GPS Receiver for 37.88 @ OD B&M

[RobsTV]

For those that get one of these, I suggest you try the SONY/ETAK SkyMap 2000 GPS software. A few months ago the SONY/ETAK SkyMap 2000 GPS PCMCIA receiver and software sold for $9.95 after $75 rebate, (web pricing error), and many here jumped on the deal. After using it for a few months, I have been able to try different software, (haven't tried Rand McNally) and the Sony/ETAK is MUCH better than MS S&T 2001. First thing you notice is updates and location accuracy. About every second with Etak, every 20 seconds for MS 2001. GPS support looks like an after thought with MS Steets 2001, while the Etak software was designed for GPS. Ton's of extra GPS features with Etak software. Also, small local area maps are easily installed, so no CD is needed. MS 2001 does have maps that seem a little more up to date, but the 20 second vs 1 second updates makes it practically useless when driving. Actually, if you can find one of these PCMCIA packages, they are a lot more convenient than the serial types.

These work much better than a stand alone GPS, and are well worth it if you own a laptop.

 

[RaginCajun]

I remember hearing about a patch/hack to get rid of that delay on S & T. I am going to see if I can find it.

 

[RaginCajun]

Here is a patch that decreases the refresh rate to 2 seconds on S & T 2001. It is in beta form and all the standard diclaimers apply.

 

[Zucchini]

laxer,

It probably works. I'm running it off a usb to ps2 converter for power. If i disconnect this, the unit doesn't detect, meaning its powered. Its only 6am here, so i havn't had a chance to test it on the road yet. No signal from my window.

 

[Zucchini]

anyone know how to get a rebate on ms streets and maps 2001?

 

[loup garou]

RobsTV: Thanks for the info about the Sony software. I think the review I linked above compares this unit's software (RandMcNally) to the Sony's. I think they actually use the same maps :Q, but I can't check, because I can't connect to the GPSNuts site for some reason.

Ragin: Thanks for the patch. I'll check that out when I get home from work.

I've taken the GPS on test drives with both MS S&T and the RandMcNally software. Here's what I've found:

-I didn't really notice the slow updating with S&T, but I can't really keep my eye on the laptop all the time while I'm driving

-The RandMcNally software switches the maps to dark colors when the time the GPS reports is after sundown, so as not to ruin your nightvision. Nice, but really hard to read street names.

-The RandMcNally software shows not only your position, but the route you've taken. Very nice, IMO. Also, you can record your trip, and play it back at up to 10x speed. Nice if you can't remember how to get to a place you've traveled to before.

I'll probably switch between the 2 softwares based on which one I'm in the mood for. I'd like to get my hands on the Sony/ETAK SW to give that a try too. If anyone has an extra copy of that SW, I'd be willing to pay a reasonable price for it.

 

[Zucchini]

Just tried out the thing, works pretty well. I havn't had the time to figure out any real features besides monitoring where i'm going. What i want is a program that will audibly command you to take the correct route to a destination.. hate looking downn at laptop

 

[Rab]

Don't bother with the Skymap 2k software.

It's all proprietary thanks to Sony's influence, and cannot use any other GPS.

And that's really sad, especially as the software will do voice recognition, etc.
(I own a copy, btw.)

 

[ZepperDude]

I picked one up in MA, store was closing and still charged me $67 I think - wouldn't accept the coupon.
So what is the best software for this receiver? I want spoken directions - not just map tracking.

 

[loup garou]

From the review I linked:



<< The [StreetFinder] maps are from ETAK/SONY and as such are the best of the best. >>



So, I guess the Sony software really doesn't have that much of an advantage. BTW, the writer used the Sony receiver with the StreetFinder SW, and it worked fine. Sucks that it won't work the other way around...

 

[RobsTV]

Sorry, but yes it looks like I was wrong.
The Sony/ETAK GPS unit has a switch on it for NEMA or ETAK, and must be in ETAK mode to use the software. I forgot other GPS units don't have this feature, and therfore can not use the ETAK software. No big loss, and still a great deal for $37.88.

 

[RaginCajun]

Just wondering if anyone has tried it with Delorme Street Atlas 8 yet

 

[Vpham97]

So does the Rand McGally Street Finder Deluxe/GPs receiver talk to you(into earpiece) like the Sony Skymap 2k software?

It seem that is the only advantages w/ the Sony Skymap 2k software.

 

[Zucchini]

doesn't seem to, well if anyone finds some better software...

 

[Vpham97]

I pick up the last one of this at my Office Depot in San Marcos, Texas.

I didn't even have the notebook than...

2 days later I came home from work at 4:30 in the morning and stumbled in to that HP DVD Laptop from Wal-Mart for $755 shipped w/ no tax.

Life is sweet!!!!!!

 

[Mysterie]

Now is it just me or when I use Streetfinder to find &quot;directions&quot; it tries to get online? Can I get the sucker to give me directions like Microsoft S&amp;T?.

 

[Zucchini]

755? not a bad price at all. makes it a 800 dollar gps system hah. still need to find software with voice directions/voice recognition. My laptops a p3 650, i'm pretty sure thats fast enough for voice recog