| Author | Message | ||
     Isham |
Palm Tungsten E2 Palm $145.88 (dealtime.com) GPS CAR KIT $146 Anyone have anything that beats this price for a GPS unit? (Message edited by isham on February 07, 2007) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Yeah - Garmin Street Pilot i-series. http://www.garmin.com/products/spi5/ I prefer the i5 myself as it has all of NA preloaded, and have found it for $276 shipped online. The i3 is the same as the i5, only the maps aren't preloaded. The i2 is the same as the i3, only no color screen. i2's can be had for about $215 plus shipping. Plus, it's a Garmin. Having played with other brand GPS systems, I woudln't buy anything else. | ||
| Isham |
I wish they would have made those Garmins thinner. Too beefy for my tastes | ||
| Xl1200r |
Isham, I'm with you on the thickness factor, when you get don to it, does it really matter? The thing is the size of a tennis ball, so it's not like it's as bulky as the larger Street Pilots. Also, I see you're looking for a car kit - is this only going to be in the car? If so, the thin-ness (or lack thereof) doesn't matter much. Keep in mind these have a built speaker to dictate the direction to you - not sure if your palm has anything loud enough for that. If you don't like it, that's fair. But I would rather have one of these over a Palm any day, unless I needed the Palm to actually work as a Palm as well. | ||
| Isham |
I did see the comparo images and it is small but I want to be able to slip it into my pocket at a rest stop and not have to worry about someone pocketing it. That's why I'd like it to be thin. The Garmin I like is the nuvi but its way out of my price range. The palm has blue tooth so I can have it dictate inside the helmet which I'm sure is possible. (Message edited by isham on February 07, 2007) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Isham - good points... Now you have me reconsidering... | ||
| Garp |
Refurb Nuvi's can now be picked up for $450. I have one in the cage and it is a great unit, but NOT waterproof, a problem it shares with the i series. For the bikes I run a 60CSX. I have 2/3rds of the US loaded on a 1GB micro SD card and that is enough for me. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Garmin Quest (1). Fits easily in a pocket, is completely waterproof, "it just works", and probably costs less then your price. It will also run for many hours on internal lithium ions, and has tons of cheap and wonderful RAM mount options. It includes everything in the box you need for laptop and on device routing and detailed map download, and includes sufficient parts to mount it in your car and on your motorcycle with only minor fabrication and a few cheap parts ($30 or less). I tried the "Hook a palm to a GPS" for a long time. It always looked appealing, and never worked well enough to be anything but a gimmick. It's likely far better now, but in terms of "just works without fuss" it will still be nowhere near a Quest that you can drop comfortably in a shirt pocket. The "limited non expandable" memory will have all state routes and greater for the whole US, and will generally cover two to three states of detailed mapping in their entirety, or will give you "15 miles to either side of your planned route" to go from New York to Los Angeles. | ||
| Damnut |
just ordered the Magellin 2200T. I have used Magellin products in the past and enjoyed them. This new one is waterproof and looks pretty small. (it's in the mail) Just another option. BTW..... I have my other GPS for sale in the classifieds. | ||
| Liquorbox |
I just bought a Garmin Zumo 550. Love the thing. The thing is amazing! Plus, it's an $1100. unit I got brand new on Ebay for $699. I can use it in any of my cars, or bikes, or even hold it & carry it around. Comes with all the adapters. It gives you 2-D & 3-D views in full hi-res color and can zoom in, or out, infinitely. You can program a bunch of different "voices", male, female and various accents. Also has XM radio, if you buy a subscription. It's crazy to be in your car & have a womans voice say, "Next intersection, Ohio Ave." Also cool that the icon is a bike & the little guy actually "banks" going around turns. Probably the BEST thing is, it's designed & built specifically for bikes, so it's water, vibration & Sun resistant, and has a very bright screen, to deal with use in direct Sunlight. (Message edited by Liquorbox on February 07, 2007) | ||
| Jackbequick |
I'm with Reep on the PDA/GPS receiver thing. It just does not compare with a "real" GPS. If you want to do it, the Tom Tom 5 (now 6) Navigator software is as good a software as you can find (I tried a number of nav software packages while playing with PDAs). Reep is partial to the Quest because he has one. I would consider the Quest II but not the original Quest because on the memory limitations in the original. And actually, I'd much prefer a model that has external memory for flexible/unlimited storage. The Quest is a clear winner on smaller and lighter when it is compared to the classic StreetPilot 2610. I just got a refurbed StreetPilot 2610 at an obscenely good price ($234), those are readily available on eBay for about $330 to $350 (including shipping). The 2610 comes with everything needed for use in a car. Add a 2 GB CF card ($40 +/-) and you can have all the mapping for North American on it. For a bike you will need a mount and may want a different power cable. $50 to $75 will get a 2610 well mounted on most bikes. I personally rule out all of the nuvi and "i" and "c" series models because they do not have all the navigation features are in the classic 2610 (and the much more expensive 27xx and 28xx models). One missing feature that is of particular use to motorcyclists is multiple destination routing. The zumo 550 is the only one of the newer models that has the same navigation features as the 2610. You do get various "brain candy" features with the newer ones, like MP3 players and XM and FM traffic radio inputs (more hardware and subscription fees are needed). But I want the good navigation stuff, not the brain candy stuff. What features do I want that are not in the low end nuvi and "i" and "c" series StreetPilots? 1 - Multiple destination routing. 2 - A desktop application, with mapping, for planning routes on. 3 - Ability to upload routes to the GPS. 4 - Ability to download data and tracks from the GPS. 5 - Meets IPX7 waterproofing standards (withstands immersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes). I'm the first to admit that there are a lot of good, cheaper, lighter, etc., models on the market. But the navigation function rules for me. Avoid the Garmin 2620 and 2660 for use on motorcycles, they have hard drives that don't do well on bikes. Here is a comparison of features on the c320, Quest, and 2610: http://gpsinformation.us/c320/comparison.jsp.htm An objective review on the 2610/2620 is here: http://www.gpsinformation.us/sp26xx/sp2610rev.html An objective review on the i3 is here: http://www.gpsinformation.org/i3/i3.html I'm a fully addicted old school GPS user, I don't insist on my way being the only way but enjoy discussing it and like to help. Jack | ||
| Discodino |
I've used the Garmin 276c on my 4x4s, the Magellan Sportrek for hiking, and a Garmin C320 on my wife's daily driver here in the US... After checking the price of the Garmin memory cards for the 276 to upload 1/4 of the US maps, I decided to go with the 60CSx for the bike/hiking for many of the reasons you all have mentioned...and the price has dropped 100$ to 350 in a month...so hopefully by the time I get my bike (end March!) it should be in the 300$ range... | ||
| Garp |
I have had good luck with my 60CSX. I also have a Quest, but that has been permanently "borrowed" by my son. The Quest does come with City Navigator data, which is a plus over the 60CSX where you have to buy that separately. However since I have a license for the Quest I was able to load the data onto the 60CSX as Garmin allows to receivers for each license. The 60CSX will run for about 20 hours off standard AA batteries, or you can hardwire it if you want to. I also like that the buttons are on the bottom, so I can be pushing buttons and still the screen. With the Quest, the buttons are on the right, so the screen ends up being covered when you use your left hand to do any input. The Quest and the 60 series are very similar. they are built on the same core, but with slightly different feature sets. the quest is designed around car use, it can talk with an external speaker. the 60 Series are designed more for hiking and outdoor use but are great on a bike. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Jack - I was in love with a 2710 (I think?) - it had the XM funtion because I wanted to music, but didn't have the Bluetooth because I didn't need it. Until I saw one. Good looking and super-easy to use, but Geez - how big do they really need it to be? The bottom line is I coudln't find a place to mount one on my Firebolt that I would have been happy with, so I ditched the idea. The only major thing missing from the i-series for me is the route planning and multiple waypoints. I decided that waterproof-ness was not a major concern for me as I would mostly be using this for pleasure rides and not "I'm on the road so I HAVE to ride" rides. | ||
| Liquorbox |
Jackbequick, Can you use that Tom Tom 6 software in the Garmin?? Thanks | ||
| Buellishxx |
Garmin 76 map is one of the cheapest and easiest to use. You can upload maps from Garmin mapsource which is pretty cheap. The accessories (handlebar mounts etc.) are cheap and these units are rugged (they float as well). You can get C version that displays in color, but I find that the black and white display is easier to deal with on a bike. If you want verbal directions 3D views etc. this is not the unit. If you want to make the most of your GPS purchase a software program 0zi explorer (oziexplorer.com) This program makes it very easy to upload routes, tracks waypoints etc. It is also capable of of importing/exporting files to Google Earth. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Just so the record is clear... If you can get a package similar to the Quest (waterproof and motorcycle safe) but that has expandable memory for within $50, then don't get the quest. Just make sure it includes the desktop software, as thats $90 out of your pocket otherwise. When I bought my Quest, it was $309, and the closest similar unit with expandable memory was at least $150 more. $309 was already $100 more then I thought I should be spending. The math has likely changed since then... YMMV. I didn't think 2610's would ever get that cheap! | ||
| Forerunner |
Garp - I've got the 60CSx too. Love the thing. What are you using to mount it on your bike? I've got a Lightning and only found Ram Mounts specifically for it and I'm not sure I want a u-bolt on my handlebars. The reviews I've read on the Garmin branded handlebar mounts say they don't hold the unit securely. | ||
| Garp |
I use a RAM cradle. On the left side I use this bolted to the empty mirror base on the Firebolt:  I have my Valentine One on the right hand side mounted to one of these:  It is attatched to the Brake Lever perch. (Message edited by garp on February 07, 2007) | ||
| Jackbequick |
Liquorbox, "Can you use that Tom Tom 6 software in the Garmin??" No, just on some PDAs. The TT5 and 6 Navigator software is same as the software that runs on the Tom Tom hardware GPS receivers. Like the One, 910, Rider, etc. I used TT5 on a PDA, have not tried TT6 and probably won't get around to trying it now. Jack | ||
| Jackbequick |
The 2610 is not small and light. Quest = 4.5"W x 2.2"H x 0.9" D weight 6 oz. SP 2610 = 5.6"W x 3.2"H x 2.0" D weight 15 oz. I'm not sure if my 2610 will get used on the FXD or not,. My 76Cx in the tank bag map case will be my first choice for day riding. The 2610 may get mounted if I do any long trips. The 2610 has a good history in use on BMW's, H-D baggers, and bigger bikes with more room. I'm not sure I would consider it a good choice for the Buells but it can be made to work there. I think the Zumo 550 would probably my first choice if I were willing to spend that much. And it comes with an excellant mount (made by RAM). On the mounts you pretty much have to browse all their catalogs and look at all the pieces with the creative juices flowing and your bike in mind to work out the details on the mount that will work for you. I think I can see Garp has done that. The RAM product line has the cradles and all the bits and pieces to put a good mount on any bike, they just don't have it all prepackaged and sorted out for every one and every bike and GPS model. As an example, for a Quest the RAM mounts with 9/16" ball are probably fine, for a 2610 you probably want the 1" ball mounts for the extra rigidity. In time, you guys will have the mounts sorted out for the different Buell models, it just has not all been figured out yet. Jack | ||
| Aldaytona |
Best GPS solution? No GPS. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Jack, I would totally recommend my system (in the process of completion) over TomTom 6. Remember tomtom is still using teleatlas maps. They are not as good as navteq's map available on garminXT Since these posts are becoming more frequent, I might post up my project early, before it is totally finished. | ||
| Isham |
This is all good info thanks everyone. | ||
| Jackbequick |
Jamie, I agree, your concept could find a strong following, especially for folks that use the "power" mobile phones. I've heard that Tele-Atlas's data got better in TT 6 but I have not seen those maps first hand. They also changed North America to one map that "seamless". You don't have the details in seven regions any more. TT6 and the North America maps fit on a 2 GB SD card. Jack | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I have heard teleatlas has gotten better, but from people I have spoke to that use both they still say it is at-least a generation behind. Now if you are located across the pond it is a different story. TomTom products in Europe can't be beat. I personally think tomtom has a nicer interface, but at the end of the day, pure navigation accuracy is where it is at. | ||
| Reepicheep |
So c'mon Mr. Monkey, what have you been up to? Sounds interesting!  | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
 Ah yes the secret project... No really it is just a work in project. When it is done I will post a nice write up so others can duplicate if they so desire. If you must know now, PM me... So far the response has been positive. | ||
| Daves |
I use a map Most are free | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Oh come on Dave, you know you want to be burdened with technology. Its not like it is an addiction* *at least that's what I keep telling myself... | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Most are free So is the new Nokia Maping software that comes out Saturday for Nokia S60 phones, and Windows Mobile devices. It will cost more for turn by turn directions. Wont be able to find out the actual price until Saturday. http://www.smart2go.com/en/ Just gotta order me a bluetooth GPS receiver now.} (Message edited by Steve_mackay on February 08, 2007) |
