Considering a New GPS

[desura]

So basically, the last time I got into GPS units, I found that Garmin was the best. I got a TomTom unit and it was simply not as good.

Have things changed, or are they roughly the same? How does Magellan fit into the picture? What's a good model nowadays? I'd like to keep it under $100. Also, lifetime maps appears to be a feature in most new models. It's legit, right? I remember most older GPS units used to have like $50-$100 map updates.

 

[TheStu]

Why not use your phone? Limited data, or does the standalone GPS really offer you enough of a benefit to not do so? The ones that I have used have nice features like listing the speed limit in the area, but past that, i don't see the advantage if you have a modern smartphone.

 

[desura]

Why not use your phone? Limited data, or does the standalone GPS really offer you enough of a benefit to not do so? The ones that I have used have nice features like listing the speed limit in the area, but past that, i don't see the advantage if you have a modern smartphone.

don't have a smartphone is why.

Never could justify the monthly cost.

 

[TheStu]

don't have a smartphone is why.

Never could justify the monthly cost.

That's quite reasonable. All I have experience with is Garmins. I'm not crazy about them, but most of that is about software and UX.

 

[desura]

I have a Garmin Nuvi from 2007 and it's driving me nuts.

Basically, whenever you plug it into a USB charger, it thinks it is in data transfer mode.

Meaning that you can't use it while plugged in and driving. Which basically means that it is unusable.

I've tried to find a firmware update but no luck connecting with the PC so far.

Do other Garmin GPS's have this problem or did they fix it?

 

[lothar]

I have a Garmin Nuvi from 2007 and it's driving me nuts.

Basically, whenever you plug it into a USB charger, it thinks it is in data transfer mode.

Meaning that you can't use it while plugged in and driving. Which basically means that it is unusable.

I've tried to find a firmware update but no luck connecting with the PC so far.

Do other Garmin GPS's have this problem or did they fix it?

Why are you charging with USB in a car anyhow?
Your Garmin GPS didn't come with this? or is it that your car only comes with one power port?

 

[desura]

So with a little bit of research (at least on the Garmin side),

It appears that most Garmin GPS devices have lifetime maps *only* for the lower 48.

Canada will cost you an extra $60. And god forbid you try to go to Mexico, or Europe, or an Asian country.

Shit is just a headache. Android might be a better value prop b/c of this.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

i love my garmin, its much easier to just plug in than to fool around on my phone, turning on navigation, waiting/hoping i for gps to start successfully on my phone etc... and you dont need to worry about data costs, if thats an issue. also garmins maps are easier to look at in my opinion. and gps is so cheap, why not get one

 

[desura]

Well, I've been looking at offline navigation apps available on android devices. I'd totally be willing to shell out the same cost for a GPS receiver since the map updates would hopefully be more flexible.

 

[alangrift]

Buy a Nexus 4. It's cheap, and get one of the T-Mobile or MVNOs cheap plans.

 

[TheStu]

Doesn't the Nexus 7 have full GPS on it? How about that OP? BIG screen compared to the standalone unit, capacitive touch screen rather than a resistive one, faster UI too probably.

 

[luv2liv]

So with a little bit of research (at least on the Garmin side),

It appears that most Garmin GPS devices have lifetime maps *only* for the lower 48.

Canada will cost you an extra $60. And god forbid you try to go to Mexico, or Europe, or an Asian country.

Shit is just a headache. Android might be a better value prop b/c of this.

mine was supposed to come with lifetime free map updates too. but when i tried to update, it Garmin wanted $90! forget that. i can buy an used one from CL thats more current for $80....or get an Android tablet/phone

 

[weeber]

You're not using the using the cigarette adapter charger the Garmin came with are you? I had the same problem and did some digging. I don't have any links right now, but Garmin apparently puts a resistor in their charger cords that lets enables the unit to determine what's been plugged into them. If the resistor is there, the unit goes into navigation mode. If you plug in any other mini-usb connector it defaults to computer mode.

There's information out there on this issue. There may be a way to bypass the issue on some units. I've read that if you turn the unit on, wait for the "loading maps screen" and then plug it in, you'll be able to get to navigation mode without using the standard plug. But I haven't tested myself, and I hear this work-around may not work for all models.

I have a Garmin Nuvi from 2007 and it's driving me nuts.

Basically, whenever you plug it into a USB charger, it thinks it is in data transfer mode.

Meaning that you can't use it while plugged in and driving. Which basically means that it is unusable.

I've tried to find a firmware update but no luck connecting with the PC so far.

Do other Garmin GPS's have this problem or did they fix it?

 

[snoturtle]

Wife has one on those old garmins that does that
From what I read the newer ones don't have this issue

Here are the steps to fix
1 turn on gps (don't plug it in)
2 when the main screen comes up hold down the battery icon for 5 seconds
(multiple tries might be necessary until you get used to the spot to push)
3 the diagnostic/info screen should come up
4 plug in car charger and press exit
5 gps will reboot and act normal

Worse part about this is you have to do it every time the gps shuts off or gets unplugged

 

[vshah]

nexus 7 makes a great navi. I use mine for that sometimes.

 

[luv2liv]

nexus 7 makes a great navi. I use mine for that sometimes.

and what app do you use for offline navigation?

 

[Thump553]

So basically, the last time I got into GPS units, I found that Garmin was the best. I got a TomTom unit and it was simply not as good.

Have things changed, or are they roughly the same? How does Magellan fit into the picture? What's a good model nowadays? I'd like to keep it under $100. Also, lifetime maps appears to be a feature in most new models. It's legit, right? I remember most older GPS units used to have like $50-$100 map updates.

Same situation, I bought a newer Garmin about a year ago and it is quite a bit better than my old one. Screen bigger (nice for aging eys) for one thing. Get a Garmin with LMT (lifetime maps and traffic) so you can update the maps-while traffic IMO is nearly useless they frequently charge as much for one map update as the whole unit costs.

Keep an eye on the deal sites for refurbished Garmins-they are dirt cheap then and I couldn't tell any difference from new.

 

[Fardringle]

nexus 7 makes a great navi. I use mine for that sometimes.

The Nexus 7 is great if you always have access to wifi any time you want to start (or change) a trip, but it's not as useful as a true GPS (or a phone with data) if you don't have regular access to an Internet connection.

 

[vshah]

The Nexus 7 is great if you always have access to wifi any time you want to start (or change) a trip, but it's not as useful as a true GPS (or a phone with data) if you don't have regular access to an Internet connection.

i've used navfree and sygic for offline nav, both have worked fine when i've needed them.

 

[desura]

I just tried out Sygic on an android device w/o a data plan.

Worked really well. Fast, and you can search for POI's w.o. being on a data plan.

 

[Fardringle]

Sygic is a nice app, but unfortunately the maps are not cheap at anywhere from $25 to $50+ for a single country/region after the initial 7 day free trial.

NavFree seems OK for a free app if you live in an area that has maps available (seems to be mostly Europe).

 

[Jumpem]

Garmin 5" or 7". I have a smart phone, but a stand alone GPS unit is much better.