Posted on 03/25/2015 10:18:15 PM PDT by EinNYC
I do agree that standalone GPS units are on the wane from the smartphone competition, but for now, this unit gets my vote.
I like Garmin too.
I don’t pay for updates. I just buy a new one every 4 - 5 years. The cost is about the same as an update and the newer ones usually have some better features.
Yes, the Garmin 3590LMT was highly rated on one of the websites I visited to evaluate GPS models. But, I wanted to supplement those reviews with authentic opinions from FReepers. I think perhaps Sunday, when I have a bit of time, I will try to see if I can find that model in a local store to look at and check out the features.
Ditto.
Has the added benefit of identifying speed traps.
Waze adds about 20 minutes a day to my life.
IPhone works very well for me. I had a Garmin unit that led me 3 hours out of my way one time. Took me 4 hrs for an hour and a half drive. Sort of reminds me of liberals that follow the wrong path because of an error in judgment made by their leader ...
After that I always questioned the directions it gave me. I sometimes wonder if there are some nerd programmers who write the code for those units with a twisted sense of humor who like to wreak havoc...
I picked up a Garmin on Newegg a few years ago, and it is still working great. I can’t keep it in my truck, because my son keeps borrowing it. I didn’t pay much for it, and it had good reviews. That’s a good way to buy tech. See what everyone else thinks about it.
I bought our first portable GPS unit for our airplane over 20 years ago; it was a Garmin GPS 95AVD for around $1500. It had a monochrome display that was a little larger than a postage stamp, but it was a god send. I have purchased nearly a dozen GPS units for the cars and plane since that time, I have also owned and used several types of phones and tablets with built in GPS.
We like to travel; it is so nice to just be spontaneous and get off the beaten path and find unfamiliar places on the spur of the moment.
Phones and tablets with built in GPS are great but a lot of the apps require a cell connection to work. It is hard to beat a dedicated portable. I have had portables with the same problems that you describe.
I have a Magellan that is like that. It does everything including over the air traffic updates. Often the processor in mine can’t seem to keep up with the load placed on it. It started out working fine, but after a few updates; it started acting up. It has lifetime updates and is very useful, but I have to watch it very carefully because sometimes it does show that a turn is still a little ways off when you are actually at the intersection.
There are actually optional components that I have added to the Magellan. I keep meaning to take it back to stock and then add only the components that I actually use. I don’t know if your Garman can be “cleaned” in the same way. If it can that might solve at least some of your issues.
We own a Garmin (two or three years old now) but have switched over to my iPhone. I much prefer it.
I have Garmin nuvi 1450 lmt. It’s been updated a couple of times, and I think it’s great.
Voice entry is the only safe way to input to a GPS when driving. Map is ok, but keeping up with an ever changing world is impossible and is the weak point in any GPS system.
This is my third garmin, and the first one I have found that I can trust. It picks good routes consistently. My older models took me to dead ends and driveways far too much.just dont leave it on the dash, I have had my truck broken into to get my GPS. Get the beanbag mount. Easy to stash.
so a linix specialized computer, which is what all gps systems are will only be as good as the OS and programing with the difference being signal sensitivity. Newer units are faster(more horsepower) and have better reception. IF your not updating the maps, os and other embedded software you will have issues. First try to update the current gps by hooking it up to your home computer. If it doesn’t have live traffic and lifetime map updates chuck it. The newer crop are high def, you can play movies. Any computer is a really personal deal, kids seem to like android phones, those that want usability with out customization like iphones. anyone who runs a windows computer likely would do better with a windows phone. Ok so you asking WTH is this nerd talking about phones, The market is changing in ways most people don’t see. The linix platforms (android and apple and linix) are more fractured then ever leaving bigger security issues. The Windows platforms are consolidating. This summer MS will give away W10 to even people running illegal windows.
So what
Well not all GPS systems have to be linixed based in fact a windows phone can be a gps. It would make sense for most phones to go the android route and provide free gps services. So the ultimate question is why do you need a unique device. All phones by federal law must have GPS receivers. phone/tablet hybrids will be gps enabled. With windows 10 unifying the underlying code some MFG will build a computer/tablet/phone with gps with in the next year.
Suggestion
Spend less $ today because your going to replace it next year.
“The crew for the first Mars landing will be all female.”
And if that is true they will all be dead before that ever makes it to Mars. They’ll wind up killing each other.
Depends on what model you bought, if you paid less than $100, you probably have to pay to update, about $80 I think, or maybe just but another one. I bought a model that was LMT, lifetime updates and traffic, about $185. I don’t use the traffic option. I’ve updated twice, still like it, but I did have to buy a memory sd thing for more memory, about $16.
My Samsung and my LG phones are flawless in the GPS navigation. And in Maps I just say where I want to go and it gives me the option of directions, phone number link and reviews.
Funny, a guy with an iPhone was trying to get walking direction to a nearby Gym. He finally asked me. I pressed one button, said LA Fitness and had the directions. He actually asked what kind of iPhone I have. He looked crestfallen when I said it was an Android.
I have a Garmin 2555 with traffic and lifetime maps.
I have no complaints. It’s been very good.
Beware the fat ones eating burgers!
You can do that on Amazon, too.
Sorry. I only use MapQuest.com (”get directions” link) and print out directions before going far.
But seeing where some circumstances are headed (foreign relations, natural changes, economy,...), here’s something that might be helpful in the near future.
Look up instructions on the Web for finding Polaris (end star of the handle of the Little Dipper). Imagine a vertical line through Polaris (the North Star) to the ground. That’s north.
I don’t actually use the Garmin for directions. I use it as a live map. I like knowing where I am and what’s around me. I like being able to see my relative position on the fly.
I like knowing that there is a lake behind those trees, even though I can’t see it, for example.
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