What GPS do you use?

[SWriverstone]

Let's see which GPS brand/series/model is most poopular with STNers?  

[bomber]

my Garmin 2610 has developed the DTs and is locking up, so I found a refurbed Zumo 450 -- still learning it (it's close enough that it's confusing).

I believe it'll be fine in a few more uses.

[ConPilot1]

my Garmin 2610 has developed the DTs and is locking up, so I found a refurbed Zumo 450 -- still learning it (it's close enough that it's confusing).

I believe it'll be fine in a few more uses.

Bomber you'll love the 450. I bought a brand new one two years ago for 369 and it's been a great unit.
The Zumo's are very robust, I like the waterproof, vibration-proof features and have found it very intuitive and easy to use.
It takes care of my MP3 needs also so I don't have to mess with an external Ipod or anything.

[bomber]

Con -- I think you'll be right -- I havn't figure out how to move the map around without telling it to save a spot as a favorite, but I'm pretty sure I'm just being ham-fisted.

Turning off the 3D feature raised my opinion a great deal ;-}

[ConPilot1]

Con -- I think you'll be right -- I havn't figure out how to move the map around without telling it to save a spot as a favorite, but I'm pretty sure I'm just being ham-fisted.

Turning off the 3D feature raised my opinion a great deal ;-}

Don't "tap" the screen with your fingertip when you're going to drag the map around. Place your finger on it softly + then drag.
The "tap" action will set a point. That is kind of a pain.

[bomber]

Ah -- it's that softly part I'm having trouble with -- thanks, Con -- I'll keep practicing ;-}

[denydog]

I think the poll should have allowed multiple votes since I split time between Nuvi in the car, and Zumo on the bikes.  I voted Zumo because I have two of them, but that also leaves out the Foretrex.

[HipGnosis]

I've got a Garmin StreetPilot 2610 that has served me well for a few years.
But I got tired of it routing me to restaurants that aren't in biz anymore - last fall it took me to out in some farm fields for a non-existant dairy stand.  And I found I can no longer get updates for it... so I just got a Nuvi 765(t).

Having it play music and pause the music to give directions is quite nice.  I never listened to the 2610 on the bike.  But I don't care to be 'wired' to it, so I'm going to check out the FM and bluetooth funcitons - which reminds me to pair my phone to it - I don't care to talk 'thru' it, but it'd be neat to be notified when I get a call or text.

But it isn't bright enough to read the map on a sunny day - which is when I tend to ride most....
Good thing the 'repeat directions' button is at the top left where I can easily find it.
I just wish I could have the 'skip to next song' button on the screen at the same time as the 'repeat directions' button.

[bomber]

I've got a Garmin StreetPilot 2610 that has served me well for a few years.
But I got tired of it routing me to restaurants that aren't in biz anymore - last fall it took me to out in some farm fields for a non-existant dairy stand.  

I'm chuckling -- last year at the Regional, my wife and I decided we wanted some dinner at a little joint in Mineral Point.

 Who knew there were two Mineral Points in Wisconsin -- one with, you know, buildings and streets and eateries and gas stations . . .. and one in the middle of a corn field, 30 some odd miles from the one with streets and stuff.

;-}

[SWriverstone]

I'm always amazed at how many people have the Zumos—those things are freakin' expensive!   I'm also amazed more people haven't looked at the Garmin Oregon. I'm loving mine (and it's a touchscreen so can be used with gloves).

But I know your choice of GPS depends on whether you also want to listen to tunes, yak on the phone, dial up weather, etc...so I guess if you do all those things all the time, dropping $800 on a GPS makes sense (I think, LOL).

I realized I also forgot to include Tom-Tom units in the poll...but I don't even know if they make any suitable for motorcycling?

Scott

[bomber]

I'm always amazed at how many people have the Zumos—those things are freakin' expensive!  
Scott

One word -- refurb.

50% discount, minimum.


;-}

[SWriverstone]

Was just checking the Tom-Tom site...and didn't know they had a motorcycling unit called the "Rider" (original name, LOL).
http://www.tomtom.com/products/category.php?ID=1&Language=4

I'll have to do some searching around here...has anybody gotten one yet? Any reviews?

Scott

PS - Yeah, a refurbished Zumo would be the way to go...I wouldn't mind having one...but I like the smaller Oregon 'cause I use it for bicycling too (a Zumo would look pretty funny strapped to a bicycle handlebar.   )

[SWriverstone]

 

[SWriverstone]

   

[Corbeau]

Am I the only one who uses a (very) old Garmin GPS V?
OK, so the base map dates from 2001, my loadable-via-serial-port maps (CitySelect North America V. 5) does not give me info on most backroads, but hey, for $150 (new in box) back in 2005, it did the trick in the last five years!

[stromgal]

Oh good gravy, those Star Wars voice-over clips are great.  

[Mr. Whippy]

I think the poll should have allowed multiple votes since I split time between Nuvi in the car, and Zumo on the bikes.  I voted Zumo because I have two of them, but that also leaves out the Foretrex.

This.

I use a Nuvi in the car, and eTrex on the bike.  I don't use audible prompts on the bike so the small, inexpensive eTrex fits the bill.  Nuvi isn't guaranteed for water resistance.

[Cruzman]

I am currently using a 5 or 6 year old TomTom one.  (on the bike) and a Garmin Nuvi in my cage.   The Nuvi is a bottom of the line GPS but does everything I need it to do in the car like traffic avoidance and take me here to my destination but does not have the necessary functions for route planning and stuff.  The biggest short coming and why it is not on my bike is the fact that I can not load routes into this device.  I am sure I can find some software that will do it, but until the warranty is up I am not going to tinker with it.  

The TomTom one has really been a great GPS.  I like the layout of the windows and the order that you do things.  It is very intuitive.  It is very easy to do route planning and even allows you to save these routes so you can use them over and over...  However stock it has a few drawbacks.  1. No trip computer function (this was why I bought the Garmin for the cage)  2. (no earphone connection so I can not tie it into my Motocom.   3.  The device is not water proof.  

Upgrade for solution to problem #1
I've found a solution to the lack of a trip computer.  Via the wonder world  of the World Wide Web...  I've came across a download called Tom Tom TripMaster.  This download brings out the full capabilities of the TomTom with very few drawbacks.  I highly recommend this as an addition to your tomtom.  The one option that this software has that I can not yet take advantage of is speed alert.  The software allows you to specify a speed and if your GPS supports it it will send out an audio signal alerting you to the fact your going to fast.  Other features of this software. 1) Large Speed Readout.  2) elevation readout. 3) Max Speed Readout.  4) average speed,  5) Distance   6 data logging,  (I am sure it does a bunch more but this is all I really use)


Upgrade for sa solution to number 2 no ear phone jack.  
When I found it was necessary to replace the battery in the TomTom I cracked the case and noticed how easy it would be to solder a connection onto the connections for the external speaker.  Then with some support from Radio Shack I was able to get a standard headphone jack and solder it in.   I didn't install the jack in the case since it was too tight a fit, but instead drilled a small hole and fed the wires through.  

I've not found a solution to number 3 yet, but I know I can do it.  so far anytime  the weather has gotten threatening I either drop it in my tank bag or it sits out behind the faring and as long as I am making decent speed it seems to come out without any issues.  

[SWriverstone]

Maybe I've just trained myself well...but I've never had a GPS that gave voice directions...and it's difficult for me to imagine ever needing that feature? (e.g. I'm surprised at how many people seem to depend on that!). I just glance at my GPS often, and always keep one of my data fields displayed that shows "Distance to Next (Turn)" so I always know exactly how much farther til the next navigation point.

Scott

[Rincewind]

Maybe I've just trained myself well...but I've never had a GPS that gave voice directions...and it's difficult for me to imagine ever needing that feature? (e.g. I'm surprised at how many people seem to depend on that!). I just glance at my GPS often, and always keep one of my data fields displayed that shows "Distance to Next (Turn)" so I always know exactly how much farther til the next navigation point.

Scott

I do the same, but I turn on the voice when I use it in the truck.