GPS devices

[Alloy Dave]

I want to stick with TomTom, that's what I've had and I like it. Mine died. I need a new one. So many models it's confusing. Which MODEL do you have and do you like it? I think I want to step up to one that will accept voice commands. I'm thinking GO 52...but there are so many models it is dizzying and hard to determine what's still "valid". For example TomTom website does not show a GO 50, but they are for sale on Amazon. It appears it may have been replaced by the GO 52.

[Highwayman]

So you are not interested in using Google Maps?

[Alloy Dave]

So you are not interested in using Google Maps?I do on occasion, but the phone is too small to see and I like being able to see all the details up near the windsheild such as speed, time of arrival, direction travelling, etc. Also I like the ability to find nearby restaurants and so on...much easier IMO with a SatNav.

[tekheavy]

I haven't had a stand alone GPS device in years. The GPS on my phone is fantastic and the size of the screen is quite adequate. And with a dash mount it works just as good as any GPS I've used in the past.

[Joe G]

I haven't had a stand alone GPS device in years. The GPS on my phone is fantastic and the size of the screen is quite adequate. And with a dash mount it works just as good as any GPS I've used in the past.

:iagree:

Google Maps or even the included Maps App on iPhones work great - yes you can talk to text with it, even though the Bluetooth in your truck or the fancy Lexus.

Thought you had the larger screen on the new iPhone you got?

[twobjshelbys]

I use the phone google maps app for local directions but always use a standalone GPS for long trips. The map sucks the battery down faster than the car charger can fill the battery, plus, driving through portions of Utah there is no cell service and the standalone GPS always works. We have a Magellan unit that has lifetime map updates. I connect it up when we make a road trip.

[68fastback]

Used friend's TomTom a few times ...thought it was ok but a bit funky interface. Bought a new Magellan Roadmate 1440 and thought it was a bit nicer -- good interface and easy to use but updates cost almost as much as the unit cost and it tried to send me in too many 'wrong' places (like in an exit or down a road that's not there!) and would lose the satellite way too often ...sometimes for 20 minutes --argh! Then I picked up a used Garmin Nuvi 52LM on eBay for $38. Free lifetime updates so no more 'wrong' info. Instant recovery when you don't follow it's direction (b/c you know a backroad :weg:). Excellent interface and features, works flawlessly every time and their support/update software is absolutely the best. Would be hard to imagine going back to one of the other brands. Garmin just does a better job all around, imho.

[Shelby-Don]

I do on occasion, but the phone is too small to see and I like being able to see all the details up near the windsheild such as speed, time of arrival, direction travelling, etc. Also I like the ability to find nearby restaurants and so on...much easier IMO with a SatNav.

Use Google maps with a tablet if your phone is too small

[Boston Mike]

I do on occasion, but the phone is too small to see and I like being able to see all the details up near the windsheild such as speed, time of arrival, direction travelling, etc. Also I like the ability to find nearby restaurants and so on...much easier IMO with a SatNav.

I use the Waze app on my 7+ (big enough screen and it shows speed, arrival time, alternate routes (including toll free, non-highway, etc). And it's updated relatively realtime (i.e. if there's an accident, it will re-route automatically).

[twobjshelbys]

Mine is Garmin not Magellan.

[twobjshelbys]

If you have en9ugh local storage google maps can download map segments. I keep the south nevada ca and az on the phone. Makes things faster and doesn't use data when driving

[Tommy Gun]

We don’t use the phone because of not showing current speed limits and current speed.

After getting a Garmin, hated our TomTom. Garmin is still ok but even w the available updates may need a new unit soon. Sams Club usually has the latest and greatest for a good price.

[68fastback]

I use the Waze app on my 7+ (big enough screen and it shows speed, arrival time, alternate routes (including toll free, non-highway, etc). And it's updated relatively realtime (i.e. if there's an accident, it will re-route automatically).

That sounds like a perfect solution!

[twobjshelbys]

I use the Waze app on my 7+ (big enough screen and it shows speed, arrival time, alternate routes (including toll free, non-highway, etc). And it's updated relatively realtime (i.e. if there's an accident, it will re-route automatically).

I think the Garmin might do this. On our CO-NV drives I always start the thing when we leave so I get a total drive time and average/max speed. (typically 802 miles, max in the 90's somewhere in NV, drive time about 12 hours).

Anyway, we were leaving my daughter's house at the butt-crack-o-dawn and I stopped at the McDonalds near the freeway and when I got back on the road the Garmin told me to turn on to a side street instead of going to the entrance ramp 1 block away. Well, we got onto the ramp and there as an accident about 1/2 mile up from the merge that had traffic backed up on to the ramp and just starting onto the street. I think it was trying to direct me around the blockage. The GPS has what looks like one of the ferrite bead things on the cord but it is a FM receiver of some kind that gets traffic info in some areas. We notice color show up on some of the roads on the highway.

[Alloy Dave]

ok then....thanks

[68fastback]

I think the Garmin might do this. On our CO-NV drives I always start the thing when we leave so I get a total drive time and average/max speed. (typically 802 miles, max in the 90's somewhere in NV, drive time about 12 hours).

Anyway, we were leaving my daughter's house at the butt-crack-o-dawn and I stopped at the McDonalds near the freeway and when I got back on the road the Garmin told me to turn on to a side street instead of going to the entrance ramp 1 block away. Well, we got onto the ramp and there as an accident about 1/2 mile up from the merge that had traffic backed up on to the ramp and just starting onto the street. I think it was trying to direct me around the blockage. The GPS has what looks like one of the ferrite bead things on the cord but it is a FM receiver of some kind that gets traffic info in some areas. We notice color show up on some of the roads on the highway.

Yes, some Garmins do that. I think mine doesn't or possibly requires a cell wifi hotspot ...uncertain since I've never bothered to look into it.

Actually the kids turned me on to Garmin, so when theirs broke a few years back (closed it in the door, I think) I bought a hyper-function Garmin for them (lists for $430 :faint:; typically $249-299 new; bought used on eBay for $55) -- not only does traffic but also will read you your emails/texts and also lets you verbally compose and send emails/tests too.

Ford's SYNC3 has that capability too (free download app, I think) but blocks some of the functions (don't recall which) unless stopped and in Park. I think you can also have it coordinate with your Apple/Android smartphone if you want it on the large in-dash display (dunno how that works) since some new Fords come with a 10"(?) full touch/zoom/etc center display. (Actually the optional digital IP cluster on the 2018 Mustang is a 12.4" display but that's in front of the driver and only related to drive modes and such).

[twobjshelbys]

Mine is a Nuvi 2555. I have a hiking unit that I can download regional topo maps that I used on Grand Canyon river trips. People upload "waypoints", and over they years people have validated the location of almost all of the camp spots and attractions. It got us through three trips and still works.

[Tommy Gun]

ok then....thanks



:uwelcome:

[68fastback]

Mine is a Nuvi 2555. I have a hiking unit that I can download regional topo maps that I used on Grand Canyon river trips. People upload "waypoints", and over they years people have validated the location of almost all of the camp spots and attractions. It got us through three trips and still works.

Nice!

Garmin also has an app you can download to your computer so you can plan a whole trip using Google or Bing maps (with waypoints and side-trips, etc) and then the Garmin will 'adopt' that itinerary -- I've never tried that on ours but seems like a very useful feature.

[Highwayman]

I have downloaded a few trips on my Android Samsung phone not only because I may travel through areas that would not have a signal but also because I research the route first days in advance and then have it available to pull up when we are ready to go. I have 120G of external card storage on the Samsung S7.

[68fastback]

Sweet!!

[Alloy Dave]

Yes, some Garmins do that. I think mine doesn't or possibly requires a cell wifi hotspot ...uncertain since I've never bothered to look into it.

Actually the kids turned me on to Garmin, so when theirs broke a few years back (closed it in the door, I think) I bought a hyper-function Garmin for them (lists for $430 :faint:; typically $249-299 new; bought used on eBay for $55) -- not only does traffic but also will read you your emails/texts and also lets you verbally compose and send emails/tests too.

Ford's SYNC3 has that capability too (free download app, I think) but blocks some of the functions (don't recall which) unless stopped and in Park. I think you can also have it coordinate with your Apple/Android smartphone if you want it on the large in-dash display (dunno how that works) since some new Fords come with a 10"(?) full touch/zoom/etc center display. (Actually the optional digital IP cluster on the 2018 Mustang is a 12.4" display but that's in front of the driver and only related to drive modes and such).
Yes that's another reason I don't like the unit that comes with the Lexus. Even the passenger cannot set a destination.

Also, there are WAY too many clicks when setting a destination on the Lexus. For example, it says "Along your route, there are roads without guidance...do you want to see these roads?". What kind of dumb question is that? And then it says "do you want to avoid toll roads?" each time, which should be in the default settings that you pick one time IMO. Lots of little quirks I don't like.

[68fastback]

Yes that's another reason I don't like the unit that comes with the Lexus. Even the passenger cannot set a destination.

Also, there are WAY too many clicks when setting a destination on the Lexus. For example, it says "Along your route, there are roads without guidance...do you want to see these roads?". What kind of dumb question is that? And then it says "do you want to avoid toll roads?" each time, which should be in the default settings that you pick one time IMO. Lots of little quirks I don't like.

The in-car implementations all seem to be cumbersome in various ways from what I've read. I suspect (dunno) it's all about liability. Not clear why it's okay to kill myself by fiddling with a Garmin while driving but not by fiddling w/an OEM nav system, but I suspect it's all about OEMs having deep pockets and doing anything to avoid a wave of distraction lawsuits.

[twobjshelbys]

Here's something that frosts my pumpkin. In Nevada and soon if not already in many states, it is illegal (moving citation) for the driver to hold a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion (whether you're using it or not, just having it in your hand). The same is true of other handheld devices like a GPS. Yet, you can fiddle with the center console GPS all you want! Even my simple radio which purports to have control over phone dialing is MORE complicated than simply touching one button on the phone. This is what happens when politicians pretend to understand technology when they have a secretary to do all of their technology stuff. if

[68fastback]

Here's something that frosts my pumpkin. In Nevada and soon if not already in many states, it is illegal (moving citation) for the driver to hold a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion (whether you're using it or not, just having it in your hand). The same is true of other handheld devices like a GPS. Yet, you can fiddle with the center console GPS all you want! Even my simple radio which purports to have control over phone dialing is MORE complicated than simply touching one button on the phone. This is what happens when politicians pretend to understand technology when they have a secretary to do all of their technology stuff. if

Have to make it seem like you're doing good things for your constituents ...whether or not it really makes a difference.

NY is trying to pass that in-hand law but not yet. Techincally, in NY, you can make a cell connection while driving and can then can then use the cell phone on speakerphone -- as long as you're not holding it you hand while talking it qualifies as hands-free ...that's what they want to change. Statistically, even with voice commands, just the mental focus of talking on the phone while driving increases the likelihood of an accident by a bit more than half of what hand-holding a cell phone does!

Some are trying to eliminate ALL cell phone (hands-free or not) while driving but I think that will not happen since there's so much investment in place to date by the OEMs to [supposedly] make it 'safe.'

I have an old friend that calls me all the time just to pass time while driving from NY to CT or NJ and, after a little while, if he he's just BS-ing I tell him lets talk another time -- b/c the stats are such that I don't want to be an accomplice to killing someone I've know for 65 years. He doesn't believe the stats but I do.

[Alloy Dave]

Skipped the GPS, decided to buy a trunk monkey instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtoTS5A540U&list=PLoxADsZ9YforxtjWODy3Kz_8 JjLH-Nxp7&index=19

[68fastback]

:spitcopy:

[Tommy Gun]

Have to make it seem like you're doing good things for your constituents ...whether or not it really makes a difference.

NY is trying to pass that in-hand law but not yet. Techincally, in NY, you can make a cell connection while driving and can then can then use the cell phone on speakerphone -- as long as you're not holding it you hand while talking it qualifies as hands-free ...that's what they want to change. Statistically, even with voice commands, just the mental focus of talking on the phone while driving increases the likelihood of an accident by a bit more than half of what hand-holding a cell phone does!

Some are trying to eliminate ALL cell phone (hands-free or not) while driving but I think that will not happen since there's so much investment in place to date by the OEMs to [supposedly] make it 'safe.'

I have an old friend that calls me all the time just to pass time while driving from NY to CT or NJ and, after a little while, if he he's just BS-ing I tell him lets talk another time -- b/c the stats are such that I don't want to be an accomplice to killing someone I've know for 65 years. He doesn't believe the stats but I do.


I think the technology is there, they just won’t use it.

Example, a key fob only works within 18”-24” of the steering wheel. Why not use that same technology to make your phone “not work” within 18”-24” of the steering wheel? :idea:





One reason...politicians want to use their phones while driving too.
.

[68fastback]

I think the technology is there, they just won’t use it.

Example, a key fob only works within 18”-24” of the steering wheel. Why not use that same technology to make your phone “not work” within 18”-24” of the steering wheel? :idea:





One reason...politicians want to use their phones while driving too.
.

...probably some things they can do ...the in-car system could do that but then folks might just un-sync their cell phone from the car and use is on its own again ...car can't control that.

[Joe G]

I think the technology is there, they just won’t use it.

Example, a key fob only works within 18”-24” of the steering wheel. Why not use that same technology to make your phone “not work” within 18”-24” of the steering wheel? :idea:





One reason...politicians want to use their phones while driving too.
.

I'm tired of lawmakers trying to legislate everything in the name of "safety". Almost everything we do has potentially deadly consequences if we make a mistake. Act negligently and hurt someone - there are punishments for that. But stop trying to baby-proof everything.

I can change the stations on the radio and run off the road just as easily as I can if I was texting. Both are dumb - but only one thing is usually "illegal". I don't see anyone screaming for car makers to take away the ability to change channels or FF the CD (or playlist on your iPod) like they are with phones. Educate and punish people if they hurt others - otherwise get outta my life!


(these are usually the same busybodies who think no one should have a gun because of the .000001% of legal gun owners who hurt others on purpose. Again, make laws to punish the bad guys - not to punish good people who aren't breaking the law. :doh:)

[68fastback]

I'm tired of lawmakers trying to legislate everything in the name of "safety". Almost everything we do has potentially deadly consequences if we make a mistake. Act negligently and hurt someone - there are punishments for that. But stop trying to baby-proof everything.

I can change the stations on the radio and run off the road just as easily as I can if I was texting. Both are dumb - but only one thing is usually "illegal". I don't see anyone screaming for car makers to take away the ability to change channels or FF the CD (or playlist on your iPod) like they are with phones. Educate and punish people if they hurt others - otherwise get outta my life!


(these are usually the same busybodies who think no one should have a gun because of the .000001% of legal gun owners who hurt others on purpose. Again, make laws to punish the bad guys - not to punish good people who aren't breaking the law. :doh:)


Exactly!!

[Tommy Gun]

So if we should just “educate and punish” those who don’t do what they are taught, why have drunk driving laws? (Or other laws)

Shouldn’t we just tell everyone it’s bad when they are young (educate) and then when they kill someone while drunk give them 30 days in jail (punish)?

And I wasn’t saying politicians should make a law to keep phones from working in a drivers seat, just saying we have the technology that manufacturers should offer it.

They have ways of stopping phone service in buildings (heard of churches using this) so it’s not that different other than limiting the area (drivers seat).

.

[68fastback]

Well, there's the 50 mile-wide 'fine' line :shades:

I agree that options (vs laws) are generally preferable. Maybe if someone is caught texting while driving then they must equip their car (at their expense) with a device to prevent THEM from doing such ...sort of like DWIs with breath-test in steering column. That's much preferable to hobbling function for everyone else with narrow-focused laws that seem to inevitably create more problems than they solve.

However, we are a nation of laws and there will always be those who want to codify everything in law. Imo, we don't need laws on top of laws on top of laws -- we already have laws that cover everything ...and then some -lol In my mind it's fine to codify what constitutes bad behavior and to establish penalties for that behavior but we don't need to codify how things (vs people) MUST/MUST NOT WORK such that we remove self-direction and functional selection from people of good judgement in order to attempt to prevent people of bad judgement from being bad (e.g. wrong to take away all guns b/c some morons abuse them) because in doing so we trample the rights of tohers in one way or another. I think that's where Joe was coming from.

Another way to look at it might be that there is (or eventually will be) one or many azzhat(s) walking the face of the earth who eventually will do everything that is considered wrong/bad/illegal but that doesn't mean all objects of the world should be made to implement azzhat-prevention at the expense of everyone else's freedoms to choose, create and pursue happiness. I think the difficulty comes about when a bad behavior becomes widespread enough such that that behavior itself significantly eclipses other fundamental rights or freedoms ...a repeat murderer must be prevented forcibly (incarcerated or terminated) but does that mean that any objects routinely used to murder should be made illegal or non functional: only have dull non-pointed knives be legal, only have hammers under 3 oz. be legal, only have cars that can't go faster than old people can run?

This is why the founders held three rights as inalienable in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There are no easy answers to some of todays dilemmas but the founders sure gave us an extraordinary document from which our form of government and its rules flow ...the Constitution. They were also very wise to specifically EXCLUDE ALL POWERS FROM GOVERNMENT that are not specifically given by the Constitution (with all its amendments). The founders also stated in the preamble lest we should not the priorities and fundamental purpose of the Constitution:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure Domestic Tranquility provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Restrict those who abuse their rights? No prob. Restrict those who haven't abused for the purpose of preventing those who might? Prob.

Of course it's not al that black and white in applying it, but the principles are clear -- and that is specifically why we have SCOTUS at the top of justice system ...to rule only on those Constitutional issues not adequately rendered explicit by the lower federal and appellate courts. No mean feat these days!

[Tommy Gun]

Going to take me three days to read that...

[68fastback]

:spitcopy:

Don't bother ...not much there anyway ...hard topic to put into words ...it's far more complex than my thoughts might suggest.

[Joe G]

So if we should just “educate and punish” those who don’t do what they are taught, why have drunk driving laws? (Or other laws)

Shouldn’t we just tell everyone it’s bad when they are young (educate) and then when they kill someone while drunk give them 30 days in jail (punish)?

And I wasn’t saying politicians should make a law to keep phones from working in a drivers seat, just saying we have the technology that manufacturers should offer it.

They have ways of stopping phone service in buildings (heard of churches using this) so it’s not that different other than limiting the area (drivers seat).

.

Laws are good. Break them = punishment.

You tried to suggest that because we have ways to block someone from making a call or texting, that it should be be used. There are many legitimate reasons to use a phone while driving, and as my previous post stated, doing other things (changing stations or fooling with the radio) are really no different but they're not the current Boogyman that makes people run for the nearest safe space of Gov't interference.

DUI is illegal. There are federal and state laws against it. But to equal your example of blocking phones from working in a car, we'd now have a breathalyzer hooked up to every car assuming you're guilty before you took even 1 drink. "It's for the children!!". :doh: Why not have Gov't troops on every corner to check your papers - you know, just in case you're doing something wrong. And why not let them search your house whenever they want? You know - just in case.

That's not what the Consitution is all about and I'm tired of giving up more and more of my natural rights so that Gov't can "protect" us better. :gun:

[68fastback]

:iagree:

[Highwayman]

:iagree: