GPS Guru's needed!

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Markbnj

STAY AWAY from MIO. (why are there so many mode to navigate? Cockpit? full screen? split? follow?)

I have the Mio C520, and I don't think you can touch the features at that price for a 4.3" widescreen GPS with all the extras. I agree that the interface is not the simplest, but I am puzzled by your examples. I do think they did a great job designing it for flexibility and customizeability. Most of the people I have talked to who have the Mio love it for it's hackability and excellent performance. None have issues deciding between full screen and split-screen modes . You change them with a single tap and once you have used the unit it's immediately apparent what each view is for. Likewise the Follow button. You can browse around on the map, place a cursor, search around the cursor, etc., all while navigating. Follow just means "center back on my location and lock to it." Not that hard.

Dont get me wrong, w/ all my GPS reviews I never rate on UI. I always state, it is the matter of "getting used to".

I-go is a pretty nice UI as well as its new 2008 3D version only in HP Ipaq310 for now.

Like other member mentioned, they wish to purchase a GPS unit for their parents, let along hacking it. Hence, I have my wife rated on this particular catagory.

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: Markbnj

STAY AWAY from MIO. (why are there so many mode to navigate? Cockpit? full screen? split? follow?)

I have the Mio C520, and I don't think you can touch the features at that price for a 4.3" widescreen GPS with all the extras. I agree that the interface is not the simplest, but I am puzzled by your examples. I do think they did a great job designing it for flexibility and customizeability. Most of the people I have talked to who have the Mio love it for it's hackability and excellent performance. None have issues deciding between full screen and split-screen modes . You change them with a single tap and once you have used the unit it's immediately apparent what each view is for. Likewise the Follow button. You can browse around on the map, place a cursor, search around the cursor, etc., all while navigating. Follow just means "center back on my location and lock to it." Not that hard.

Dont get me wrong, w/ all my GPS reviews I never rate on UI. I always state, it is the matter of "getting used to".

I-go is a pretty nice UI as well as its new 2008 3D version only in HP Ipaq310 for now.

Like other member mentioned, they wish to purchase a GPS unit for their parents, let along hacking it. Hence, I have my wife rated on this particular catagory.

Yeah, I do understand the parents == simplicity issue. The thing about simplicity though, is it usually comes at the expense of being able to do something more advanced once you learn how. One area where the Mio UI could use help is in POI searches. Will be interested to see if the 6-series with MioMap 2008 will improve this.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
Yeah, I do understand the parents == simplicity issue. The thing about simplicity though, is it usually comes at the expense of being able to do something more advanced once you learn how. One area where the Mio UI could use help is in POI searches. Will be interested to see if the 6-series with MioMap 2008 will improve this.

I would like to know your definition on something more "advance", please.

Take Magellan 3225 or Magellan 3250 (currently testing ), it is also feature packed and able to do exactly and more than MioMap 3.3, yet, its UI is indeed much easier to operate.

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: Markbnj
Yeah, I do understand the parents == simplicity issue. The thing about simplicity though, is it usually comes at the expense of being able to do something more advanced once you learn how. One area where the Mio UI could use help is in POI searches. Will be interested to see if the 6-series with MioMap 2008 will improve this.

I would like to know your definition on something more "advance", please.

Take Magellan 3225 or Magellan 3250 (currently testing ), it is also feature packed and able to do exactly and more than MioMap 3.3, yet, its UI is indeed much easier to operate.

I'm not expert enough to know. Was just speaking generally, and I have never used a Garmin nav. But then I don't find MioMap hard to use at all. Like I said, maybe the POI search can be improved, especially in selecting references, but other than that it works great.

 

[Overgloc]

So what the big Difference between the nuvi 660 and 680? beside the Price.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Overgloc
So what the big Difference between the nuvi 660 and 680? beside the Price.

MSN direct, which give you weather, traffic and etc update.

 

[ssrr]

Could you provide some review on Omnitech GPS?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: ssrr
Could you provide some review on Omnitech GPS?

It is the worst GPS I have ever tested.

Lack of POI and the UI is so blend, you really can't tell where is your Icon and where is your road.

Screen is highly reflective, even indoor w/ little light is barely readable.

Designator version 7 is NOT a good UI to play with. Please... even if they price it for $50, I will still beg you NOT buying it.

Just give you a quick link of photos on part of my review.

display like a CGA era:
http://home.comcast.net/~passi.../omnitech/omnitech.JPG

Desitnator version 7
http://home.comcast.net/~passi...omnitech/omnitech2.JPG

This is its 3D mode!!! I thought it was 2D and lack of contrast.
http://home.comcast.net/~passi...omnitech/omnitech3.JPG

terrible fit and finish
http://home.comcast.net/~passi...omnitech/omnitech4.JPG


If you simply want widescreen, then I believed Mio C320 is going to be on sale.
If you simply want TTS, then Magellan 3225 ( Costco ) is good choice.

 

[GTaudiophile]

iI bought my dad a Magellan 300 a good 3-4 years ago and loved it but it is dying on him, so it's time for a replacement.

He uses it to reference while driving but not for directions. He also uses it a lot while fishing, and this time I think I would like to get him one with a Topo map installed. Does such exist?

Otherwise, I would like to spend $150-$199. I would like USB capability. SD card expansion sounds good. A big, color screen is NOT necessary, just a clear one. The battery is also very important. Either a very good rechargeable lithium-ion or AAs that he can replace on his own.

He is the kind of guy who would prefer not have to learn a new UI, so I guess another Magellan would be best?

Any suggestions?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
iI bought my dad a Magellan 300 a good 3-4 years ago and loved it but it is dying on him, so it's time for a replacement.

He uses it to reference while driving but not for directions. He also uses it a lot while fishing, and this time I think I would like to get him one with a Topo map installed. Does such exist?

Otherwise, I would like to spend $150-$199. I would like USB capability. SD card expansion sounds good. A big, color screen is NOT necessary, just a clear one. The battery is also very important. Either a very good rechargeable lithium-ion or AAs that he can replace on his own.

He is the kind of guy who would prefer not have to learn a new UI, so I guess another Magellan would be best?

Any suggestions?

Topo map are available w/ many manufacture, but I never test one before.

Garmin Nuvi 2xx, 6xx and 7xx, Magellan 32xx, 42xx are top choices.
Their display can view under direct sun light.
And almost all GPS nowadays come w/ USB/SD card expansion.
Garmin is famous for their long battery life per single charge and of course they all come w/ Li-ion now.

Both Garmin and Magellan has very easy UI, you basically do not need to read instruction at all.

You might want to check Nuvi 200 on BF.
I wouldn't so much touch Magellan 3100 and 4000 series, they will be replaced by new 32xx and 4200 series.



p.s. I am just done test w/ Magellan 3250 (voice activated), it is 4 sale now..

 

[ssrr]

Thanks for the advice. You saved me from a bad choice.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: ssrr
Thanks for the advice. You saved me from a bad choice.

BTW, if you are interested in Magellan 3225, you can read the only review on the web by me

http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=98251

And just to let you know, I have sucessfully mode the 6 million FULL POI data (U.S. only) to be used w/ Magellan 3225! ***** it is safe to say, I am the first one successfully done this to new Magellan 32xx and 42xx series on Nov. 2007 ****

IF you want the full 6 million POI, then I can have it upload for you guys.
BUT, you must first donate any amount of money to your favorite charity group first!!!
(it is holiday season, many kids can't even afford a decent meal, let along thanksgiving dinner)

 

[FireChicken]

Thanks for all the info Timekeeper! I think GPS will be a popular item this xmas.

So reading your review you were not inpressed with the nuvi 260.

Which one would you recommend the nuvi 260 or the Magellan 3225?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: FireChicken
Thanks for all the info Timekeeper! I think GPS will be a popular item this xmas.

So reading your review you were not inpressed with the nuvi 260.

Which one would you recommend the nuvi 260 or the Magellan 3225?

Actually, that Nuvi 260 review was done months ago.
After Garmin released the 3.4 and 3.5 firmware, I highly recommend it!!!!!!! (actually, I am keeping Nuvi 260, even though I bought the Nuvi 650 cheaper than what I paid for my Nuvi 260. I am returning Nuvi 650 after my test)

Magellan 3225 is a great buy if w/ FULL POI as state in my review.

$250 vs $200, I can keep either one.

 

[FireChicken]

Thanks timekeeper! Nuvi 260 it is.

How many POI does the 260 come preloaded with? I cant seem to find that info.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: FireChicken
Thanks timekeeper! Nuvi 260 it is.

How many POI does the 260 come preloaded with? I cant seem to find that info.

6 million POI. IT is adequate! (includs most of your favorite retail stores)
ONE little draw back, ALL GARMIN NT Navigator 2008 using 4th Quarter 2006 Navteq map. (even they claim "2008") So newer street may not show up.

 

[FireChicken]

Thanks again! One last question I promise. Does Garmin have free map updates or is there a fee for this service?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: FireChicken
Thanks again! One last question I promise. Does Garmin have free map updates or is there a fee for this service?

As far as I know, if you purchased nuvi-line, you will get NT Navigator 2008. (it is the newest) If you happen to get one of those Nuvi 350 w/ Version 8, then you are entitle to upgarde to NT navigator 2008 within 3 months of purchased w/ proof and registration.

 

[UndrMediKated]

Frys.com has a TomTom version 3.0 for 118.00.
This is a good little unit and easy to use.

 

[UndrMediKated]

TomTom version 3.0 for 118.00-
Google it!

 

[Sir Fredrick]

TimeKeeper, what do you prefer about the 260 over the 650? I was thinking about getting the 650...

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Sir Fredrick
TimeKeeper, what do you prefer about the 260 over the 650? I was thinking about getting the 650...

nuvi 260 for its newer UI version 3 and portability.

 

[Cardio]

I have access to virtually all GPS units and personally perfer the NUVIs to any of the others. Am currently using a 680 and it is the best in my experience. None are perfect.

 

[taeeno]

"I am currently testing Magellan 3250.
I should have my review out soon. (ahem,...you know at the other site)

From initial test, 3250 comes w/ 6 million POI which most retail store appear!

Voice Commend is about 20+ only. NOPE, you can NOT input address verbally.
Things you can "go to" is Nearest ATM, Nearest Coffee, Nearest Restraunt and etc.
So..hmm.......... if you in for the voice command, then, you might be disappointed.

Although Magellan 3250 street price is about little over $300 w/ BT, TMC, TTS, it might not be a bad choice. (if BT, TMC, Multi-route is must to you )[/quote]"






TimeKeeper,

looking forward to your review. How do you compare it the the nuvi line??

 

[TimeKeeper]

Taeeno;

I will have full review up when I returned back to the U.S.
Personally, I don't need BT or TMC, therefore, those two functions become "no-credit bonus" to me.

The only reason for me chose Nuvi 2xx line over Magellan 32xx is its battery life. 5 hour vs 2.5 does make different to me.

But that is purely personal opinion.