GPS Maps

[zetsway]

Okay,

First I would like to say that I don't want to spend $500 on a GPS. I just don't.
With that said.

Let's say I were to buy a cheap GPS like here: Link

Is it possible to put google maps on this GPS?

I really like google maps but I don't want to spend $500 on a GPS when a cheap one can do the same thing.

For instance.

I can spend $500 for some Bose speakers for my computer

-----------------------------or ----------------------------------

I can spend $150 for some Logitech speakers which will do the same thing. Play music. Granted it may not be the same quality but the same thing is being accomplish.

With that said.......Please shed some light.

Thanks,

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: zetsway
Okay,

First I would like to say that I don't want to spend $500 on a GPS. I just don't.
With that said.

Let's say I were to buy a cheap GPS like here: Link

Is it possible to put google maps on this GPS?

I really like google maps but I don't want to spend $500 on a GPS when a cheap one can do the same thing.

For instance.

I can spend $500 for some Bose speakers for my computer

-----------------------------or ----------------------------------

I can spend $150 for some Logitech speakers which will do the same thing. Play music. Granted it may not be the same quality but the same thing is being accomplish.

With that said.......Please shed some light.

Thanks,

Google map are power by Navteq.
Hence you can get GPS that also come w/ Navteq Map.
Name brand Navteq powered GPS are Garmin, Magellan, Navigon, Sanyo
V7 using TeleAtlas, which know to giving strang routing behavior in comparison to Navteq in the NA market. ( such as MIO, TomTom, Harman Kardon and most of other brand)

If you meant google Satallite-style map on GPS, then NO!
If you meant POI data from google to GPS, then yes, but it also require you to subscribe to google map plus. (such mapsource -garmin / TomTomHome - tomtom all can interact w/ google map)

When buying GPS (assuming you are in the U.S.)
1. do you need Canada map?
2. do you need TTS function? (text to speech, announcing name of street of each turn, or just distance you have to turn)
3. battery power per charge? (constantly have power cord hanging over you central console, or able to take you along for city walk)
4. POI data ( instant have to know exact address, you can simply enter the name of your designation, such as Bestbuy? Wholefood? or National park.)
5. screen quality. ( you can't see it, then, it is virtually useless)
6. Signal strength and accuracy. ( many GPS has tendency to Lock to the road, or 30 yard behind the actual position when travel only 35mph)
7. Routing engine, mainly, navteq vs TeleAtlas.
8. Via point/ Multi-route/ trip planning?
9. Multimedia? BT? FM? TMC?

Have I confused you yet? Don't worry, just tell us how you going to use w/ this GPS, and what important to you.


p.s. been testing many different GPS and my all time favorite is little less than $250 off ebay. So, you really not going to spend that much money consider you are only first timer.

 

[zetsway]

been testing many different GPS and my all time favorite is little less than $250 off ebay. So, you really not going to spend that much money consider you are only first timer.

Great that's sound right around my price range.

do you need TTS function?

I don't need this function seeing how I only need to input my destination and find out where I need to turn.

Multimedia? BT? FM? TMC?

Don't really need that either since I'm going to be installing another FM radio in my car.

I was in my friends car and he had a Garmin. I really like it because he didn't have to pay a monthly fee and it still showed him where he was on the map.

That's what I want. I tend to get lost a lot when traveling so I need something that will tell me what street I'm on and let me input a destination and tell me how to get there.

That's pretty much it.

Thanks for your help.....now which one do you suggest. Will the one in my link above do that? I'm willing to spend $250 if it does that but I really don't need the other features. There nice but I probably won't use it.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: zetsway

been testing many different GPS and my all time favorite is little less than $250 off ebay. So, you really not going to spend that much money consider you are only first timer.

Great that's sound right around my price range.

do you need TTS function?

I don't need this function seeing how I only need to input my destination and find out where I need to turn.

Multimedia? BT? FM? TMC?

Don't really need that either since I'm going to be installing another FM radio in my car.

I was in my friends car and he had a Garmin. I really like it because he didn't have to pay a monthly fee and it still showed him where he was on the map.

That's what I want. I tend to get lost a lot when traveling so I need something that will tell me what street I'm on and let me input a destination and tell me how to get there.

That's pretty much it.

Thanks for your help.....now which one do you suggest. Will the one in my link above do that? I'm willing to spend $250 if it does that but I really don't need the other features. There nice but I probably won't use it.

If you don't need Canada map and no TTS, then I will get Nuvi 200
If you want Cananda and TTS, then I will get Nuvi 260 ( even if you don't want TTS, I will still go w/ Nuvi 260, because Nuvi 250 or Magellan 3225 is only few dollars cheaper)

You really want to stay away w/ aging Nuvi 350, simply because its screen is NOT up to today's standard. (even though it is still better than most of GPS out there)

Magellan 3225 is a great deal only if still on sale for $179 at costco. If back to $200, then, I might as well spend extra on Nuvi 260 for its better screen, battery life and TTS.

Reason that I never like TomTom is its battery life either TT1 or 720 and its inability to announce final designation direction. (both wouldn't last more than 2 hour per single charge) Otherwise, it is not bad.

 

[zetsway]

Cool thanks, for the reply. I'm sorry I forgot to mention I'm not in Canada. I live in IN. Just moved up here from IL. Thanks again for the advice I know someone who has a costco card. I have a sams club card I wonder if they have a good deal on one.

 

[JDub02]

Originally posted by: zetsway
Cool thanks, for the reply. I'm sorry I forgot to mention I'm not in Canada. I live in IN. Just moved up here from IL. Thanks again for the advice I know someone who has a costco card. I have a sams club card I wonder if they have a good deal on one.

My local Sam's Club only had some higher end GPS units (~$400+) from Garmin, TomTom, and Magellan. I got my brother a TomTom One for Christmas for $150 and he seems to like it. No complaints so far, anyway.

 

[zetsway]

Okay so I found this on buy.com
http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...53&dcaid=17653#cRevSec

should I just quit being cheap and pay the extra for the Garmin what's your take?

 

[Matilda]

I've used the TomTom ONE you linked to and would definitely suggest it. For $40 more though, you could get the newer (and not a refurbished model) ONE 3rd Edition from bestbuy.com. I can't see any reason for paying more for a Nuvi.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: zetsway
Okay so I found this on buy.com
http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...53&dcaid=17653#cRevSec

should I just quit being cheap and pay the extra for the Garmin what's your take?

I think it really depends on what you are after and if you have chance to compare GPS side by side. Most people are very happy w/ their initial purchases simply because they might not have chance to compare them in the field.

In the case of Nuvi 200 (Bravo chip) or (Sirf chip) or new release ( MTK chip) vs TomTom one V2 (Sirf chip) V3 (hammerhead), we can have little comparison here....

Let's go w/ the TT1-V2 vs TT1-v3. (just the major different)
V2 has SD slot which can be extremely helpful, if you want to upgrade your Map to more detail 1.6GB w/ more POI. (unfortunately V3 stuck w/ 987MB map)
V2 also come w/ the BT (again, you might not need it, but it is there)
V3 has newer version UI, however, mapshare is still "under construction"
V3 Hammerhead has better position accuracy but less signal strength.

Let's look at Nuvi 200
Bravo has strongest signal strength.
MTK has the best position accuracy.
Sirf place right in between.
Other than that, they are all the same.

Nuvi 200 vs TT1.
Battery life per single charge:
Nuvi 200 (1250mAh) in real life testing last more than 5 hours. (brightness set at 80% sound 85%)
TomTom one (1100mAh) never over 2 hours. (brightness set at 80% sound 80%)
You wonder why battery size isn't so much different, how can one last so much longer?
It is wince base, what do you expect? . And if you are fine dealing w/ power cord hanging over your center console.

Map/ Routing engine:
Navteq vs TeleAtlas, I don't have to repeat that again. (almost every testing site suggest Navteq in the U.S.)
However TT1 come w/ Canadian map, where Nuvi 200 only the U.S.

Prompt and direction:
TomTom lack of final designation direction prompt. Bare in mind, most street has at least 2 lanes on each side. (not to mention one way street in major city) Lack of final designation prompt can be troublesome and might also increase chance for someone bumping your behind in the City, just because you are trying to figure out (LEFT or RIGHT)

Screen clearity/ Brightness/ Contrast:
Nuvi 200 has the best non-reflective screen. TomTom one virtually not visible just on the sunny day. (don't expect to see the screen, if you wear sunglasses)
Screen info is very limited for TomTom, and it lack of contrast.

following photos extracted from one of my GPS reviews.
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/sale.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/sale3.JPG

 

[zetsway]

I like the Nuvi. The screen is clear and I like the little car too. The TomTom looks like a cheap imitation. I'm sold. I want to thank everyone for their input.
Special thanks goes to TimeKeeper for shooting the photos. I'm going to try and find that model. I can't wait.
I also want to thank you for telling me the pros and cons of each.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: zetsway
I like the Nuvi. The screen is clear and I like the little car too. The TomTom looks like a cheap imitation. I'm sold. I want to thank everyone for their input.
Special thanks goes to TimeKeeper for shooting the photos. I'm going to try and find that model. I can't wait.
I also want to thank you for telling me the pros and cons of each.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

You must realized NO GPS is perfect. ( at least I have yet to find one )
Some might missed the updated road, some might even missing entire line of retail store POI.

If you decided to go w/ Nuvi 200, update your firmware via Webupdater from Garmin. ( you do need a mini-usb cable - if you have Digital camera, it usually come w/ one anyway ) Garmin has constantly update and improve their device w/ new firmware. The newest version is 3.6. (but usually you can use webupdater to check automatically)
* if Nuvi 200 still on their firmware version 2.6~2.9, I will suggest you to toss it into the garbage! *

Just to be fair, TomTom's navigation screen wasn't the worst I have tested.
Number one (worst of all) should go to Omnitech w/ UI interface of Destinator Version 7
http://home.comcast.net/~passi...omnitech/omnitech3.JPG

Second worst one should go to Sanyo 4050. And you think they use Nokia's Smart2Go, it should at least looks better right? ( Nope, nothing wrong w/ my camera! The navigation map totally lacking any contrast. Street name is so small, you do need magnified glass to see it)
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/sanyo/4.JPG


*Darn, I think evernyone know where I live now..hahah..

 

[zetsway]

You must realized NO GPS is perfect. ( at least I have yet to find one )
Some might missed the updated road, some might even missing entire line of retail store POI.

Yeah, I know but Garmin seems to be better

If you decided to go w/ Nuvi 200, update your firmware via Webupdater from Garmin. ( you do need a mini-usb cable - if you have Digital camera, it usually come w/ one anyway )

Thanks for telling me I was going to throw away a box of them just a few minutes ago

Just to be fair, TomTom's navigation screen wasn't the worst I have tested.
Number one should go to Omnitech w/ UI interface of Destinator Version 7

But it doesn't have a little gray car

Second worst one should go to Sanyo 4050. And you think they use Nokia's Smart2Go, it should at least looks better right? ( Nope, nothing wrong w/ my camera! The navigation map totally lacking any contrast. Street name is so small, you do need magnified glass to see it)

:Q Nokia usually makes some good stuff.

Darn, I think evernyone know where I live now..hahah..

:shocked: I didn't even notice that in till you said it.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: zetsway
But it doesn't have a little gray car

I meant number one (WORST) is Omnitech


Here is your choice of Garmin cars.
http://www8.garmin.com/vehicle...ndles/allvehicles.html

 

[zetsway]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: zetsway
But it doesn't have a little gray car

I meant number one (WORST) is Omnitech


Here is your choice of Garmin cars.
http://www8.garmin.com/vehicle...ndles/allvehicles.html

Now I know I'm getting a Garmin :thumbsup:

 

[tvfreakazoid]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: zetsway
I like the Nuvi. The screen is clear and I like the little car too. The TomTom looks like a cheap imitation. I'm sold. I want to thank everyone for their input.
Special thanks goes to TimeKeeper for shooting the photos. I'm going to try and find that model. I can't wait.
I also want to thank you for telling me the pros and cons of each.

Thanks everyone!!!!!

You must realized NO GPS is perfect. ( at least I have yet to find one )
Some might missed the updated road, some might even missing entire line of retail store POI.

If you decided to go w/ Nuvi 200, update your firmware via Webupdater from Garmin. ( you do need a mini-usb cable - if you have Digital camera, it usually come w/ one anyway ) Garmin has constantly update and improve their device w/ new firmware. The newest version is 3.6. (but usually you can use webupdater to check automatically)
* if Nuvi 200 still on their firmware version 2.6~2.9, I will suggest you to toss it into the garbage! *

Just to be fair, TomTom's navigation screen wasn't the worst I have tested.
Number one (worst of all) should go to Omnitech w/ UI interface of Destinator Version 7
http://home.comcast.net/~passi...omnitech/omnitech3.JPG

Second worst one should go to Sanyo 4050. And you think they use Nokia's Smart2Go, it should at least looks better right? ( Nope, nothing wrong w/ my camera! The navigation map totally lacking any contrast. Street name is so small, you do need magnified glass to see it)
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/sanyo/4.JPG


*Darn, I think evernyone know where I live now..hahah..

Wow thanks for the great info. I really appreciate it. Since we all know where u live now, let's all drop by and say hi. LOL. Hey thanks again. Although I don't think I would go to Canada I wish it did have canadian maps. That would be nice.

 

[TimeKeeper]

tvfreakazoid

Wow thanks for the great info. I really appreciate it. Since we all know where u live now, let's all drop by and say hi. LOL. Hey thanks again. Although I don't think I would go to Canada I wish it did have canadian maps. That would be nice.

Nuvi 250/260 has Canadian map.

LOL, please don't drop by!!!! NO dropping!!!! NO by!!! Just stay where you are!!!!

 

[tvfreakazoid]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: zetsway
Okay so I found this on buy.com
http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...53&dcaid=17653#cRevSec

should I just quit being cheap and pay the extra for the Garmin what's your take?

I think it really depends on what you are after and if you have chance to compare GPS side by side. Most people are very happy w/ their initial purchases simply because they might not have chance to compare them in the field.

In the case of Nuvi 200 (Bravo chip) or (Sirf chip) or new release ( MTK chip) vs TomTom one V2 (Sirf chip) V3 (hammerhead), we can have little comparison here....

Let's go w/ the TT1-V2 vs TT1-v3. (just the major different)
V2 has SD slot which can be extremely helpful, if you want to upgrade your Map to more detail 1.6GB w/ more POI. (unfortunately V3 stuck w/ 987MB map)
V2 also come w/ the BT (again, you might not need it, but it is there)
V3 has newer version UI, however, mapshare is still "under construction"
V3 Hammerhead has better position accuracy but less signal strength.

Let's look at Nuvi 200
Bravo has strongest signal strength.
MTK has the best position accuracy.
Sirf place right in between.
Other than that, they are all the same.

Nuvi 200 vs TT1.
Battery life per single charge:
Nuvi 200 (1250mAh) in real life testing last more than 5 hours. (brightness set at 80% sound 85%)
TomTom one (1100mAh) never over 2 hours. (brightness set at 80% sound 80%)
You wonder why battery size isn't so much different, how can one last so much longer?
It is wince base, what do you expect? . And if you are fine dealing w/ power cord hanging over your center console.

Map/ Routing engine:
Navteq vs TeleAtlas, I don't have to repeat that again. (almost every testing site suggest Navteq in the U.S.)
However TT1 come w/ Canadian map, where Nuvi 200 only the U.S.

Prompt and direction:
TomTom lack of final designation direction prompt. Bare in mind, most street has at least 2 lanes on each side. (not to mention one way street in major city) Lack of final designation prompt can be troublesome and might also increase chance for someone bumping your behind in the City, just because you are trying to figure out (LEFT or RIGHT)

Screen clearity/ Brightness/ Contrast:
Nuvi 200 has the best non-reflective screen. TomTom one virtually not visible just on the sunny day. (don't expect to see the screen, if you wear sunglasses)
Screen info is very limited for TomTom, and it lack of contrast.

following photos extracted from one of my GPS reviews.
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/sale.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/sale3.JPG

I have another question. Since you the nuvi doesn't come with Canada maps could you add canada maps via SD card?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

I have another question. Since you the nuvi doesn't come with Canada maps could you add canada maps via SD card?

Yes, but it will be extra $90 from I think.
If you truely need Canadian map, then shop for 250 or 260. ( I have 2 of 260, because it is my favorite for now)

Or Magellan 3225 (which I have post to add 6 million POI) that also come w/ TTS.

 

[tvfreakazoid]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

I have another question. Since you the nuvi doesn't come with Canada maps could you add canada maps via SD card?

Yes, but it will be extra $90 from I think.
If you truely need Canadian map, then shop for 250 or 260. ( I have 2 of 260, because it is my favorite for now)

Or Magellan 3225 (which I have post to add 6 million POI) that also come w/ TTS.

doesn't the nuvi 200 has 6 million poi as well?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

I have another question. Since you the nuvi doesn't come with Canada maps could you add canada maps via SD card?

Yes, but it will be extra $90 from I think.
If you truely need Canadian map, then shop for 250 or 260. ( I have 2 of 260, because it is my favorite for now)

Or Magellan 3225 (which I have post to add 6 million POI) that also come w/ TTS.

doesn't the nuvi 200 has 6 million poi as well?

Yes, it does come w/ full POI, little less than 6 million due to lack of Canadian map.
Nuvi 200/250 does NOT have TTS like Nuvi 260 or Magellan 3225

 

[tvfreakazoid]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

I have another question. Since you the nuvi doesn't come with Canada maps could you add canada maps via SD card?

Yes, but it will be extra $90 from I think.
If you truely need Canadian map, then shop for 250 or 260. ( I have 2 of 260, because it is my favorite for now)

Or Magellan 3225 (which I have post to add 6 million POI) that also come w/ TTS.

doesn't the nuvi 200 has 6 million poi as well?

Yes, it does come w/ full POI, little less than 6 million due to lack of Canadian map.
Nuvi 200/250 does NOT have TTS like Nuvi 260 or Magellan 3225

What is TT's?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: tvfreakazoid

What is TT's?

text to speech, ability to announce street name.

Instead just tell you "turn right in 300 yard"
It will prompt "turn right in 300 yard onto Main Street"

If you happen to be driving around major city such as Dupont Cir, Washington DC where 8 streets comes together, then you will know w/out TTS, you most likely to turn into wrong street.

 

[TechnoSaint]

I got my Garmin c580 off of Amazon.com and I love it! I love that it has TTS, I like the MSN traffic updates and movie times etc, but that's an MSN thing, not Garmin. I like that the Bluetooth works seamlessly with my Blackjack, and even better with the noise cancelling microphone accessory I bought for it. I load up my SD card with MP3s and play them thru my car stereo. All in all, a great investment.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I love the TOM TOM v7 software on my GFs ONE v3. Very nice upgrade.

Still prefer my built in BMW nav, but that doesn't have speed camera POI's.

 

[tvfreakazoid]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: zetsway
Okay,

First I would like to say that I don't want to spend $500 on a GPS. I just don't.
With that said.

Let's say I were to buy a cheap GPS like here: Link

Is it possible to put google maps on this GPS?

I really like google maps but I don't want to spend $500 on a GPS when a cheap one can do the same thing.

For instance.

I can spend $500 for some Bose speakers for my computer

-----------------------------or ----------------------------------

I can spend $150 for some Logitech speakers which will do the same thing. Play music. Granted it may not be the same quality but the same thing is being accomplish.

With that said.......Please shed some light.

Thanks,

Google map are power by Navteq.
Hence you can get GPS that also come w/ Navteq Map.
Name brand Navteq powered GPS are Garmin, Magellan, Navigon, Sanyo
V7 using TeleAtlas, which know to giving strang routing behavior in comparison to Navteq in the NA market. ( such as MIO, TomTom, Harman Kardon and most of other brand)

If you meant google Satallite-style map on GPS, then NO!
If you meant POI data from google to GPS, then yes, but it also require you to subscribe to google map plus. (such mapsource -garmin / TomTomHome - tomtom all can interact w/ google map)

When buying GPS (assuming you are in the U.S.)
1. do you need Canada map?
2. do you need TTS function? (text to speech, announcing name of street of each turn, or just distance you have to turn)
3. battery power per charge? (constantly have power cord hanging over you central console, or able to take you along for city walk)
4. POI data ( instant have to know exact address, you can simply enter the name of your designation, such as Bestbuy? Wholefood? or National park.)
5. screen quality. ( you can't see it, then, it is virtually useless)
6. Signal strength and accuracy. ( many GPS has tendency to Lock to the road, or 30 yard behind the actual position when travel only 35mph)
7. Routing engine, mainly, navteq vs TeleAtlas.
8. Via point/ Multi-route/ trip planning?
9. Multimedia? BT? FM? TMC?

Have I confused you yet? Don't worry, just tell us how you going to use w/ this GPS, and what important to you.


p.s. been testing many different GPS and my all time favorite is little less than $250 off ebay. So, you really not going to spend that much money consider you are only first timer.

I ended up with the Nuvi 200 because of you. Thanks for the great info. I went to garmins website and the latest version of firmware in the webupdater software is ver. 2.4.1 for windows. I read in the forum you said to stay away from 2.4 to 2.9 and stick with the newest one which you said was a 3.6. But there isn't any 3.6 versions. Is there a different website i can find the 3.6 ver.? Is there any other updates that are available for the nuvi 200? I went to the website they have tons of other updates but I can't seem to find one for the nuvi 200.