[lablover]

A few words to those that are looking at Magellan GPS devices.

DON"T buy one.

I bought a Magellan Roadmate 760 last July. I knew then that the internal maps were outdated. Magellan said the maps were to be updated in Nov.06, then Dec. 06, now they say Dec. 07.

Their customer service and technical support is a nightmare! They cannot speak good english, so it's hard to understand them. Requests to speak to someone else are responded to with "There is no one else here". Requests for someone to call you back, and calls are not returned. Numerous web sites that have forums on GPS devices all contain warnings about poor service from Magellan. Believe them!

The maps are wrong. I took a trip to Dulles Intl. airport in July, and the GPS was telling me to turn where there was no place to turn. It also told me to turn where the road signs pointed to my destination, but wanted me to turn otherwise to sign direction. At least the signs were right.
Trips to Hunt tests in VA, SC, and NC, had me lost and asking directions.

There are roads in VA, new, but up and running with traffic for 3 years that are not on the maps. Rt 288, for example.

I have used Internet mapping programs (Yahoo maps, Google maps) that provide better directions to HT, provided that you can get a specific address for the HT. They also provide driving time and miles.

I have friends with Garmin GPS products and they are happy.

These things are not cheap, so do your homework and Internet searching.

But don't buy Magellan.

 

[EdA]

I have friends with Garmin GPS products and they are happy..

Garmin Nuvi rocks 8)

 

[Aaron Homburg]

garmin

I just got a Garmin and really like it so far. Of course, I have not taken a trip.....maybe after the trip to Texas I will change my mind.....so far so good.

Aaron

 

[Steve Bean]

I've got a Garmin 60CS, that I really like. Use it on the road as well as in the field.

 

[lablover]

Garmin, from what I have read, would appear to be the leader in GPS devices.

I might suggest that you Garmin owners call their tech support group and complain about improper directions and see what they say.
Also please ask about how often their maps are updated, and the cost.

I will no doubt have to eat the price of the Magellan, but will now begin research on a Garmin.

Where did you folks get your Garmin's?

 

[EdA]

I might suggest that you Garmin owners call their tech support group and complain about improper directions and see what they ?

I assume you meant Magellan :?

My honey....er....Santa gave me my Garmin for Christmas :wink:

The Nuvi 350 that I have is just under $500 at various places online (WalMart price was the best last time I checked), the newer Nuvi is the 660 which has lots of capabilities that I don't need, it is close to $700, both have touch screens, good map definition, voice prompts, night mode, you can find restaurants, gas stations, hotels, specific addresses, mine even has non-paved county roads, unbelieveably cool with tons of memory in a tiny package

 

[TxFig]

Geez.... for that kind of money, why would anybody buy a dedicated GPS device?


For that much (or less), you could get a SmartPhone and put in a GPS card in the slot. Or not get the GPS card and simply use the network connectivity and look at a googlemap of the place online.

Plus you would then have a smartphone... 8)



PS: I kind of wonder the same thing about mp3 players for the same reason. A Smartphone works just fine as an mp3 player too...

 

[Terry Britton]

Why not buy a laptop computer and get a Street and Maps program with a GPS reciever, and add a broadband card so you can surf the internet while driving?

I bet I could engineer a system to have that computer just drive you to your desitination while you played video games. :twisted:

 

[lablover]

Surfing the 'Net and drinking while driving would not be best for other drivers on the road. :lol:

 

[EdA]

Why not buy a laptop computer and get a Street and Maps program with a GPS reciever, and add a broadband card so you can surf the internet while driving?:

you must have more room in your cab than I have in mine, the Nuvi is smaller than a pack of cigarettes and mounts on a windshield mounted bracket

 

[Steve Bean]

I bought my Garmin from : http://gpsnow.com/gmmap60c.htm#acc

 

[Steve Amrein]

This AM I picked up a Garmin Nuvi 660 It has tha same as the 350 + some goodies. I already have the blue tooth hooked up to cell phone and in was very easy. Then I have it hooked up to the cars audio player using its built in fm transmitter. Currently loading mp3 tunes to it which will also play thru headphones or the car. Everything works as advertised, microsoft should try this concept :wink: Heading to Dallas Sunday and pick up a machine Monday. It says it will find points of interest such as food and fuel. Full report when I get back.

 

[DH]

I love my magellan but I don't use it for road navigation. I use it for the topo map when hunting and to find blinds and buoys in the dark. I also mark all covey flushes on it. It works perfectly and fits in the pocket of my hunting vest. I like to leave it on when huting the prairies and then see how far I walked once I get back to the car.

DH

 

[sterregold]

Another vote for the Garmin--I've got the "baby" Garmin, the i5 and love it. It got me to Cobo Hall--it actually let me pick the parking garage I wanted-- for the DKC show last weekend with nary a misroute into a scary part of town. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but for well under $300 it certainly made me feel better in unfamiliar big-city turf!

 

[Steve Amrein]

delete

 

[Steve Amrein]

delete

 

[Steve Amrein]

I hope my wife does not read this but it sure beats the NAGrigator that used to give me directions :wink:

 

[Gun_Dog2002]

I agree about Nuvi. Love mine. Can't beat it..

/Paul

 

[Waterdogs]

I flew into Portland last week and got a rental car that for an extra eight bucks a day I could get a Garmin GPS. It was pretty cool. Had a few problems. Most could have been me. I really liked it. It was great for finding place to sight see and gas stations and food. Im going to buy one before this summer. I am the worst at finding my way around in a truck. So Im glad this post came up. I think the one we had in are car was the model around 500. I have a garmin hand held for hunting. The places I hunt you can't afford to not have one.

 

[Steve Amrein]

It worked better than what I thought it would. I liked the warnings and directions.All the way to Dallas with out even looking at map or directions. The thing I really thought was handy was the language translator :wink: