GPS-global positioning system

[Kevin K]

I just bought a Garmin 255w for street navagation , also can be used for hiking. Anyone else us GPS?
More info here http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/garmin-nvi-255w/

[Patrick Mc]

Yep. I've got a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx. Chose it because it has a magnetic compass (so you don't have to be moving to get a bearing), altimeter, and barometer (for weather prediction).

Get free Garmin maps here: GPS FileDepot and POIs here: POIfactory

Enjoy!

Pat

[Booker B.]

I bought the same system as Kevin for our trip down to Yellowstone Park last year. It worked great.

What's odd is that the moment I crossed the border into the States it showed the posted speed limit of any road we were on - super handy if you don't know the roads. However, nowhere in Canada does that feature work - but it must know the speed limits here as it does very accurate trip time estimations based on where you are heading too.

My only complaint was that gas stations were hit and miss for being accurate. You could be on a street with 4 gas stations and it would show the next one was in a different town.

[CD Smith]

I use a Garmin GPS-12 as input to my laptop computer. Been using it since October 1999.

I use a Garmin Nuvi 260W also. Been using it since 2006.

Can't leave home without one or the other.

I use Google Maps to plan a trip. Then download waypoints directly into the 260W.

Unfortunately "Jill" sometimes wants to go on a route that I don't, so she does a lot of "recalculating".

[Bill K]

Did you ever notice that after about the 10 th. "recalculating" she starts sounding sarcastic ?

Bill K

Unfortunately "Jill" sometimes wants to go on a route that I don't, so she does a lot of "recalculating".

[peterh]

. . . it showed the posted speed limit of any road we were on - super handy if you don't know the roads. However, nowhere in Canada does that feature work - but it must know the speed limits here as it does very accurate trip time estimations based on where you are heading too.
. . .

Can it be programmed to alert you when the speed limit changes (or when you're more than x over)?

[Diane G]

Did you ever notice that after about the 10 th. "recalculating" she starts sounding sarcastic ?

Bill K

Sarcastic? Ours was actually yelling at us on a recent trip to New Jersey!

[Lee Senn]

We got so much backtalk from our GPS that we named her "Gabby"

[Ed Harris]

I use Nuvi's in both cars when on a trip. Got two identical units so each car has one and they both have a decent Bluetooth speakerphone and can play Audible book content too.

They drive me crazy when they do not realize I am off the route just to get GAS!
These have been around now long enough for this to be a feature they should introduce?
How hard could it be?

I also use various other models with a computer and Ham Radio APRS for vehicle tracking when on a trip.

Everyone I know seems to get a kick out of watching my progress as I drive.

I also use a handheld when in Colorado off the road.

I love GPS in concept.

[Alan #1119]

"Jill" has often told me “There is a better way”

[Doug Mager]

We got so much backtalk from our GPS that we named her "Gabby"

Our 'Linda' named after a lady neighbour who is 100% right, 100% of the time, seems to get snippier if we don't make a U-turn or 'go back' as directed....

[CindyL]

Why are they always given female names ? Ours is Maggie, after my aunt who always got her way, because she was the loudest.

I just got a Droid phone (So did the hubby). I love the GPS on this phone! It uses Google Maps, so you can follow the route via satellite if you wish (street level too supposedly, although I have not figured out how to do this yet). I have to name this one though. I am leaning towards my bossy older sister's name.

CindyL

[Booker B.]

Hi Peter,

Not this particular model, it's pretty basic. However, I did find that I used the speedo on the GPS more then I did my speedometer.

My subaru speedo shows it's 7-8% faster then the GPS says it is. This is similar to the japanese motorbikes I had that always showed 10% faster (from other forums I have been involved in this seems to be the norm).

Can it be programmed to alert you when the speed limit changes (or when you're more than x over)?

[Doug Mager]

...our '37 Plymouth hot-rod's speed-o is not connected and the speed-o in the GPS is invaluable!

[SherryNPaul]

Our GPS (a European model) gives us excellent directions (most of the time), and announces in a female voice. Research shows that men listen more carefully to a female voice (wives would often disagree.... but think about subway and airport announcements?).
We love the over speed limit announcement features in speed trap areas, but ours did not work in Canada, either, even after changing over from mph to km. I don't know why. We were disappointed, as the little voice that says "please observe the speed limit" has helped us avoid tickets in little towns on the highway several times. The ever-changing, small signs on little highways can present a challenge, even when paying close attention.
Sherry

[peterh]

Yea. I got a speeding ticket two years ago while towing our trailer up a two-lane highway on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, which has numerous switches from one speed limit to another, and I missed one.

[Roger C H]

PeterH, Thanks for improving our Washington State cash flow, LOL.

I received a Magellan, (Maggie, what else) for Father's Day and my wife enjoys watching our progress on the built in map.

We also found it telling us to drive 6 miles to gas when we were across the street from a desired gas station.

[Pat B Ohio]

My husband loves his gadget. I like paper maps....and sometimes I want to get lost a bit. Just like I sometimes forget my cell phone on purpose. Sounds like they have it in all one package with the new "Droid".

[CindyL]

I love the phone and its navigation. I even use the navigation to get to my job just to use it.


CindyL

[Kevin K]

I think phone GPS will replace Garmin GPS in time.