GPS Questions???

[Rushski]

First, a posiible dumb question: Are handheld GPS units (Garmin, etc...) capable of being used in car's for navigation? Seem to from the little I've read, but seems like their is some drawbacks vs. Navigation systems.

Second, do they come with enough maps or are all the CD options after needed?

Third, has anyone used and like the Garmin Legend series handhelds?

Thanks,
Any input would be greatly appreciated at this point...

 

[persee]

Garmin 60CS

This is what I have. Use it for hiking (when I get the opportunity) and in my car since Honda didn't offer nav in the CR-V when I got mine (still dont, but might, etc).

Husband has an Accord with built-in Nav. I can definitely tell you that the built in Nav is nicer when you have the option. It has a bigger screen, holds more data (the "data" DVD that it comes with covers a lot of territory), has touch-screen controls that are easier to use to navigate, has ability to respond to voice commands, and can "speak" out the directions so you don't need to look at the screen to see where you are going.

As for me, I'm using the Garmin 60CS. It can store a decent amount of data - I presently have about 2/3rds of New England loaded. Now this is for "detailed" data. It does have the whole country (I believe) in basics such as highways, but it won't have POI or smaller streets unless you load the right map set. So having a computer to hook it up to, and buying the map software (like $100) is neccessary. This model has the "standup" kinda antenna for locating the satellites, so I have a method for using a device to "hang" it right in front of my dash so it can "see" the sky through my windshield. This device has several buttons and a little directional touchpad to control it, so entering in text can be kinda tedious (also probably hazardous to attempt *while* driving). However I have found it good to get me where I need to go when I am unexpectedly detoured (you can store waypoints and it keeps a memory of something like that last 25 destinations you have routed to), etc. It has a good although certainly not complete (like anything) database of POI's. When it is directing you it will do a distinctive beep to advise you when a turn is upcoming. It beeps once further out, and again as you are imminently approaching the turn. However you still do have to look at the screen to find the directions and the screen is not very large so it may not be the easiest to read. But it will get you where you are going. If you miss a turn it will automatically reroute you. For night driving you can have the backlight remain on so that you will be able to see the screen. I also have a power adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter to power it while I'm driving so I don't burn through batteries. However if you have an american car you'd need to remember to unplug it all the time so it doesn't kill your battery (hondas are nice in this regard!)

Anyhow that's a basic summary. Overall these devices will work and if you don't have alternative options it is a good method to get navigation in your car. However if you can get built-in nav, or perhaps one of the GPS' which is designed to be used in car that will be better suited to car-navigation. If you want to use the same device for hiking/biking/etc as you do in your car, or you only want to buy one device then this is probably your option.

 

[Rushski]

Thanks Persee, definitely want it for driving AND some hiking this Summer. Looking at the Garmin eTrex Legend CX. It does seem to me that you have to get the extra CD(s) to get beyond highways and main roads...

 

[knuckledragger]

When I bought my gps, A Garmin Rhino120 I had to buy the garmin mapsource topo program and load up to the 8mb memory with the maps I needed. granted that was VT White mtns &eastern adks. I think as far as user freindly in car that depends on your patintce for setting up waypoints for your desired routes. One word of caution expect a learning curve. I did get lost..err not end up where i wanted to be but I did find my way back to the car very easily with the reverse track option. As with any oyher peice of technology buy the most features that are right for you, that you can afford. Pay particular attention to signal quality and the accuracy also with the upgrade in wass make sureit is waas enabled.

 

[loafer89]

I have the Garmin iQue which is palm powered and I use it while driving, but it is a palm pilot and fits inside my pocket, so it can be used outside of the car. I just installed a 2GB SD card that has all of the U.S road maps on it as it will be using it while traveling out west next month. I also bought the Garmin TOPO software with my handheld, but I have never had the chance to try it out yet.