Need a GPS GURU ... ive got some questions

[thespeakerbox]

the gf wants to get a gps put in the new car. We have the two unit size stereo dash. I was checking out crutchfield to see whats available. I basically saw two brands pioneer and eclipse. Im somewhat familar with pioneer, but not quality wise. The brand eclipse looks to have a better picture or map picture. How does in dash gps work? I've seen dvd's, harddrives, and im jsut confused. What brand and retailer would you recommend buying from. I saw some nice bargains on ebay, but dont know how easy they are to install yourself. Anyone ever done it?

Should I:

1) buy from crutchfield and do installation myself
2) buy crutchfield and pay for installation by a pro
3) buy from another online retailer and do my own install or pro
4) buy from ebay and do my own install

Thanks in advance

 

[BCYL]

Why don't you get one of those Garmin portable ones, then you don't have to worry about the install?

Plus you can easily keep the GPS device when/if your gf gets a new car

 

[DivideBYZero]

Get a Tom Tom portable unit.

 

[thespeakerbox]

i think i want the in dash unit for the dvd capability too.

 

[BCYL]

It really doesnt matter which retailer you buy from, as long as it's established... you might also want to look at the local stores (if they offer free install it might end up being cheaper than buying online)...

With such a big purchase, I personally would stay away from ebay, but that's just me

As for install, it all depends on how comfortable you are with doing it... I'm sure they have step by step instructions, but you might need extra parts specifically for your car (brackets, mountings, etc)...

 

[Viper0329]

Or, if you want to do something that's much more up AT alley, check out Mp3Car. I have the Double DIN dash in my Tacoma pickup. I mounted a 7" VGA touchscreen running XP Pro and some custom frontends. I then installed a GPS receiver with GPS software designed for a touchscreen. Now I have mp3s, music, vids, games, GPS, anything that a PC can do for cheaper than one of those units.

 

[Cooler]

Intesting GPS facts

You can find soil moister with a GPS reflected signal
You can find ocean wind speed from the GPS reflected signal

 

[Xyclone]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Get a Tom Tom portable unit.

TOM TOM!

 

[BCYL]

Originally posted by: Viper0329
Or, if you want to do something that's much more up AT alley, check out Mp3Car. I have the Double DIN dash in my Tacoma pickup. I mounted a 7" VGA touchscreen running XP Pro and some custom frontends. I then installed a GPS receiver with GPS software designed for a touchscreen. Now I have mp3s, music, vids, games, GPS, anything that a PC can do for cheaper than one of those units.

How do these respond to bumps etc on the road? I would imagine it wouldn't be too good for the harddrive when it's spinning

 

[jumpr]

I recommend a portable unit so you can switch between cars (or put it in a friend's car if you're not taking yours).

I have a Garmin StreetPilot i2 and love it. I got it for $199 from Amazon just after Christmas.

If you're interested in Geocaching, I highly recommend a Garmin eTrex Legend. I have one too and love it.

 

[sygyzy]

You need a car audio installer expert, not a GPS expert.

 

[Viper0329]

I've never had an HD go bad in my car go bad ever. I've had one for 5 years too on some of the worst roads and interstate in the country. Maybe it's due to the HD being mounted vertically...

 

[JoPh]

go with garmin. i got the garmin nuvi 350 and i love it.

dont waste your money on the incar stuff. portable for the win

 

[laketrout]

Originally posted by: thespeakerbox
i think i want the in dash unit for the dvd capability too.

What other capabilities? MP3 playback or DVD video? FWIW - It may actually be cheaper to buy a portable device like tomtom 300 and then a portable DVD player. Those in-dash units are crazy $$ in comparison...