Vanity-GPS Navigation Devices Question

11.29.07 | trumandogz

[trumandogz]

For last two weeks I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 200W GPS Navigation systmen and have had problems with the unit keeping its connection with the Satellites. The loss of connection appears to be random even occurring in areas without tree cover or large buildings.

At times the unit can go 20 to 30 minutes without a connection all in areas where a connection with at least one satellite should not be a problem.

I returned the first unit in exchange for a second and both units have had the very same problem.

I have placed the unit(s) on different parts of the windshield with out resolution.

My question is:

Do other people have the same problem with their GPS units?

Do other people have better experience with Tom Tom or another manufacturer?

Is this a problem that I will have to deal with no matter what brand of navigation system I use?

[NonValueAdded]

I refuse to buy or even use a Tom Tom product simply because of their commercials.

[FARS]

Have changed brands and models till I found the Magellan 4040, which also has text to voice capability and tells you the name of the exit or street on which you are supposed to turn or exit. A warning tone/chime also indicates the turn or exit when you are about 20 yards short of it.

Do NOT get taken in by ‘voice” command capabiities like the 4050 model (about $100 more) as it does NOT allow you to simply speak the address you want into it and can only query some built in gas stations and points of interest.

The 3040 is as good as the 4040 but comes with a three inch screen instead of the 4040 four inch one.

A caveat: you have options for the unit to calculate the route based on fastest time, shortest distance and maximum use of freeways and fourthly use Toll Roads.

Test this out. When I used “make the most use of Freeways”, I was taken past the best exit to 25 miles down the freeway and returned the 25 miles to the other side of that exit. 50 miles of senseless driving. Like all computers - garbage in garbage out, with the garbage in being my command to use freeways to the max.

Have NVER lost satellite contact with this model. Make sure you have he latest sofware in the unit you buy as it may have anold one but you can updage it using teh CD that comes with it.

TWo year instead of one year warranty of you have Triple AAA roadside membership.

Hope this helps,

[Myrddin]

I just updated my eTrex handheld. The GPS V was already at 2.50 so no update needed. The old 45XL didn't have any updates available. Garmin has been pretty good about firmware updates on the products I've used. My research railcars were initially outfitted with Garmin OEM15-H devices. We moved to a Leadtek 9805 when our new design was completed with all surface mount devices.

The web update tool works pretty well.

[airdalechief]

I’ve never had any problems with a Garmin loosing signal and I’ve had an old Street Pilot and the color Street Pilot. I presently have a Garmin Quest in the truck but that is the one you have to download to from a CD. 1.4 megs I believe.

I just ordered a Magellan Maestro 4040 from Buydig.com for $309.00 two hours ago. That goes in the truck and the Quest will go in the car the wife drives.

Never had a Magellan before. (Fingers crossed!)

[CholeraJoe]

I have a Garmin Street Pilot and the only time I lose satellite reception is when I’m in a parking garage.

[fremont_steve]

Many modern Cell phones have REAL GPS built in - that is certainly the case with my new Samsung u540. Google is talking about a system that can get you within 10 blocks of your location by using the cell site signal strength - which is maybe what you are talking about?

I can tell you that Verizon offers a service for GPS enabled phones that can do the Navigation trick all by themselves. At the same time - I just bought myself a TomTom and love it! The only problem is that it isn’t compatible with the u540 - knew that going in. Maybe a reason for switching cell providers when the contract is up... time will tell.

[OSTATE]

I’ve have a Garmin 2720 which I use both in my car on on my bike and I’ve never experienced any problems with it whatsoever.

I won’t go anyplace without it. It is so valuable when you’re in big cities and 8 lanes of traffic bumper-to-bumper and have to be in the inside or outside lane to make an exit and you don’t know which one. It will tell you a mile or so ahead.

I also have friends who have the Lowrance and they are very pleased with it.

[BurbankKarl]

Garmins are very reliable. My guess is some type of interference with the windshield.

[Malsua]

I’ve got a Garmin Extrex Legend.

Had a Nuvi 350, it got stolen.

Just got my Nuvi 750 this week.

I don’t have any of the problems you’re having. That said, all the units I have had use the High Sensitivity chips. The 200w doesn’t.

That said, the quality of the receiver is only in how fast it gets the sats and how accurate it is. Once latched on, it shouldn’t drop unless you’ve view to the sky is obstructed.

What is the vehicle you drive? Some have a coating on the windshield which can block some signals. Attach it to a side window, see if it does the same thing.

[Minn]

I bought a tomtom a week ago

If I were shopping for a GPS, I believe I would eliminate this brand from consideration simply because their commercials are way big on the annoying scale. They give their product an silly name and then design a whole advertising campaign around that fact.

[DouglasKC]

If I were shopping for a GPS, I believe I would eliminate this brand from consideration simply because their commercials are way big on the annoying scale. They give their product an silly name and then design a whole advertising campaign around that fact.

I agree with you that those commercials were stupid and didn't do justice to the products. They have a series of new commercials that seem to be more product and feature orientated.