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07/14/2006 07:50:01 PM · #1 |
So I'm looking for some type of GPS...basically, I want to type in a starting address, and ending address, and this thing will know where I am through GPS and tell me when and where to turn, etc.
It wouldn't have to talk or anything, but it would need to be visible in the dark...any links or model names would be appreciated.
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Also...I know there are probably programs with maps you can load on your lap top...but is there any lap tops that can track you as you go...sort of giving you an on screen map and showing your current location?
Thanks.
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07/14/2006 07:56:26 PM · #2 |
Depending on what you want to do MapPoint + GPS might be your ticket.
If you're going to be using it in the car this works like a charm, will track where you are, will plot directions when given start/stop points, etc.
woot.com just had an old version (with gps) for sale for $50 ... I missed out :(
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07/14/2006 07:57:36 PM · #3 |
i cannot give you information specifically sorry. However, there was this man up the middle of Colorado nowhere whom I sold my car to and while he was driving me back into the city, he said in his country speech,
"See dis heeeerre. This is GPSsssssss. Waahtch, it speeeks to uhhssss."
He proceeded to turn it on, typed in address, my home address and let it do all the talking (while lit up in the evening light). She was a very pleasant computer type of lady-voice, if you like those types..
Yes there are laptop programs that come with software that tracks as you go too, Mr. Paull. I am sorry I can't remember the name, but just posting this to say and show from experience that there is such a piece of equipment/software. Good luck. Give me a few and I might be able to find a link if I recognize the brand and model...
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07/14/2006 08:00:48 PM · #4 |
I use DeLorme Street Atlas and it comes with a USB GPS receiver. It works very well. I have been using this system for over 5 years and it works great. It doesn't keep ME from missing the turns but any system should get you back on track. It zooms in to approximately 100 ft/inch.
You can also set up voice recognition if you like, they have a voice that warns you of your next turn as well as the tracking capability. You can track your trip in a log and replay it.
Pretty good stuff. Requires the laptop so it's not that portable, but works very well if you drive into alot of places that you are not familiar with.
It can also be turned to a inverted screen (dark background) so that nighttime driving so the interior of the vehicle isn't lit up like a dome light is on.
edit to add the night driving
Message edited by author 2006-07-14 20:03:57. |
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07/14/2006 08:02:34 PM · #5 |
If you have a laptop then Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS bundle is cheap and awesome :)
It'll even help you figure out how much a trip will cost and if you piggy back off you people's wifi as you're driving you can get updated traffic info.
I use it all the time. |
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07/14/2006 08:05:11 PM · #6 |
sweet deal so far folks...keep the links coming. I'm going to be researching for a while.
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07/14/2006 08:05:26 PM · #7 |
Laptop programs seem really cool at first, but are very difficult for in car use unless you have a passenger.
Unless you have some kind of laptop stand mounted in your car (like police use, for example) you're going to throw the laptop on the passenger seat. Then you have to look all the way to your right to see the screen. You might think the voice nav will elimiate this problem, but it doesn't. I've tried using an in car laptop myself while driving, and it's really just not safe.
Look at Tom Tom or the Garmin stand alone unit. Both work quite well.
If you do a lot of road tripping with a passenger who can navigate while you drive then a laptop based solution is AWESOME. They usually have much more robust and easier to navigate Point-of-Interest databases than the dedicated units and they are usually quicker to input your destination into.
I have and use both. I use the dedicated unit when I'm driving alone to a meeting or something. On a family vacation my wife usually does all the driving so I'll use the better maps in my Laptop Mapping software to find where to eat dinner or what local landmarks to visit.
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07/14/2006 08:08:12 PM · #8 |
| Old tripods can easily be converted to great laptop stands for the car :) |
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07/14/2006 08:13:41 PM · #9 |
I drive normally, ie. no tailgaiting and do the speed limit (or speed of general traffic), and I have not even come close to having an accident while using it alone (or causing one).:-) It's safer than a Road Atlas because it does follow your route and a glance shorter than looking at the radio is all that is needed for any system that is utilized.
I'd like to hear about the tripod conversion though!
Message edited by author 2006-07-14 20:14:08. |
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07/14/2006 08:14:57 PM · #10 |
Hmm well depending on how much money you want to spend, for handheld GPS units you could try Garmin (which someone mentioned already) and some common models would be Garmin 72, 76 or 12. The Garmin 12's are more rugged and are smaller. The 72's are wider with a much bigger screen (also rugged) the 76's are nice and are the same size as the 72's but aren't as rugged (you can puncture the cover) - but if you're just using it in your car it's probably not an issue. They're around $250 Cnd...you get what you pay for so if you go cheaper you're going to get something with awkward hand controls and very basic screens/functions. These are all based more on field work instead of personal use so they won't talk but you can try www.garmin.com to see all their stuff.
Just a note, no one seems to like the Etrex. |
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07/14/2006 08:16:25 PM · #11 |
I currently have 4 different GPS units, both auto as well as hand held in three different manufacturers. I've owned about 8 different ones. It looks like you may be wanting a handheld. Without a doubt I strongly recomment Garmin and the version that I've found the easiest and most capable, water-proof and is very capable is the Garmin 76CSx. The newest version also has external memory slots to add to it's capability. I also have the Garmin 76S that is gray scale vs full color. The CS version is full color. The "S" stands for sensor, it has a built in altimeter and the compass works without having to walk like most other GPSr's. I've owned Lawrence and Magellan and find them more compllicated to use. I've used it for hunting, fishing, hiking and finding over 1200 geocaches as well a number of geodashes. A little expensive, around $500 store cost but on line you should be able to save about $50. They all work but if you buy one new for less than about $400 you will become dissapointed if you use it a lot. Best of luck
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