from the driver's seat to the center of the dash.
2. Garmin offers and accessory mount that gives complete portability. It is a "bean-bag" base, and it stays put. The cigarette lighter power cord that powers the unit also contains the speaker, so it takes seconds to transfer from vehicle to vehicle.
3. The Garmin contains a non-detailed Base map in it's internal memory. They supply a CD with the purchase that has highly detailed mapping of the US (other countries aqre also available).
The unit makes use of a memory stick type memory module. I believe the current models are coming with a 128 Meg stick. Mine came with a 32 Meg one (bought it in 2002). It also comes with a cable to download to the memory stick from the computer.
Because of the level of detail on the CD mapping, it is not powssible to download the detail of the entire US at one time.
I don't think this has changed. Originally, one "area" out of the 10 areas the cd mapping is divided into can be "unlocked" for free. Additional areas can be purchased for $79.00 and the entire CD can be unlocked for $225.00. Now, it is possible to purchase unit with a comletely "Unlocked" CD at point of purchase.
Keep in mind that the next release of the CD is free, but you have to neogotiate with Garmin on the usage fee. There have been 2 updates that I am aware of since getting mine in 2001. Since the mapping department are constantly trying to keep the detail up to date, this will be an on-going process..
3. The routing program built into the Garmin lets you choose between fastest time and shortest distance or off-road.
Choosing Shortest Distance will yield a route that has the largest number of street changes. Fastest time will generally result in a major road / major highway route.
It is not possible to include all new construction or repair, so the ability to route around road construction is not likely to be available, unless the project is long-term enough to be included in the last update.
The Garmin will track up to 12 satellites. After it locks onto 3, it provides 3-D tracking, which includes elevation. The Satellite screen (selectable from the menu) will show you which sats are being tracked, signal stength, accuracy and elevation and lat-lon.
Accuracy within 15 to 20 feet is quite common. It may put the pointer on the wrong street after a turn, but quickly corrects after a little forward motion. This is more likely to occur in city driving with dense street layout. It will tell you which streets or exits you are approaching.
5. No problems with signal using the supplied antena. It is removable, and an external one can be purchased for outside mounting. I have never had any problems using the supplied antenna.
The menu also allows you to select inside use. That, combined with internal batteries, allows you to take inside to plan future routing.
This is getting longish, so I will be glad to address question in another reply.
I'm very tempted to take it out on the beat!
