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Which GPS product is right for me?

M

Megamorph

Senior member
Let me preface this by saying that I'm a complete GPS rookie. I've never used any type of GPS product and I'm fairly confused by all the different options in the marketplace.

I am in outside sales and I carry a laptop around in my vehicle which contains a database of all of my clients and prospects. I would like a product that would guide me from one prospect to another as I'm driving around making calls. I'm thinking that the best solution would be a product that I could use on the laptop since it has a much larger screen than the Garmin-type units. That's just my initial thought as I'm not experienced enough with GPS to have any idea what's best for me.

Cost is not a factor in the decision.

What would you guys recommend?
 
I have Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 w/GPS, and I think it's awesome.

Text

There are a couple annoying things during the first couple uses, but it is definitely worth the price.
 
Originally posted by: keeleysam
I have Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 w/GPS, and I think it's awesome.

Text

There are a couple annoying things during the first couple uses, but it is definitely worth the price.
Click to expand...
Do you think it would work for the scenario that I described above? Is there a way that I can load all of my prospects into the program and have it map them for me?
 
Could also get a garmin unit like a map 60cx and connect that to the Laptop. On the laptop you can run mapsource to upload the maps, plus Garmin's nRoute(which is free) to give you simple voice commands from the laptop.
 
Please, don't try using a laptop as a GPS! If you think that using a cell phone is distracting while driving, try taking your eyes off the road to change something on your laptop if you need to make a pit stop or want to make a detour! Not to mention that plugging and unplugging the wires to connect the GPS antenna and power supply to your laptop will get annoying quickly.

Since money is no object, I'm going to recommend the Garmin Nuvi 600 series. The screen on that one is more than big enough to read while driving. My sister is in sales, and that's what she uses.
 
Originally posted by: Bootprint
Could also get a garmin unit like a map 60cx and connect that to the Laptop. On the laptop you can run mapsource to upload the maps, plus Garmin's nRoute(which is free) to give you simple voice commands from the laptop.
Click to expand...

the 60CX also makes a pretty good stand-alone car nav, even without the laptop. and it's tough as nails, unlike the dedicated auto units.
 
Originally posted by: ultimatebobSince money is no object, I'm going to recommend the Garmin Nuvi 600 series. The screen on that one is more than big enough to read while driving. My sister is in sales, and that's what she uses.
Click to expand...
bob, would I be able to upload all of my prospect's addresses into the Nuvi?

 
Originally posted by: geckojohn
I would recommend a portable one so that you can easily move it if you change cars.
Click to expand...
I rarely ever change cars. The car that I drive for business use is my full-time vehicle.
 
Originally posted by: Megamorph
I am in outside sales and I carry a laptop. . .
Click to expand...

Paper route? 😉

If "cost is no object" rent a local taxi with a knowledgeable driver.

Ok, ok, I guess I'm not helping much here. 😱

 
Originally posted by: Megamorph
Originally posted by: ultimatebobSince money is no object, I'm going to recommend the Garmin Nuvi 600 series. The screen on that one is more than big enough to read while driving. My sister is in sales, and that's what she uses.
Click to expand...
bob, would I be able to upload all of my prospect's addresses into the Nuvi?
Click to expand...

I don't think that there is an easy way to upload them from your laptop, but the Nuvi can store up to 500 addresses on it.
 
Originally posted by: Mike
What cell phone do you have?
Click to expand...

I'm curious where you're going with this question.

Were you thinking of recommending a Verizon phone with VZ Navigator, a Windows Mobile phone with a GPS card, or perhaps an iPhone when they come out?
 
The main thing that I want to do is display my customers and prospects on a map (with some way of distinguishing between the two) and use GPS to guide me around.

Here are some options that look appealing:

Microsoft Streets and Trips GPS 2007
Microsoft MapPoint GPS 2006 - not sure what this does for me that 'Streets and Trips' wouldn't?
Maptitude - looks to be the ideal software for my needs, but it's $500 and I'm not sure how I would use it with GPS.
 
Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Originally posted by: Mike
What cell phone do you have?
Click to expand...

I'm curious where you're going with this question.

Were you thinking of recommending a Verizon phone with VZ Navigator, a Windows Mobile phone with a GPS card, or perhaps an iPhone when they come out?
Click to expand...

😕

iPhone? :thumbsdown:

Verizon's VZ Navigator is hardly GPS IMO, it probably matches a WM phone with a data plan and Microsoft's Live software.

I was going to suggest looking at the HP HW6500 series or even the Nokia E61 with built-in GPS.

I have the HP HW6515 with TomTom software. Drive by drive instructions and it will talk you through it if you want it to. (2) SDIO slots for a total of 6 GBs of storage capacity between SD cards.
Windows Mobile
Bluetooth
Etc.
 
It is very easy to import address information into Streets and Trips. I find the GPS locator convient. It does drain your battery pretty fast so you need a cigertte ligther charger for your laptop. YOu also want to set your desktop to always stay awake, otherwise it is guarenteed that it will shut down at the most inconvenient times.

Most certianly you do not want to be trying to play with the software while you are driving, this can present some difficulties if you do not plan ahead. I think this is true for any automobile GPS. I find the large screen much nicer then say the GPS unit installed in some Hertz rental cars. With any of these you need to learn how to use the device before you start to drine.

The USB GPS puck is very portable, easily connected and disconnected.
 
Those of you who use GPS on a laptop:

Can you use other apps on the laptop while the GPS software is running without messing it up?
 
Sure you can have other apps running, it is just MS Streets&Trips.

I generally only run the GPS while I am traveling, if I am driving then I am not using other software, so it is not an issue.
 
I have a Garmin unit that I bought off of Newegg for around $300. It works really well after it finds the satellite, but it can take a while before it finds the satellite.
 
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