Has anyone used one of the various GPS add ons for a car? Any opinions on how well they work, and how easy they are to install and use reliably? I have used Hertz neverlost, which works pretty well, though the add on installation can not be easy.
Spouse needs a Christmas present and has dropped a few hints. I really need to get something, or there will be consequences.
Tibbs, maybe there is a reason you have struggled with your marriage. Take it from me, older and wiser, that approach won’t work for you. Sadly.
There are always consequences.
I have the solution that combines your wife’s needs and Tibbs suggestion.
I use a compact and lightweight GPS with mapping capability (use it on the bike, in the car and hiking)
I use the Garmin 60CS http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60cs/ . This is one of the coolest gadget you can ever get. With a bicycle mount, it is a good 120 grams heavier than a standard bike computer, but you get climbing profiles and detailed maps as you go along as long with of course all the functions of a standard bike computer. And no messy wires or sketchy connections of the wireless type, and 100% waterproof.
With a car mount, you can use it in you car ! Or hiking !
I use the city select North America map product see http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/cityselect.jsp# . The product is ‘auto-routing’ which means you can give it an address and it will give you real-time directions up to your destination.
The 60CS screen is obviously smaller than the bigger car units, but it is much more versatile, and if you add up the cost of the unit, a bicycle mount, a car mount and the maps, it still comes out way way cheaper than a car unit.
This is the future of bike computers.
Francois in Montreal
My wife has a Garmin V which just sits on the dash and plugs into the cigarette lighter. It gives point to point driving directions and only costs about $350.
This thing is not too far removed from the inertial navigation/GPS targeting navigation suite used in the F-117 Nighthawk.
I am an absolute fan of them - used a Hertz Never Lost in San Diego (first time there in 20 years) last week - wonderful tool for the frequent traveller - I believe that it is Magellan Technology
.
Oh, this is just too cool. I must have one. Going to REI right now!
Tilden
Art,
I’ve been using the Garmin 276 since it came out, both on a motorcycle and in the car. It is an incredilbe GPS platform, its route/re-route (if miss a turn) is incredibly fast, the screen is perfect in any light, and the software is very simple to use. The Street Pilot III+ can be found for less money these days, but the 276 is far and away a faster chip and better screen. If I’m remembering correctly, I paid $850 for the unit+software back in May/June of this year.
Berti