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Old 05-28-2009, 11:46 AM   #1
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GPS - looking for suggestions

We are looking into getting a GPS for our longer trips.. Any suggestions?
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Old 05-28-2009, 12:04 PM   #2
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Most of the Garmin Nuvi models are quite good. I can't remember which model my wife uses, the 650 I think. It also has a hands free feature for cell phone use.
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Old 05-28-2009, 03:18 PM   #3
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions


I have a TomTom that I'm happy with, but I haven't compared it to the others.

What I saw the other day was a combined GPS and backup camera. You might want to look at one of those. I'd like a back-up camera, but I already have GPS using one power outlet and Sirius satellite radio using the other. A combo unit would work for me.

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Old 05-28-2009, 05:25 PM   #4
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Glenn, you have me thinking now. My preference for GPS is Garmin. Great quality, good support. Nowadays, though, even cheap GPS units work well. The Garmin Nuvi 5000 has input for a back-up camera (or DVD player or whatever you like). Good prices because it is discontinued, and big screen.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...i+5000&x=0&y=0

Deakin: http://www.deakin.com/shop/products/?p=6517 (Good company but too expensive).

eBay: http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

Crutchfield: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_150N500...vi+5000&tp=145
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Old 05-28-2009, 06:06 PM   #5
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Hi Jeff,

I just ordered the Garmin nuvi 360 from amazon ($159 USD). Small, good reviews, and good battery life. The reviews on amazon.com convinced me not to go for the 760 with larger display and FM transmitter. The 365 and 765 are new from Garmin but I can't affort the price tag. Colorado will soon require hands-free while driving teleophones. The 360 blue-tooth capability should meet the need.

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Old 05-28-2009, 07:19 PM   #6
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

I have a TomTom One, works great, you can plug it into your computer
and upgrade the maps and software free and do back-ups etc.
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Old 05-28-2009, 07:55 PM   #7
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Hmmm.. I like the idea of hooking up a backup camera...it may save my marriage

Has anyone ever heard of Navsgo or Roadmax - they seem to combine GPS & B-up ..
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Old 05-29-2009, 10:41 AM   #8
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffZ
Hmmm.. I like the idea of hooking up a backup camera...it may save my marriage
And I'm thinking now that all men blame their wives for their backup problems!

I'd really like a GPS also, especially now that they've gotten so inexpensive. Hubby doesn't think we need one; consequently we get lost fairly regularly...
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Old 05-29-2009, 12:22 PM   #9
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by D. Priestley
I have a TomTom One, works great, you can plug it into your computer
and upgrade the maps and software free and do back-ups etc.
Refurbished TomTom Ones are on sale at Future Shop for $100 this weekend.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/dep...EN&catid=26335
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Old 05-29-2009, 08:32 PM   #10
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Read the comments on the Canadian Tire site for GPS / backup camera:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...ra.jsp#reviews

Doesn't sound promising.

baglo
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Old 05-30-2009, 12:15 AM   #11
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

I read the same, Baglo. The Garmin solution would be bulletproof, but you have to buy the camera - although that is less of a concern. There are lots of video cameras, and they are cheap. The other problem with the Garmin unit is that it takes two minutes to warm up, so if you want to use the backup camera, you have to plan ahead.
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Old 05-30-2009, 09:33 PM   #12
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Well I decided to take a chance on a Roadmax w/B-up camera. I got it from JCWhitney, it cost 183.00 (using the promotion code).. They have a 90 day return policy w/o a restocking fee.. so I'm giving it a shot, who the heck knows where anything is actually made.. Let everyone know if it works out..
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Old 05-31-2009, 12:22 PM   #13
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Can this be a "constant on" unit to act as a rear view mirror?
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Old 05-31-2009, 08:56 PM   #14
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

I don't think so.. the way the camera works on this model is it's hooked into the reverse lights on your car/truck.. so when you put it in reverse the camera gets power and the GPS switches over to the video input (on the GPS) to view the camera.. Once I get it (which is this Friday), I'll let you know if it's possible to have it on constant on and just switch over to camera view from an option on the GPS device input menu select..(if that makes sense..)
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Old 05-31-2009, 09:31 PM   #15
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandra L
Can this be a "constant on" unit to act as a rear view mirror?
Yes it can, just connect the wire that is supposed to hook to the
back up light circuit to a switch and connect the other side of
the switch to power.
Then whenever you turn on the switch the camera works.
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Old 06-01-2009, 10:35 AM   #16
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Thanks.
Obviously I'm not the world's best electrician.
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Old 06-01-2009, 11:23 AM   #17
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Hi: All...My GPS (Generally Pleasant Spouse) is all I really need for DIRECTIONS!!! I listen...then make an informed decision... and usually head in the wrong direction : Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 06-01-2009, 05:45 PM   #18
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by escape artist
Hi: All...My GPS (Generally Pleasant Spouse) is all I really need for DIRECTIONS!!! I listen...then make an informed decision... and usually head in the wrong direction : Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
I love it. Any idea where I can get one of those?
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Old 06-01-2009, 07:34 PM   #19
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by escape artist
Hi: All...My GPS (Generally Pleasant Spouse) is all I really need for DIRECTIONS!!! I listen...then make an informed decision... and usually head in the wrong direction : Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
The only problem is when the GPS is "off course" then the route re-calculation usually requires "dinner" at a restaurant..
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Old 06-25-2009, 12:57 AM   #20
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Re: GPS - looking for suggestions - Update on Roadmax GPS

Ok.. I got the RoadMax & spent about 1/2 day getting the B-UP camera working.. I'm not the best at working on cars.. After doing it, I must admit it was easier than I thought.. I spent most of time trying to get the tail lights off w/o breaking the "tabs".. you then have to splice into the wires to get the power to the camera.. So after all that time the B-UP camera was working when you put it into reverse & the wireless signal is sent to the RoadMax GPS.. the picture was OK and I was able to see the hitch really well..

So that was the good news.. the bad news was the GPS device decided to lose it's signal and after about a week it was useless.. I called the Tech Support and they said the Gov't satellite changed it's signal and thus it affected the GPS.. "what??!".. I ended up returning to JCWhitney for a full refund.. It was worth a shot...

I got a Magellan as a replacement.. really like it it shows the POI that are coming up on Hwy exits..and has a great sound to it as well..

For the hitching, I decided to make my own "hitching balls".. I had a old "rabbit ears" that I took apart and glued to magnets (used "jackn' box antenna balls" ) .. actually works well and it was fun putting together, since I had all the stuff in the garage..
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