GPS Units: Feedback?

[Fox Mulder]

I'm thinking of buying one of the Garmin NUVI GPS units for my '06 Mazda 3 GT. Has anyone had any experience, good, bad or indifferent with these? I'm particularly interested in what the mounting procedure was like and whether it blocks any of your forward view (I'm blind in one eye so have to make sure there is no vision obstruction at all). Thanks.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Any navi unit buy just make sure its running on NAVTEQ mapping software instead of its European lesser counter part Teleatlas

Good read: http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2006/07/navteq_vs_teleatlas_which_one.html

and the website has a lot of good info

[WeatherB]

I've been using the Nuvi 350 for a few months now. Very nice unit.

I mounted it on my dashboard and do not have any problems with visibility.

http://www.istop.com/~fbiglar/Mazda/SBNuvi.jpg

[Xerox]

I mounted it on my dashboard and do not have any problems with visibility.

http://www.istop.com/~fbiglar/Mazda/SBNuvi.jpg

Wouldn't that leave a permanent mark on the dashboard, should you decide to remove the mount?

I have the same (Nuvi 350) however I use the windshield mount to mount it either left (if I'm alone) or center (if I have passenger) of the windshield. I have had no major issues with visibility.

Some old threads that might help:
GPS/naviation system recommendations? (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=16099&highlight=nuvi)

Where do you mount your stand alone GPS? (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18779&highlight=mount)

[BangHatch]

I'm old school... Have had a Garmin 2720 for a while now.. It's a brick.. LOL
BUT... I love it... When/if I get a new GPS, I'd go for it's newer/updated counterpart... Love the Garmin...

My bro has a Tomtom... I like it too... But doesn't have the same features as the Garmin (eg. Doesn't say the actual street name)

[Skarbro]

LOL I have a brick also. The Magellan 700 that I bought used off Flippy. I only use it like once or twice a month though. It does the job for now. But I'de like to get a new Garmin.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I have the Magellan Roadmate 700 as well (I since then updated with a new thin LG GPS) anyways the Magellan is amazing for what it is. My brand new LG lacks a lot of features that the Magellan had (even though it has a loooong feature list including text to speech)

[WeatherB]

I don't think it would leave a permanent mark. You can use some Goo-Gone to remove any glue-residue.

[doughboyr6]

i have to LG 735 i think....i'm happy with it....having never used one before, this one was simple to use/learn

[Fox Mulder]

I've been using the Nuvi 350 for a few months now. Very nice unit.

I mounted it on my dashboard and do not have any problems with visibility.

http://www.istop.com/~fbiglar/Mazda/SBNuvi.jpg

Thanks. It actually doesn't look bad at all. However, what do you do when you park the car? Do you remove it each time from the mount and put it in the glove compartment? If so, how easy/difficult is it to do that?

Thank you very much.

[WeatherB]

The small plastic base in taped on the dashboard with double-sided tape but I take the mount and unit off when I park.

It's very simple to do. Takes 10 seconds.

[Fox Mulder]

The small plastic base in taped on the dashboard with double-sided tape but I take the mount and unit off when I park.

It's very simple to do. Takes 10 seconds.

OK, I can already see my MasterCard charge for the Nuvi appearing on my next statement. :gone

Thanks for all the info/advice.

[WeatherB]

No problem. If you're buying new, keep an eye on the regular specials running at NCIX.com.

I managed to grab mine for $414 + 6% GST. A lot cheaper than Best Buy / Futureshop.

[Fox Mulder]

No problem. If you're buying new, keep an eye on the regular specials running at NCIX.com.

I managed to grab mine for $414 + 6% GST. A lot cheaper than Best Buy / Futureshop.

Question: I didn't know about NCIX until this post. Do they sell factory-sealed brand new units? I've had such bad luck in the past with vendors who sell either floor demos, refurbished or returned/opened items. I want a *virgin* box. :)

Thanks.

[WeatherB]

Yup, they sell brand new stuff. They're very popular in the computer scene. I've been using them for a couple of years for computer parts.

[Fox Mulder]

So, WeatherB, when all is said and done, this is what I did. I went to Best Buy to look at the Nuvi350. They're selling it for a ridiculous $599 (with tax that comes to $684). Outrageous. The site you told me about sells it for $430. However, as I was about to buy it, I asked about TomTom (biggest competitor to Garmin, AFAIK), and just last night they received the newest model the 720, which I've been waiting for for a while. It's GORGEOUS. 4.3" screen instead of 3.5", bluetooth, iPod connection, text to speech, solidly built, automatic FREE updates, US/Canada maps built in (TeleNav), you can also add a personal favourite destination and then share it with others, MP3, you name it. it's beautiful. And get this: It's only $69 more than the 350 on your website for so many more features. I did the dirty deed. Plus, they give you a 30-day no questions asked return policy for full refund. Considering I'm taking a road trip to the US from Sep. 15 to the 20, that fits in perfectly. If i don't like it, back it goes. But I think I will. Check out this review: http://www.gpsreview.net/tomtom-720/ and let me know. Cheers.

[WeatherB]

Hey. Looks good, except that it uses TeleAtlas maps and only has 5 hours battery life. Based on my experience (and online reviews), TeleAtlas is good for Europe and Navteq is good for Canada/US.

[Skarbro]

I just got a Nuvi 360 a while ago (DIRT cheap, brand new off Craigslist). It's AWESOME. Says the street names. Has bluetooth so that you can make and receive phone calls via your cell phone. It even does text messages through your cell phone and reads the texts for you while you are driving. It's portable too, so I never leave it in the car. Going to try Geocaching with it when it gets warmer. I got a Garmin friction mount which works great and leaves no marks anywhere in the car. I love the redlight camera and speed trap POIs you can download to it. Always warns me of areas known for speed traps. There is only 1 downside to it - the voice isn't very loud. But you can easily hack into it and turn up the volume. Now it's just about perfect. Highly recommended.

[OnkelHans]

I recently got a Nuvi 350 for xmas and it works great. Mount it to the windshield and pull down the whole thing when parked so no one knows it's in the glovebox. The mapping is fantastic - it even shows the roads around a campground we go to! Haven't used it on a raod trip yet but hope to soon. I only wish it had the bluetooth and text features of the 360.

[WildEmu]

The Nuvi 350 is pretty cheap right now... $289.99 at Costco

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BCCA&topnav=&prodid=10307498&ec=BCCA-EC780-CatHome&pos=6&lang=en-CA

I personally have the Nuvi 650 and it's awesome

[Skarbro]

Awesome! So do you guys all have it plugged into the lighter when in operation? Or is it possible to wire it into the car somehow?
All the Nuvis have rechargable batteries. Mine has a max charge of like 8 hours or something (very liberal estimate on the manufacturer's part). I only plug in the charger when needed. It plugs into the cig lighter.

[Skarbro]

I've been using the Nuvi 350 for a few months now. Very nice unit.

I mounted it on my dashboard and do not have any problems with visibility.

http://www.istop.com/~fbiglar/Mazda/SBNuvi.jpg

I know your post is old, but I noticed you do not have the antenna in the optimal position. It should always be parallel to the ground (horizontal) for best reception. Your antenna looks like it is at a 45 degree angle.

[Swerny]

I'm very happy with my Nuvi 250W. I've had it since Christmas.

[BangHatch]

Replaced my original "brick" (garmin 2720) with a NUVI 650 last september :) Garmin FTW..

[Skarbro]

Article in today's Star on GPS thefts:

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/302373

[queens49]

I just got a Nuvi 360 a while ago (DIRT cheap, brand new off Craigslist). It's AWESOME. Says the street names. Has bluetooth so that you can make and receive phone calls via your cell phone. It even does text messages through your cell phone and reads the texts for you while you are driving. It's portable too, so I never leave it in the car. Going to try Geocaching with it when it gets warmer. I got a Garmin friction mount which works great and leaves no marks anywhere in the car. I love the redlight camera and speed trap POIs you can download to it. Always warns me of areas known for speed traps. There is only 1 downside to it - the voice isn't very loud. But you can easily hack into it and turn up the volume. Now it's just about perfect. Highly recommended.

Where do you download the redlight and speed trap POIs?

[Skarbro]

This is the best site:

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=61154

They have tons of other POIs as well. Surf around the site.

This site has it but they have restrictions:

http://www.poi-factory.com (http://www.poi-factory.com)

I've been thinking about trying this site:

http://www.gps-waypoints.net/gps/

[SteveSin]

i use the 260.
i love it, use the windshield mount.

[SteveSin]

This is the best site:

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=61154

They have tons of other POIs as well. Surf around the site.

This site has it but they have restrictions:

http://www.poi-factory.com (http://www.poi-factory.com)

I've been thinking about trying this site:

http://www.gps-waypoints.net/gps/

+1

[faibs]

Garmin 350 FTW

have it, so much cheaper now then when I got it a year or so ago.
Street names are read out, they sound hilarious in Montreal tho lol

battery is ass but thats why it comes with a cig lighter
Garmin software is #1

[kai-wun]

+1 to Garmin.

I used the 350 at the end of summer (~Aug last year) and the 650 during reading week (mid Feb this year) and loved them both. My favourite feature is the detour... when you're stuck on the 401, hit that bugger and it'll tell you where to go.! And nearby POI is great for a specific food craving or if you selectively fill up on Shell... etc.

Definitely gonna pick up a used 350 soon, hopefully I can snag one for <$300 =)

[07Speedfreak]

...forget it

The 250W is on sale @ 229.99$ , instead of 350$ right now at BB. Pretty good price I think.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

...forget it

The 250W is on sale @ 229.99$ , instead of 350$ right now at BB. Pretty good price I think.

Actually the 250W can be had for $234 after tax!!! (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=23546)

[07Speedfreak]

Actually the 250W can be had for $234 after tax!!! (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=23546)

yeah thanks I saw your other thread. Didnt know CT could price match BB and FS. Bad thing is my local CT's dont have them in stock, and I just came out of an emergency surgery and I cant drive a liitle out of town to deal with other CT's to make the deal happen.

[x_o_k_x]

Wouldn't that leave a permanent mark on the dashboard, should you decide to remove the mount?

I have the same (Nuvi 350) however I use the windshield mount to mount it either left (if I'm alone) or center (if I have passenger) of the windshield. I have had no major issues with visibility.

Some old threads that might help:
GPS/naviation system recommendations? (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=16099&highlight=nuvi)

Where do you mount your stand alone GPS? (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18779&highlight=mount)

I bought Garmin when I went to NYC, the dashboard has uneven surface, so you need to use a sticker pad they supply to stick it, but its permanent, very hard to remove. So I decided to stick it on windshield instead, worked great. Except that I think it effected my rain sensor, it barely worked.

[Skarbro]

I use the Garmin Portable Friction Mount. It works awesome. Leaves no trace of a GPS device in the car when you take it off your dash, since it stays in place by friction and weight. Plus it puts the GPS in the perfect location on the dash.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/images/products/010-10908-00/en/cf-lg.jpg

[Malcolm991]

I use the Tom Tom 1, I'm pleased with it and it was less expensive than alot of the other brands

[Dante]

I went to factory direct and purchased one for 110 dollars. Pretty nice and its loaded with Windows CE, you can hack these devices to load Windows CE at start up, once you have done that you can load up the tom tom software with a simple torrent download ;)

Saves money.

[andytam]

i use the tom tom 1.. got it on sale for 147 last xmas.
works well!

[MattC]

clarion Max675VD FTW. (with the nav addon)

blows any little suction cup nav out of the water, cause it does make you look like a wanka! :P

[Skarbro]

My GPS really saved me a lot of time yesterday. I was on the 401 near London. They were merging everyone off the highway so traffic was practically stopped. I got off at the first exit and navigated my way through the side streets with almost no effort. I was back on the highway around the traffic in no time. I love it!!

[RemaerdLacidar]

I use the Garmin Portable Friction Mount. It works awesome. Leaves no trace of a GPS device in the car when you take it off your dash, since it stays in place by friction and weight. Plus it puts the GPS in the perfect location on the dash.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/images/products/010-10908-00/en/cf-lg.jpg

Where'd you get this Skarbro? I just picked up a Garmin 360, and the mount that comes with it isn't bad --- but I'd rather have that once since it's easier to mount/dismount

[Skarbro]

I got mine on eBay, but you can order it from other places online.

[The Dude]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 250, and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a basic model. I like its simplicity and the form factor. I also ordered a mount from ProClip, and it makes using it so much more convenient. It's within easy reach, and it can be mounted/unmounted in 2 seconds (just squeeze).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2489872757_56b49dafd4_s.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24104215@N04/2489872757/sizes/l/in/set-72157603977821692/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2481821755_cf7337f312_s.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24104215@N04/2481821755/sizes/l/in/set-72157603977821692/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/2481821591_6070dfc143_s.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24104215@N04/2481821591/sizes/l/in/set-72157603977821692/)

[bigwood29]

I've got the same one - Garmin 250 - definitely a great item. If you want even cheaper, a store in R.Hill, SIG, has the TomTom 3rd Ed. on sale for $130 - in store only. They're fine if you want cheaper and functional IMO.

[cash_money]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3084615&CatId=2374

I have the Nuvi 650, great device. I had a TOM TOM, IMHO, it was a POS...

[dmanrevived]

I have the Nuvi 650 also, works very well.

I also got a little vent mount off of eBay for under $20. I like it since it doesn't leave any marks on my dashboard or windshield for thieves. Having it mounted on the vent also brings it closer than having it on the dash or windshield, so I don't have to lean forward to program it.

[bigwood29]

Vent mount is a good idea, which one did you buy on eBay? Send me the seller ID if you can. I'm assuming you had a good transaction. Thanks.

[dmanrevived]

The seller is "mfauls".

He has at least two different vent mounts for the Garmin 650: one that includes a cradle and one that uses the cradle that came with your 650. I ordered the latter. I won the auction and paid on a Saturday, and it arrived on Friday the week after. Very smooth transaction.

[cash_money]

this is probably a stupid question, but doesnt the constant heat/air condition from the vent affect the gps?

[dmanrevived]

That is actually a good question. So I flipped through the manual and found the "temperature range" in the specifications of 0 to 60 degrees Celsius. I'd be more worried about myself than my gps if the air from the vent exceeded that range. :)

[cash_money]

That is actually a good question. So I flipped through the manual and found the "temperature range" in the specifications of 0 to 60 degrees Celsius. I'd be more worried about myself than my gps if the air from the vent exceeded that range. :)

thanks, which mount did you order? I am going to go ahead and order one..

[dmanrevived]

This (http://cgi.ebay.ca/Car-Vent-REMOVABLE-Mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-670-660-650_W0QQitemZ360055242668QQihZ023QQcategoryZ58046Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) one for my Garmin Nuvi 650.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Ok instead of opening another thread i'm going to use this. I'm in the market for a new GPS system with 4.3 inch display. Its for my dad for fathers day and he's getting kinda old so i want a bigger screen for him.

My question is with all those varieties of GPS out there, which one do i choose? My price is about $350 tax in.

Another question is where can i buy it that will give me the best deal?

thanks in advance.

[cash_money]

Go to tiger direct and buy the Garmin Nuvi 650 - $279.95 + tax.

Great unit for the money.

If you want a cheaper unit i have a Nuvi 360 i can sell you.

[Kevin@nextmod]

I was actually aiming at the 650. I checked most places but i missed tiger direct....i guess i'll have to check it out. thanks man...

[Broli]

haha, pearly we are on the same page,

getting my dad a gps for fathers day also


he is techno impaired bigtime!

i want to get him the easiest to use unit.

my gps is computer based with iguidance, so i took a few minutes to play with garmin and magellan units

i found the magellan software more intuitive.

doesn't anyone have experience with both and any opinions on this matter?


thanks

Alex

[cash_money]

I don't have any experience with magellan, but i've used Iguidance and Garmin's Nuvi systems. My father is extremely tech impaired! I bought him the Nuvi 360 and he loves it. This fathers day I bought him the 650 because he wants the 2009 maps. If he can use a garmin, anyone can...

[openuser]

I just bought my Nuvi 650 from Tigerdirect.ca
Payed $279.9 with $0 shipping, and it was shipped very fast (took 3 business days to arrive at my doorstep).
I just loaded the unit with red light camera and speed trap POI for proximity alert. I also bought additional 2gb SD card for $12 (actually $24 for two of them), and imported all of the songs from my ipod to the navi.
I will mostly use the unit as a music player and speed trap look out device, but it's always good to have a satellite guided map just in case!
It's pretty easy to use; but, borrowing from Human Computer Interaction terms, there are some Degree of indirection in the user interface. But it's nothing major that my mother will not be able to use..

Overall, I think it's a great device especially with the tigerdirect price!

[Skarbro]

haha, pearly we are on the same page,

getting my dad a gps for fathers day also


he is techno impaired bigtime!

i want to get him the easiest to use unit.

my gps is computer based with iguidance, so i took a few minutes to play with garmin and magellan units

i found the magellan software more intuitive.

doesn't anyone have experience with both and any opinions on this matter?


thanks

Alex
I agree that Magellan has a more intuitive interface than Garmin. But I find Garmin to be better in terms of maps and options.

On a side note - if anyone has a compatible phone with GPS, I highly recommend Garmin Mobile XT. I installed it on my phone and it uses the exact same maps as the dedicated Garmin GPS units. It's awesome to have GPS available wherever I go now without having to lug around my Nuvi 360.

[Broli]

I agree that Magellan has a more intuitive interface than Garmin. But I find Garmin to be better in terms of maps and options.


that was my feeling also, that is why i am torn,

i felt the garmin units were better


------------------

thanks guys for ur imput!

[openuser]

Here are my installation photos.
As you can see, I sort of organized the wires with velcro wire ties and round velcro stick-on hooks. It turned out fine in my opinion...
However I think I will rewire the GPS into the vent, and to the center console storage room so I won't see much of the wires at all.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/openuser/IMG_2154.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/openuser/IMG_2157.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/openuser/IMG_2160.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/openuser/IMG_2175.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/openuser/IMG_2178.jpg

Plus, the Splash screen image I made...
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk22/openuser/Nav_Splash2.jpg

[Skarbro]

^^^ The thing I don't like about those stick-on dash discs is that they scream, "I have a $500 GPS hidden somewhere in this car!". That's why I opted for the friction mount.

[openuser]

^^^ The thing I don't like about those stick-on dash discs is that they scream, "I have a $500 GPS hidden somewhere in this car!". That's why I opted for the friction mount.

Yeah.. I thought about that. I decided to cover the dash with my micro-fiber dash cleaning towel everytime I leave the car!
Thieves will never know what's under there....

[dmanrevived]

Was in Montreal over the weekend, my Garmin Nuvi 650 kept on getting confused and my position was bouncing all over the place within a block or two of my actual position. Weird...

[cash_money]

did u try resetting it?

[b]

I just bought the Sony and love it after 2 weeks.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/blackman99/sony-2.jpg

[openuser]

Was in Montreal over the weekend, my Garmin Nuvi 650 kept on getting confused and my position was bouncing all over the place within a block or two of my actual position. Weird...

Did that happen when you had both side of the car blocked by high-rise buildings with reflective glasses?
Like any large city's downtown, the high-rise buildings with reflective surface will confuse the GPS if you are moving slowly.
Happened to me in NYC (It was not Nuvi though.. It was an LG something I can't remember).

[dmanrevived]

Did that happen when you had both side of the car blocked by high-rise buildings with reflective glasses?
Like any large city's downtown, the high-rise buildings with reflective surface will confuse the GPS if you are moving slowly.
Happened to me in NYC (It was not Nuvi though.. It was an LG something I can't remember).

Yeah, I was downtown between buildings with large reflective windows. I figured it was something like that, but I've yet to experience it driving downtown in Toronto, so I dismissed that as a possibility at first.

[Shotta-KB]

I've been using a Tom TOM 910 for the past couple years and it is great, calls street names has bluetooth and all that good stuff...But now I'm looking to upgrade and have a permanent unit installed in my Mz 3. Does anyone knows of a Navi system specifically for Mz 3 that could maybe fit on the top of the dash that folds up. Hopefully it has built in DVD, but not too picky. That will be my next big investment...anyone has any suggestions/directions?

[laksman91]

Avic D3?

[Shotta-KB]

Avic D3?

I thought about that but my only other concern is if I will have to get rid of my 6-CD In-dash stock changer, I still tend to break out a couple CDs everynow and then...

[selective sound]

The Kenwood dnx 5120 is a very good unit and is going for $899.00

[tendonut]

I just ordered the Garmin nuvi 360 for $229 on Amazon brand new, and threw in the friction mount for $25 as per Skarbro. I've had enough stuff stolen out of my 3 in the past 2 years or so.

My question for all of you, is has anyone tried to hardwire a GPS unit? I have an XM SkyFi3 receiver that is already occupying my only 12v power outlet, so I was THINKING of hardwiring a second 12v jack in the upper dashboard compartment where the stock GPS screen would have been mounted if I had the option. I don't want to just hack up power cable that comes with the GPS unit, so I figure installing a second jack in the empty compartment and running the receiver power cable through a vent or something, hiding the power outlet and plug in the dash itself would be a good idea. Has anyone tried this? Its been so long since I opened that dashboard up, I can't even remember if there is power going up to that compartment at all. Any suggestions anyone?

[mit-gee-mui]

Might as well add these here, for those reading.:)
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=24115&highlight=garmin
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=16099&highlight=garmin


The rest of the threads are kind of old and out of date, sort of. Here are a few of them, but there isn't too much useful info.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=14025&highlight=garmin
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13730&highlight=garmin
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=10434&highlight=garmin