GPS - what do you use

[Josh]

Alright guys... I am playing around a bit with GPS to see how well it would work for our sales force.

Just curious how many of you use a GPS unit in your trucks/vans. I took one on a long trip over the weekend and it made me feel like a local everywhere I went.

I know Plumber Rick has a MIO220 or 2. I have been using a Garmin StreetPilot 330 that has worked really well.

So anyone else on the GPS bandwagon?

Josh

[ToUtahNow]

My Blackwood has the factory GPS but my work truck as a Tom Tom G0 910.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

Alright guys... I am playing around a bit with GPS to see how well it would work for our sales force.

Just curious how many of you use a GPS unit in your trucks/vans. I took one on a long trip over the weekend and it made me feel like a local everywhere I went.

I know Plumber Rick has a MIO220 or 2. I have been using a Garmin StreetPilot 330 that has worked really well.

So anyone else on the GPS bandwagon?

Josh

mio 310x:D it is fairly basic, but you get a lot of bang for the buck. even talks in 12 different languages. i think the russian girl likes me:confused:

rick.

[westcoastplumber]

I use the magellan, good stuff, when I am on the phone and miss the turn, it just re-directs me, no matter how many times I miss it:eek: I keep the Thomas Guide just for the back up, you can never rely on electronics to much;)

[gear junkie]

garmin nuvi 360. 1st and only one I ever used so I can't compare it to anything else but I love it.

[FINER9998]

Garmin( I forget what model) in all 6 drycleaning delivery trucks. Does all the things a high end Magellan I had for personal use, but better. Even speaks spanish for the latino drivers that don't speak english. Love the way it lets me track where they are, how long they were somwewhere, etc.

[Josh]

Anyone use the traffic function. I wonder if LA would cause the unit to overheat trying to find an uncongested route :D

[westcoastplumber]

Anyone use the traffic function. I wonder if LA would cause the unit to overheat trying to find an uncongested route :D


josh, you have a personality don't you? You only laugh because your not stuck in it;)

[DuckButter]

Rand McNally.
With reading glasses.

I have been whining about how bad I need a GPS for waaayyyy too long...keep talkin' guys..all ears here.

[Mrs Seat Down]

I use a Garmin version too. Rick's GPS is more current as far as new developments and streets though. All I care is that it talks to me and I don't have to read a map.:D

Josh, there is a seperate toy that tells you about traffic. I forget the name.

That is the bad thing about the GPS - it tells you the most direct route, but it can be longer due to traffic:(

Finer-don't teach Rick about that tracking feature;)

Mrs. Seat Down

[Josh]

I wouldnt be able to handle the traffic there. Wait till your up in my neck of the woods some time you wont believe how light rush hour is. Traffic we get all upset about is 2 am traffic in LA.

You do have awesome weather there though. And I guess the pacific is a bit nicer than lake erie.

josh, you have a personality don't you? You only laugh because your not stuck in it;)

[Bob D.]

I got my first Garmin (GPS-75 for ~$650) in 1992 I think it was. Text only displays back then with a breadcrumb trail with no map overlay. I still have it and it works but I do not use it any longer. Eats batteries like candy and the receiver is only 8 channel polling type so takes longer to acquire and update positions. I later bought a Garmin GPS-3 (12 channel parallel w/active antenna) and then a GPS-V both of which I still use. The wife has a Magellan roadmate I bought her a couple years ago but I don't remember the model. I've bought each of the kids a GPS too in the past year, a Roadmate and a Garmin. I also have one that's part of mobile computer and navigation system in the Hummer.

Before GPS I played with running LORAN in the truck.

Overall I like the Garmin units the best. I prefer a true GPS and not one of the newer turn-by-turn "Speak and Drive" systems. One where I can enter waypoints and routes, hook up to my computer and plan routes, download track files, interface with other equipment like my ham radio, and also use portable when on foot.

[oldslowchevy]

lol i'm old school i use a map, though i have been thinking of getting one here with in the next year or so

[JWMustang]

I used to use the PC Delorme 2004 untill it broke. Was better than the Microsoft PC 2004. I now have the Microsoft PC 2006 one because it is better than the Delorme PC 2006. They cost around $120.

[wbrooks]

I am with Bob. I use a Garmin GPSMAP 76CX. Although the screen is smaller than a dedicated car unit it is way more versatile. I use it in the car, boat, snowmobile, ATV, and walk about. It comes with a 128M memory chip that can be swapped or a larger chip installed. The 128 is sufficient to store a mapped route from Toronto to Florida with roads and attractions 60 miles either side of the highway down and the entire state of Florida. The only issue with that much versatility is that all the different mapping software can get expensive. I bought mine online here (http://www.gpscentral.ca/aboutcentral.htm), excellent price and service

[Bob D.]

The GPSMAP 76CX is a nice unit. I have been on the fence thinking of upgrading to that model for a while now. Will probably pass the GPS-V on to my brother who wants one.

I like the Gramins because the interface is intuitive, you can figure it all out /o even cracking the manual open for the most part.

[PLUMBER RICK]

Ok so I just figured out the difference between my Garmin and Rick's Mio 310x. My Garmin tells me that I have arrived on my destination and it is on the right (or left) depending on where it is located. Rick's just tells you that you have arrived at your destination.

His was less expensive though:rolleyes:


I know this seems minimal, but the whole point of having a talking GPS is so you can just drive without having to try to figure out where you are going, watching traffic, and making sure you don't go through a red light and get your picture taken at a camera signal light:eek:.

Mrs. Seat Down

yeah, but mine tells me where the red light cameras are located and starts to beep:cool:

also you have a 50/50 chance with your eyes closed that the destination is on your side of the street.;)

rick.

[VASandy]

I've used Garmins primarily for hiking and navigating the woods at night while hunting. They're sometimes dangerous if you use the straight-line home (back to camp) feature. Using the backtrack feature works better. No GPS yet invented will tell you if you're getting into a thicket or a dangerously sloped ravine.

For car navigation, I've tried a few. When I travel, I'll try and get a car with navigation. However, these units do NOT tell you a whit about traffic!! I missed a flight out of Atlanta because the nav unit told me to go straight through town at 4:00pm on a Friday. I made the airport about an hour after my flight had left. Next time I travel, I'm going to have my own nav unit!! I just need to find one that can be programmed, portable, and has GOOD traffic updates.

[Bob D.]

No GPS or computer can replace the intelligence or processing power of the human mind. It is only an aide to which one must apply lessons learned and experience to blend all the information together and develop an sound decision on how to proceed. Just like having a plumbing, electricians, or engineering license by itself does not make one an expert if their particular specialty.

Some of the newer units can access near real time traffic information and overlay it on the screen using your cell, this is a service you have to pay for.

[plumberscrack]

I only use Mrs. PC. :D
Software version- Wife 1.0

Pros-
Never wrong with directions (even if she was)
Always knows the next closest restroom
Constant updates on which lane to be in
Audible alerts when going too fast or following too close

Cons-
No user manual available at time of release
Unable to adjust volume
Too expensive to justify cost
Can be bulky at times especially during the holiday travel season
Best when operated from the rear seat

I was wondering if she reads this forum when I'm not around. I guess I'll know the answer pretty soon:eek:

[Bob D.]

I only use Mrs. PC. :D
Software version- Wife 1.0

Pros-
Never wrong with directions (even if she was)
Always knows the next closest restroom
Constant updates on which lane to be in
Audible alerts when going too fast or following too close

Cons-
No user manual available at time of release
Unable to adjust volume
Too expensive to justify cost
Can be bulky at times especially during the holiday travel season
Best when operated from the rear seat

I was wondering if she reads this forum when I'm not around. I guess I'll know the answer pretty soon:eek:

Love it, you have the "Ultimate" model, with all the bells, whistles, and perks. Does so much more than letting you know which way is North. :D

[westcoastplumber]

I only use Mrs. PC. :D
Software version- Wife 1.0

Pros-
Never wrong with directions (even if she was)
Always knows the next closest restroom
Constant updates on which lane to be in
Audible alerts when going too fast or following too close

Cons-
No user manual available at time of release
Unable to adjust volume
Too expensive to justify cost
Can be bulky at times especially during the holiday travel season
Best when operated from the rear seat

I was wondering if she reads this forum when I'm not around. I guess I'll know the answer pretty soon:eek:


CRACK, THIS IS CLASSIC !! MADE ME LAUGH:D THANKS

[VASandy]

Plumberscrack....one possible problem with that version is they really start to have problems if you try out a different model!! They've been known to explode, and cause physical injury in such cases. :o

[plumberscrack]

Plumberscrack....one possible problem with that version is they really start to have problems if you try out a different model!! They've been known to explode, and cause physical injury in such cases. :o

Too bad that warning was not clearly posted on the label at the time of purchasing. ;)
I did try out the demo model (fiance 3.0) for several years though without incident. :)
Now, about once a month, if I push the wrong buttons it gets hot and begins to operate erratically. :eek:

[MAS]

I have the garmin nuvi 350, its actually small enough to fit into a pocket. the battery life i get is around 5-6 hours which is good since its portable enough to walk around with it some. i really like the feature where it says the street names so it will say turn left on washington street instead of just turn left.
bought it online about a month ago for 360 shipped.
as with others you have to use you're brain a bit if you know the area at all as it may not give the route you wish to take but it will get you there without any problems if you dont know the area at all

[smorris]

Just ordered a Garmin Nuvi 680. We'll see how that works out. Should be here Thursday.

Steve

[Josh]

I'm sure you'll like it steve. I am very happy with how the 330 performs. Only complaint is the map is a couple years old. The nuvi 680 will have the newer version of the maps.

Josh

[smorris]

I wanted the larger screen so my eyeballs could maybe read it. We have a Garmin i5, and I can't see a thing on it!

[silverbullet]

Josh....yes, the GPS makes life a lot easier. So much better than printing out maps off of map quest the night before.(not only are they often incorrect but dont help you when you miss a turn or have a detour) With that said, I bought a GArmin I5 for the wife right after we moved here. She loves it when she has to use it. She does have routes where she is comfortable now but there are times when she sticks it up on the window, and goes to her address. I remember one time she went into Charlotte with a girl she works with, I gave her directions but told her to turn the wrogn way one time, the gps picked it up and sent her the right way. They sure save time In my eyes.
I do use my mappoint with my laptop, although it does work, it doesnt recalculate a wrong or missed turn automatically or are the audibles as loud. The other downside is the laptop has to sit on my seat and not on the window. Granted, there are times its not needed, but when it is, it is a life saverJust my 2 cents for ya.

PS....Every sales rep should have one...hint hint.

[DuckButter]

Love it, you have the "Ultimate" model, with all the bells, whistles, and perks. Does so much more than letting you know which way is North. :D

The model I have keeps telling me where to go...over and over and over.

[stxrus]

older garmin GPIII. never used it for anything but sailing navigation. never got lost once in the Caribbean :D but i also covered my *** with dead reckoning.

good enough for the old salts, gotta be good enough for me.

fancy road overlays aren't available for this little rock

steve

[canucksartech]

I've got the Garmin GPSMap60CS. I've had it for about 3 years now - great all around model. Does an excellent job of a varied set of features. When I am doing turn-by-turn routing, though, there is no voice saying "Turn left now" - what mine does instead is beep to get me to look at the screen, and then a great bird's eye view of the corner that I'm coming up to, and then a countdown to my turn (78 metres remaining, 62 metres.....etc.).

But, my model is also primarily designed for a different feature - outside of a vehicle. But, as my name may allude to, mine is primarily intended for a different type of urgency.

I tell ya, though - I train people on how to use these things, and I am slowly becoming more baffled and more scared for people's safety. Everyone is getting these things in their vehicles, and they're an amazing technology, and very useful for this. But, many people, without knowing really what they are doing, think that since they can use these items to go 16 blocks away for milk and groceries, they can just as simply use them for a 7 day backpacking excursion into the wild yonder. And they're fubared.

The biggest mistake that we're finding people are making with these things is that they forget that they are simply another tool - and tools can fail (no pun intended, but as we all know and understand). What we need is for people to realize that navigating in a city is a helluva lot different from navigating in the middle of nowhere. The horror stories are piling up, up here. People are forgetting how to learn about and use basic navigation - knowing how to read a map, how to use a compass, how to read the sun and moon, and just to have a firm grasp of where in the hell they are. Then, they realize one small truth - they're batteries are dead in their $649 dollar mini-computer, and it's as good to them as a rock. Those are the times that I know of that people have prayed and wished that they had a $20 compass and a map. Or just some common sense.

That being said, most of you appear to be in the L.A. area - sounds like navigation that you are using these for are a perfect fit for this technology. And I see that most are using Garmin models and maps - good choice. Glad to hear everyone's having fun with them.

Cheers.

[VASandy]

Coulda REALLY use a road GPS on the last trip this weekend. Went waaaaaaaaaay out in the boonies to a "Remote Area Medical" thing that I volunteer at. My rider/navigator couldn't read a map! However, I didn't find this out until we were deep into the trail and FAR off our intended route to the motel. At that point, I took the map, and my little GPS radio and worked out how to get out of that woods and back to the highway. Shouldn't have let it get that far, but it was early and it was a nice scenic forest road. Fortunately, we had time and I knew I had backup (I ALWAYS carry a compass and up-to-date maps). Even if the GPS had failed (which it didn't), I could've found where we were on the map and made it back. As long as I didn't let the "navigator" read the map that is......

[plumbdog10]

Alright guys... I am playing around a bit with GPS to see how well it would work for our sales force.

Just curious how many of you use a GPS unit in your trucks/vans. I took one on a long trip over the weekend and it made me feel like a local everywhere I went.

I know Plumber Rick has a MIO220 or 2. I have been using a Garmin StreetPilot 330 that has worked really well.

So anyone else on the GPS bandwagon?

Josh

Josh,

I do a lot of wilderness stuff, particularly in the California desert. I use a good liquid-filled compass. It may not be the new tech. thing, but it works with no batteries, and if you know how to read it, is the most reliable tool for directions. If your people aren't up to it a GPS won't work either. Try MapQuest.

[MrsSeatDown]

Dog,

A compass doesn't talk to you:D

The best part about the GPS is I don't have to read a map and drive at the same time.

When I get lost or miss a turn, which is ALL THE TIME, it simply re-routes me.

Joey

[PLUMBER RICK]

now the problem is that when i tell joey to get lost:eek: she doesn't anymore. she always knows where she is and what time she will be home:(

dog if you would like to borrow my gps for the week, call me. i'll let you give it a test drive.

with service work, 3-6 jobs a day, it comes in handy to route you fast and it finds any supply house, food , gas, park,ect... by name or location. all for the price of a real good compass.

days of doing the math long hand are pretty much over.

call for a test drive dog:cool:

rick.

[mrs. westcoast]

now the problem is that when i tell joey to get lost:eek: she doesn't anymore. she always knows where she is and what time she will be home:(

dog if you would like to borrow my gps for the week, call me. i'll let you give it a test drive.

with service work, 3-6 jobs a day, it comes in handy to route you fast and it finds any supply house, food , gas, park,ect... by name or location. all for the price of a real good compass.

days of doing the math long hand are pretty much over.

call for a test drive dog:cool:

rick.

My gps is mapquest,don't go anywhere unless i have a mapquest diections:)

There is nothing bettter then getting lost and ending up at the gas station trying to communicate with hispanics on how to get on the freeway:(

But if i say mexico they will probably draw me a map:)

[DuckButter]

Mapquest...every job I do I keep a copy of a map to the nearest highway with all contact info...when I get repeat biz I have them on a zip drive, simple print and go.
Also a great way to look back over old customers.
I also have the Plutonium Q-39 Space modulator.

[ToUtahNow]

I'm a real man I just use my built in navigational system I was born with.

Mark :D

[Disaster]

I have been using a Garmin StreetPilot 330 that has worked really well.
Josh

Garmin 320 here. Basically same as 330 but uses SD cards instead of internal hard drive. I had a hard drive fail on a previous GPS (car can be a rough environment) and didn't want another GPS with same fragility.

Garmin 3xx is leaps and bounds better than my previous Magellan that cost about a grand.