Car Navigation Systems

I've been doing some research on car navigation systems and the in-dash units are pretty pricey. Started looking into the aftermarket units and went through the usual Magellan and Garmin but I came across a new one called TomTom. Anyone ever used or seen one of these devices? Also, do you think the after market units are a better choice than in-dash?

 

I have a Dell Axim X50v. I got a blue tooth GPS unit (Globalstat BT-338) and iGuidance navigation software. The GPS/software package costed around $215 and came with a car mount for the PDA.

I like this set-up because the Axim can do so much such as play MP3's play moveies and has wifi built-in.

I originally wanted a GPS, but then thought "why get just a GPS, when I can get a bad-ass palm pc that I can add GPS capability to?"

All in all between the Axim, BT-338 and iGuidance, 1GB SD card and CF cards, nice aluminum case, I've got about $700 in this thing.

Just something to think about.


-Steve

 

Some good GPS discussion (including TOM TOM) http://www.aximsite.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=34


-Steve

 

Thank you for the help guys. I see in the PC Mag review they judge the GPS units by the "ability to enter a destination address as quickly and efficiently as possible and to receive clear audio and visual instructions promptly."

Since you have all used some before what else really goes into judging one of these? I'll tell you one thing, the price tag is a lot more reasonable than the in-dash units.

Thanx for the link to the Aximsite. I will give it a look-over though I am leaning towards keeping my cell/PDA separate from my nav system so that they can be in two different places at once (give unit to family/friend to borrow and still have my handheld). Though, have you ever used the TomTom for the PDA, I would t hink the navigation would be similar?

 

Make sure you get one with the SIRF III chip.

I've never used TOM TOM, but I've read a lot of positive reviews.

I love my GPS. I don't know how I ever survived without it!


-Steve

 

I don't know the names of them as they were in-dash models, but the one I had in my Mitsubishi Shogun was awesome. A friend's father had on in his Jaguar XJS and he said the Shogun model was far superior to the jag's.

Put it this way...I never got lost once and it took me door to door everytime. I guess you have to know me to know how amazing it is that I never got lost once!!

 

That's what I liked about the Shogun satnav. you chould choose the voice..male/female...adjust volume. I had the female voice and called her Holly. Big Red Dwarf fan here

 

Big Red Dwarf! Thats great. I have been wanting to see that series and red the books for ages now. I have heard so much about it! I digress

The in-dash do seem sleek and nice but as I said, the functionality and adaptability to changing circumstances makes me think the cheaper after-market GPS systems are the way to go. That way, switching cars, buying new/old, letting friends/family borrow, and being able to update and tweak are all possible.

The TomTom device also has voice options. I have seen such crazy ads for their voices such as John Cleese, Yoda, and Ozzy Ozbourne. There is obviously a volume change as well. I was reading over the weekend and reviews say that the re-route calculation for the TomTom processors is by far the best in the GPS market right now. It just seems to have everything and a little more than others for that price.

 

Just curious, is it posible to have sat nav on your laptop (in the car on the seat of course) and what software / devices are needed for this setup?
thanks

 

In my searches I have found the Delorme is the laptop solution of choice. You may need to buy an external GPS transmitter but the total package is very reasonable.

I considered this solution but for me, carrying around my laptop to and fro is not something I wish to do. Having a self contained small device like tomtom that specializes in the navigation, is easy to move around and is designed for in car use would probably be a better long term solution.