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Ron's GPS reviews
 
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Ron
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Joined: 05 Nov 2002
Posts: 95

PostPosted: Mon Dec 30, 2002 11:12 pm    Post subject: Ron's GPS reviews Reply with quote

We have spent the better part of an eternity working with (and sometimes against!) various GPS systems to find one that works well, and works well for US. This is our opinion from our unique experience, others may have better or worse results with the same products.

The results of our experience:

Garmin StreetPilot III Deluxe. $999
Pros:
Almost self contained. (Requires a PC to store the detailed maps, and to transfer thte ones you will be needing for your trip to a memory card)
Portable from one vehicle to another
Run on batteries (if you can afford it! It uses them!) or cigarette lighter.
Clear (but smallish) display
Clear and timely voice commands
Accurate directions
Quick recalculations if off course

Cons:
Requires BOTH a USB port to program the memory card reader (with detail maps), AND a serial port to communicate directions and/or communicate with their software.
Hey! It's a thousand bucks for a dedicated piece or equipment.


NAVMAN: $150 (with Rand McNally's StreetFinder Deluxe travel navigation software included)
Pros:
GPS receiver seemed to be slightly more sensitive than the CoPilot's receiver.

Cons:
Hardware driver software is technically poor quality
Software requires internet connection to generate driving directions. This makes the unit unacceptable for navigational uses.


NAVMAN/DeLorme: $200 (NAVMAN $150, DeLorme's Street Atlas USA 2003 $50)
Pros:
GPS receiver seemed to be slightly more sensitive than the CoPilot's receiver.

Cons:
Hardware driver software is technically poor quality.
Software interface is way too complicated, they need a simpler interface for under-way navigation (I had great difficulty with it while stationary)
Questionable routing decisions
No provision for RVs/Trucks in the routing (clearance/weight restrictions, avoidance of U-Turns, etc.)


TravRoute's CoPilot 2003 $369 (plus shipping)- $400 retail
Pros:
Clear Navigation screen with driver/passenger modes
Clear (although still a little mechanical) voice and directions
Ability to speak English, not just a small list of words.

Cons:
We're underwater? Not. Just a little confusing. maybe they shouldn't snap to a road unless they are actually on a route and/or underway?
Short Receiver cable
Proprietary GPS receiver and proprietary software do not allow for interchangable use of other hardware/software.


Our advice, so far:
If you have a $1000 for a great dedicated GPS Navigation system, the Garmin StreetPilot III Deluxe is the one to get.

If you have a laptop, the solution is the CoPilot 2003 by Travroute.
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