Anyone here use/own or recommend a GPS Navigation System since the HHRs did not come equipped with that option. :(

I'm currently in the market for a "good" aftermarket GPS system for my HHR. (removable - not built-in-dash)

Mainly it is for me/my travels but it's also going to be used in my Fiancée's car. (since she's new to Cleveland area)

I've done quite a bit of research into the different GPS models & think I've found one (Garmin 2720) but I wanted to catch some other people's viewpoints/opinions/recommendations. :thumb: (before I shell out $$$)

Thanks, JD :D

You can't go wrong with Garmin. I currently have a Garmin GPS10 Bluetooth GPS connecting with my iPAQ for the mapping software. Depending on how big or small of a screen you are looking at the c340 is a very nice unit that has text to voice recognition? The Nuvi is another excellent system. TomTom and Magellan also have very good reputations. The only thing I do not like about the TomTom is the mapping software that they use. The Garmin and Magellan systems use NAVTech software which is much better than TeleAtlas mapping software (IMHO). The other thing I would recommend is the text to voice feature, this way it will actually speak the name of the street that you are supposed to be turning onto instead of just a "ding" noise for when to turn. Before the Garmin I had a NAVMan iCN510 and a NAVMan GPS3450 which was a sleeve style system for my old iPAQ 3955. The 3450 used NAVTech mapping software and the 510 used TeleAtlas software. I returned the 510 very shortly after I bought it because of inconsistencies with the mapping software.


HTH

I agree, the Nuvi350 is nice.

Also like the Magellan 760

I'm just going to buy a usb gps unit and use my laptop. Once I get the rubber for the back of the seat I'll actually start using it.

It's around $350 and well worth it. I have used the ones that connect to a laptop and this unit blows them away. It's easy to use, small and transfers from car to car. I travel for work and imported all of our office into it for when I am on the road. It's great and cheap.

I can grab a holux for my laptop for around 40 bucks and I'm sure it does the same things. Just isn't as portable for some people.

i took the tomtom back and got the nuvi350 nice and small can put pictures in it mp3s and it fits really nice right on the dash

Buy the Garmin Street Pilot I3. It's around $350 and well worth it. I have used the ones that connect to a laptop and this unit blows them away. It's easy to use, small and transfers from car to car. I travel for work and imported all of our office into it for when I am on the road. It's great and cheap.


Second the i3. I have it as well. I used the adhesive backed plastic disc on the dash to the right of the center stack, then suction-cup mounted the unit to that. I hid the wire under the trim there, and hardwired it in behind the radio and used a heater control wire so the unit turn on and off with the ignition. Here's an awful camera phone pic:

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/4/7/18-03-06_1400.jpg

Mine was $300 at Target. A real bargain!

Cool... I was looking at something to hook up to my PDA but this sounds like a better option.

now thats a big sig..

Cool... I was looking at something to hook up to my PDA but this sounds like a better option.


You know, I had looked into that too, but a nice Bluetooth one was $250. Plus, I'd rather not leave my PDA in the car. I do take the nav unit off of it's mount when I park anywhere other than my garage though.

No to mention, the operation of the i3 is easier than the PDA software I've tried.

I will take some pictures of the GPS10 unit that I have and post this evening. The bottom of the GPS is magnetic and weather(not water) proof. I have a small steel disk that I painted a mat wrinkle finish black stuck to the dash at the base of the windshield. I get an excellent signal, I am still tyrying to find a mount that I like for the PDA portion.

Here are the pictures for the GPS setup. I do not have a mount for the PDA yet, still trying to find something that I like.

Metal Disk:
http://www.dsmodgarage.net/misc/gps01.jpg
http://www.dsmodgarage.net/misc/gps02.jpg
Garmin GPS10 unit:
http://www.dsmodgarage.net/misc/gps03.jpg
http://www.dsmodgarage.net/misc/gps04.jpg
PDA:
http://www.dsmodgarage.net/misc/gps05.jpg
http://www.dsmodgarage.net/misc/gps06.jpg

Thanks endeavorc for the pics & info! :thumb: (and keeping this thread informative for all HHR members!) :bow:

BTW, I bought the Garmin 2720 this weekend (on sale) and put it through the navigational paces. WOW, what a great all-in-one GPS unit!

Also, thanks to all who contributed their inputs/thoughts! :thumb: Lot's of great/cool ways to do a GPS set-up.

Much thanks... JD

Does anybody know about the Garlin 2610? I have a chance to get one for $450. Also, how does it compare to the Magellan 700? I heard that Radio Shack has it on sale for $500.

I love technology and all that great gadgetry, but I am still stuck on my internal gps... my brain. I went to the desert (Saudi) in 92, and we landed at night. It was cloudy and within 10 minutes of landing I knew N-S-E-W. I have never ever been lost in a car and I have driven cross country several times. I thank the good lord all of the time for this ability and it has saved my neck more than once. My wife asks me frequently if I am a spy or something because I never need much directions to find my destination. Sometimes I don't even get any directions and I still make it where I am going!! I was able to make it to my Father-in-laws house in Webster NY with only 2 hints. His address and he said go Northeast. :D

I love technology and all that great gadgetry, but I am still stuck on my internal gps... my brain. I went to the desert (Saudi) in 92, and we landed at night. It was cloudy and within 10 minutes of landing I knew N-S-E-W. I have never ever been lost in a car and I have driven cross country several times. I thank the good lord all of the time for this ability and it has saved my neck more than once. My wife asks me frequently if I am a spy or something because I never need much directions to find my destination. Sometimes I don't even get any directions and I still make it where I am going!! I was able to make it to my Father-in-laws house in Webster NY with only 2 hints. His address and he said go Northeast. :D

I'm the exact same way. :beer:

I agree with Adam. I use my laptop and DeLorme software, available at Best Buy or Comp USA for around $150... it has the voice/text option and has served me well. I do PI work on the side and it's handy for backtracking where I've had to follow subjects and I don't have to use the digital voice recorder while tracking them. Plus I can save all the files on the hard drive for my full time job which takes me to clients across the country. Just me two cents.....

CBL

Het, it's a boy toy... at least that's what my wife tell me when I ordered my Garmin i3 at amazon.com for only $284.99! Hurry while supply last.

Does anybody know about the Garlin 2610? I have a chance to get one for $450. Also, how does it compare to the Magellan 700? I heard that Radio Shack has it on sale for $500.

You are better off wth a newer unit like the c330 or i3 for that kind of money.

I finally got my holux sirf III usb gps receiver for my laptop, It works great. I've had so much fun driving around just watching the laptop screen. lol. Atfirst I had it mounted with a suction cup at the front right of the windshield. I was cleaning my car today, and taking it all apart and I took off the right piece of plastic by the dash where the door closes. The receiver has a magnetic base so I just stuck it on the huge piece of metal in there, then ran the cable to my glove box. Much better than having a cable going from my dash to my passenger seat.

Rather than spending 500 to 700 dollars on a small screen handheld
like a tom tom or magellean, I think I may go with this product.

http://www.gpscheap.com/pm-673-4-pharos-pocket-gps-navigator-for-toshiba-e330-e350-e740-e750-with-ostia-usa-software.aspx

I wonder if it will work as good?

Has anybody here used a GPS system with a PDA before?

Has anybody here used this brand of software before?

Does anybody here know if this hardware combo will work with
the MS Streets and trips package?

I have a Toshiba e755 and this product seems like a very good solution.

Sure seems it would be better than having Sandy use the Brick top.
(That will only be used a few times, if ya get my drift...???)

Dell & Garmin both have a PDA with a GPS. The Dell Axim uses a bluetooth GPS receiver and the Garmin iQue is integrated. I have a Dell but chose not to go that route because I am a firm believer that eletronic gadgets should be more complicated than it already is... besides, I rather have something that is great one thing versus okay on both things.

As I mentioned, I already have the PDA, just want the
SW & gps HW to go with it...

BUMP...

FWiw... Just bought the Garmin c330 for price, value and features...

I have a few comments if anyone is interested.

BUMP...

FWiw... Just bought the Garmin c330 for price, value and features...

I have a few comments if anyone is interested.
i'm interested.... been thinking about getting one

Anyone here use/own or recommend a GPS Navigation System since the HHRs did not come equipped with that option. :(

I'm currently in the market for a "good" aftermarket GPS system for my HHR. (removable - not built-in-dash)

Mainly it is for me/my travels but it's also going to be used in my Fiancée's car. (since she's new to Cleveland area)

I've done quite a bit of research into the different GPS models & think I've found one (Garmin 2720) but I wanted to catch some other people's viewpoints/opinions/recommendations. :thumb: (before I shell out $$$)

Thanks, JD :D


Crazybob has a nice one but Novadiecast has a real nice one also, You will have to contace him, It's nice and it's a good size too. He paid $400.00 I think.

Price $399.99 at Wolf's Camera...

Just downloaded about 30,000 POI's (Points of Interests) and a small
file with Gallatin's redlight camera's into the unit.

The unit picks a point to point route, and it recalculates at every wrong turn,
which can be a good thing if your lost, but kinda bothersome if you want to
go another way.

All in all, very slick, easy to use, the screen is easy to read,
and overall is a very good value for the bucks spent.

Personally, I would have liked to see actual Lat/Lon readouts, as well as
picking my own route. But for this price point, it is still very NICE!!!!

Fell free to ask me about any other detail or if you have any other
questions about it...

Just uploaded a Nashville area "Points of Interest" file to:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/192

Free for the taking...

After reading all the reviews posted for this GPS Model Garmin C550 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=152127&cm_keycode=85), I think i'm gonna run buy one today !!

Well, I went and bought the Garmin C550, it's great so far !! has bluetooth for my phone, even incorparates my phone book, recent calls etc... now, if anybody had info on POI's that can be downloaded etc, that part i'm confused on.

Well, I went and bought the Garmin C550, it's great so far !! has bluetooth for my phone, even incorparates my phone book, recent calls etc... now, if anybody had info on POI's that can be downloaded etc, that part i'm confused on.

Jim,

How'd you mount it? When I can afford I'll probably go with the Garmin I5

I bought a Garmin C330 this past week and so far it has been great. It is supposed to have over 6 million POIs loaded into it right out of the box so I don't understand why you are wanting or needing to load more. Are you loading more detailed stuff?

well, i havent found a permanent location yet, right now i have it mounted on the windshield next to the rearview mirror, (why in california is that illegal?) but i'm still looking for locations to put that mounting disc.

I bought a Garmin C330 this past week and so far it has been great. It is supposed to have over 6 million POIs loaded into it right out of the box so I don't understand why you are wanting or needing to load more. Are you loading more detailed stuff?
well from what i read, you can load POI's that warn you of traffic cams and redlight cams and speed cams

well, i havent found a permanent location yet, right now i have it mounted on the windshield next to the rearview mirror, (why in california is that illegal?) but i'm still looking for locations to put that mounting disc.
Any tips or recommedations for mounting of the suction cup disc on the dash somewhere?

I have used Street and trips and my hand held Magellan during traveling for work. I used a bracket for the hand held Magellan that mounts on a handlebar of a ATV. I straightened one of the metal brackets and when needed I slide it between the upper glovebox door for the dash board and the dash. It allows you to take it from car to car and mostly the HHR that I seem to get at the rentals.

Just one option for the flying travelers... :yourock:
I will post pics if needed. :twothumbs

Any tips or recommedations for mounting of the suction cup disc on the dash somewhere?

To make the mount removable you could use a lightweight metal or aluminum plate cut to the size you need. and slide it in the same location... No screws..

anyone tried, installing it in the access compartment on the dash...?

Well, i decided to take my chances with the LAW, and keep it mounted on the windshield up high next to the rearview mirror.... once the novelty wears off, i'm sure i'll be taking it down and only using it when necessary.....

Some comments...

Stevflo: You can add in a lot of things that you want, like
local eateries, local attractions, etc.
This way you do not need to search or need an address to "pull 'em up".
For instance, my Nashville file points you to the closest one when doing
a tour of Nashville.

I also have Family and friends file so we don't have to look up anything,
just select and GO! And having the phone number comes in handy,
if it's not in your cell phone already....

By default the GPS finds the 50 closest items to your moving or current location.
Otherwise, you can use a POI file to more explicit.

HVROD: For our Garmin C330, I made small hole for the power
cord in the box's edge, then ran the cable down inside the dash
and out the bottom to the ciggie lighter. Then we just take it off the
stand and close the lid. WAY COOL!!!! Out of sight, out of Mind!

I will try to post a pic later tonight, after work...

I luv our HHR and now with onboard GPS, OMG, how cool!!!!

PLEASE go to http://www.poi-factory.com/node/192 (http://www.poi-factory.com/node/192) for my Nashville poi file.

The "POI-Factory" has tons of GPS stuff there and even directions and
how to's for making and loading your very own POI files.

And feel free to PM me or E-Mail if ya get stuck.... :bow: :thumb: :one:

Some comments...

Stevflo: You can add in a lot of things that you want, like
local eateries, local attractions, etc.
This way you do not need to search or need an address to "pull 'em up".
For instance, my Nashville file points you to the closest one when doing
a tour of Nashville.

I also have Family and friends file so we don't have to look up anything,
just select and GO! And having the phone number comes in handy,
if it's not in your cell phone already....

By default the GPS finds the 50 closest items to your moving or current location.
Otherwise, you can use a POI file to more explicit.

HVROD: For our Garmin C330, I made small hole for the power
cord in the box's edge, then ran the cable down inside the dash
and out the bottom to the ciggie lighter. Then we just take it off the
stand and close the lid. WAY COOL!!!! Out of sight, out of Mind!

I will try to post a pic later tonight, after work...

I luv our HHR and now with onboard GPS, OMG, how cool!!!!

PLEASE go to http://www.poi-factory.com/node/192 (http://www.poi-factory.com/node/192) for my Nashville poi file.

The "POI-Factory" has tons of GPS stuff there and even directions and
how to's for making and loading your very own POI files.

And feel free to PM me or E-Mail if ya get stuck.... :bow: :thumb: :one:

galladanb

Good job..

When I mounted my Digital Volt meter over the power connection in the dash..
I placed the power connection inside the compartment also.. its position vertical in the tray , farthest back, to allow compartment cover to close properly and still allow items to be placed in the compartment...

Hey galladanb, please post of pic when you can. I just ordered a c330 and really excited about where to put it. Also wondering if it will still pick up OK in the box???

Dave,

I think you are going to love the GPS stuff!!!

The C330 is a great choice, but if I had a do-over, I think I would
choose one with text to voice ability, like the nest step up the
C340 or C350...

For instance, I cannot use a guided tour with the girl speaking to me...
and telling me all about that house over there... All in all kinda minor...;)

Don't get me wrong, the c330 is a very good workhorse and it has
already saved me on a couple of trips, and Sandy, just loves it too!!!

And, I will post installed pics tonight as soon as get home, shoot 'em
and post 'em....

Here is the first one, with the box closed,

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/1/0/01.JPG

The Second one, Showing the GPS in drive position,

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/1/0/06.JPG

The Third one, Showing the stowed chaos,

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/1/0/03.JPG

The Fourth one, Showing the cable detail,

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/1/0/08.JPG

Thanks for the great shots. I think I'll do mine that way. With that lid covering it, does it still receive the signals OK?? Thanks again for the photos.

Dave,

Yea, I went out and bought a external ant, thinking I would need one.

But took it back...

Reception is wonderful so far, no loss of signal...

HOW Cool is it to have a GPS nav anyway!!!!

BTW, if ya need help setting up a POI file for yours, let me know...

I used a Tom Tom unit in Spain in October when I went to my cousins wedding in La coruna, it was the greatest thing since sliced bread as it talked me back and forth from my Hotel to various points around the countryside. what a difference between my last trip when I couldn't read a lot of the signs and stayed lost.

Dave,


BTW, if ya need help setting up a POI file for yours, let me know...

OK, I am confused on the POI. Is there some way I can punch in a city and then pick POI of that city? For instance, can I punch in Knoxville TN and then see a list of restaurants, malls, etc. Or do I need to download more info to do that???? I can do all the "near" things, but when I tell it to look at Knoxville, it doesn't recognize that city. When I enter an address of a place in Knoxville, it finds it immediately. I would like to be able to go to a Knoxville search, and then find a COMPUSA listed, hit go to, and drive from KY to there. Is that possible??

Tom Tom!

my Pioneer GPS, does similar..
I try to enter the City I'm going for POI, and it sometimes shows nothing or some... but the closer I get to the area... Bammmm all of the POI display...

Dave asks:
"OK, I am confused on the POI. Is there some way I can punch in a city
and then pick POI of that city? For instance, can I punch in Knoxville TN
and then see a list of restaurants, malls, etc. Or do I need to download
more info to do that???? I can do all the "near" things, but when I tell it
to look at Knoxville, it doesn't recognize that city. When I enter an
address of a place in Knoxville, it finds it immediately. I would like to be
able to go to a Knoxville search, and then find a COMPUSA listed, hit go
to, and drive from KY to there. Is that possible??"

Lets try this a different way...

Say I'm want to go to the in-laws, Because the GPS does not "know" them,
I have to type in their address and it finds them that way.

If I have them listed in a POI file, I will simply select them from a list that
the GPS presents to me. That way, I do not have to type in anything.

If I had poi file of comp usa's, I could select the one I wanted to go to,
otherwise I have to type in the address, which I may not readily know.

As far as I know, no GPS has a database of everyplace that everyone
would want to go to. Imagine the size, OMG!!!

But, because everything on the face of the earth has a latituide and
Longitude coordainate or "Global position", the GPS can "find it" by using
lat and long expressed as a graphical scene instead of a mathmatical
expression.

I hope this helps...?

And to answer your questions, My GPS has a lot of stuff built-in, but not
comp usa stores. It does have a ton of restaurants, services, hospitals,
etc, as part of the included software. And it "finds" these within 50 miles
of where ever I happen to be...

Also, I can find a restaurant in a "different city" by selecting:
"Where to?", then "Near...", choosing "A different City", then "OK",
then type in the city's name, then choose one of the several presented,
then choose "Food", then type or kind of food, then, the restaurant I want...

I can find the "Down to Lunch Cafe" on 437 W. Jefferson this way..
Punch the "GO" button and "GO to IT"... if I wanted.

But see, that's where a POI file comes in handy, cause all you have to
do is select the poi you want, and not have to search...

MORE... I have a family and friends poi file, a Gallatin redlight file, and
a Nashville points of interest, that I have uploaded into my GPS...

A good commercial application of this POI stuff would be a list of
garage sales and the GPS would take you to the nearest one,
then the next, and so on...

But I ramble on... sorry... Let me know if I can confuse you some more...

Not confusing at all. In fact, I'm going to try it today. The wife wants to go to a Kohls Department Store in Knoxville. I got on Kohls website and found the address. Put it into the GPS and it showed me the location. Marked to my favorites, and getting ready to pull out and see what happens. This is fun. I hate getting lost. Maybe this will keep me from it.

here is a link that i found ... may make POI's more understandable, and help you create your own... POI Factory (http://www.poi-factory.com/)

here is a link that i found ... may make POI's more understandable, and help you create your own... POI Factory (http://www.poi-factory.com/)

Thanks for the site it was very informative. Unfortunately the loader will not work with my Garmin, IQue M5, at least it could not be selected from the list. Will look into it some more but still the site was very helpful either way..

JIMZ HHR,

I do not mean to steal your thunder, but I posted the POI site in
post # 30 of this very thread on 11-11... :red:

Sorry... :thumb:

It's all good, luv my HHR and autonav, how cool????? :nuts: :one:

Jwolfe 99,

The POI loader should work with your Garmin... :eek:

Did you get it from the Garmin site? :confused:

Did you follow the directions found at the POI factory site for installing
the POI files? :red:

Did you try to create one and it did not work??? :confused:

PLEASE post where you are having the issues and we can help you
solve them. :bow:

I was surprised at just how simple and easy it was to "Customize" or
Mod my GPS... :thumb:

KY Dave,

I still think if you create a POI file, it will help more...

If you choose not to or can not for whatever reason, send me a listing of
places where you live and I will make one for you...

Your list, should you decide to send it to me, can be as simple or detailed,
your choice. BUt it will be easier for me to make one if you send name,
address, city state, and phone number for each location or attraction.

Then we can upload it to the POI factory and share with everybody like
my Nashville file that is up on their site....

It has been downloaded many times and folks just luv it...

Have you downloaded it yet?

Send me a PM with your phone number so that we can chat if you like...

I think I got it figured out now. Been reading alot. It routed me around the Gatlinburg area very well.

AWWW, I was so hoping we could work together on a POI for some
city in KY. :( :bow:

But hey, good to hear your getting it figured out. It is way better than
solo nav or wife mapping.... YIKES!!!!

Sandy and I would almost be at each other's throughts trying to get around
some strange city, with a poopie ol map!!! LOL!!! :lol:

JIMZ HHR,

I do not mean to steal your thunder, but I posted the POI site in
post # 30 of this very thread on 11-11... :red:

Sorry... :thumb:

It's all good, luv my HHR and autonav, how cool????? :nuts: :one:
Wasnt trying to take thunder from you.... just wanted him to know the link was there.... some ppl dont read that far back..

Jwolfe 99,

The POI loader should work with your Garmin... :eek:

Did you get it from the Garmin site? :confused:

Did you follow the directions found at the POI factory site for installing
the POI files? :red:

Did you try to create one and it did not work??? :confused:

PLEASE post where you are having the issues and we can help you
solve them. :bow:

I was surprised at just how simple and easy it was to "Customize" or
Mod my GPS... :thumb:

Have not d/l the POI loader as on the site it said it supported the M3 and M4 versions of the IQue, not the M5. Should I try it anyway? I was not sure as this is new to me and could not find any help on the Garmin site.. Let me know please..

Wasnt trying to take thunder from you.... just wanted him to know the link was there.... some ppl dont read that far back..

It's all cool!!! :bow: :nuts:

I was just pokin fun at ya!!! HA, HA!!! :thumb:

Have not d/l the POI loader as on the site it said it supported the M3 and M4 versions of the IQue, not the M5. Should I try it anyway? I was not sure as this is new to me and could not find any help on the Garmin site.. Let me know please..

Julian, you might want to go to www.poi-factory.com and see if any of
those guys can assist you. :bow:

D/L the file and try it, couldn't hurt... and it just might work?!?!?!? :roll: :confused:

BUt definitly try the poi factory for a huge wealth of info and stuff to
play with. :thumb:

:one:

Well, this thing is a barrel of fun. I like using it after dark because it shows what curves are ahead of me. I have a three hour trip to make tomorrow. I don't know where the hotel is that I am supposed to be staying. I punched in the address and hope it will lead me to it.

Back from trip. Guided me around just perfect. How did I ever live without Lulu???

You named the voice? Wow, I'm not the only one. Mine's name is Caroline.

Every once in a while, we "TRY" to make her mad by going
in a totally different direction.

What fun... :nuts:

"RECAULCATING!!!!" again... :lol:

I found this on the POI-Factory FAQ (http://www.poi-factory.com/node/86)website.
with some of my edited comments

Creating POI files with Google Earth
Many people like to create personal POI files with Google Earth. Here are the basic steps:
In Google Earth:
find locations in Google Earth (either by searching or clicking on the map)
Use the search "business" tab if your looking for a business.
move the locations to "my favorites" or create a sub folder.-I used the cut and paste method.
save your favorites as a .KML file -(to a temporary folder or in your Custom POI folder)
The .KML file will contain data for all of the locations in your favorites area.
Next, you need to convert the KML file to a format that works with your GPS. PoiEdit (http://www.poiedit.com/)works well for this.
In PoiEdit:
Open the .KML file
delete any extra locations you don't want included in your POI file
select File / Save As, and select the file format you want (e.g., Garmin CSV)
Then load to your GPS Unit
Use POI Loader (http://www.garmin.com/products/poiloader/)to load them to your Garmin GPS unit
For longer files, this is a lot easier than typing the data into Notepad or Excel; and Google Earth does the hard work of finding the coordinates.

the POI's will show up under Custom POI's list (least on my model Garming C550)

Okay, I finally got lost often enough that hubby realized that MY car needed a nav too. We didn't go for the really expensive ones this time around - thought I'd see how much I use it, like it, rely on it. This one is a Garmin, StreetPilot c530 - does that mean anything to anyone? So, I'm reading about POI's and I don't think mine can do anything with that - it must be a higher model, right? HOWEVER...

today I put my own car in the splash screen, set HOME on it, used it 3 times to go places, and made her go to RECALC Hell a few times... :lol: I also set it for my next door neighbor's house and then I carried it over there on foot. That made it go nuts!!

I tellya - when hubby handed me this little miracle, glowing with my own little car icon, my streets, responding right there in my hand - I felt like I held the whole WORLD in my hands --- I am SUCH a nerd!! I ran over in the corner and squatted down, muttering "mine..... mine.....my precious....."

tom tom one is a nice small unit suction cup mount and just had maps redone for the us and canada.

my onboard GPS, also good for geocaching and playing in the woods:lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/daseeg/IMG_0838MediumSmall.jpg

YES!! My little nav is so cute and got me out of a huge scrape yesterday!! I have it on a post thingie suction-cupped illegally to the front window, but it's tucked in a corner under the visor, so I'm hoping it doesn't get noticed. It's really easy to take off and sometimes I just keep it on the seat next to me.

Yesterday taking my granddaughter to the airport the freeway STOPPED DEAD! Listening to the news, I found that all lanes of hwy 15 (which I was heading towards) were closed down due to a logging truck spill. The backup was 10 miles!! Anyway, I just went to the nav and hit menu DETOUR and voila, it got me there with a little finnigling. Of course the plane was late so it didn't matter anyway.... :( So what do you do with a hyper 8 yr old? You give her candy of course - after all, she's going home - HAHAHAHAH :nuts:

Note my new photoshopped splash screen when I power it up:

http://www.mitzkity.com/images/submissions/garminsplash.jpg

I got the ok from the wife to buy a GPS unit. The problem I have is I don't know which one to get. The two that I cannot deicide is the Garmin Nuvi 350 or the TomTom 910. Can anyone please shed some light on this??:confused:

I personally have and like the Garmn c550, it speaks the street names at turns and is bluetooth for hands free telephone, plus has the built in FM traffic receiver, which here in SoCal, gets me out of a lot of traffic jams, everthing works GREAT!!

I personally have and like the Garmn c550, it speaks the street names at turns and is bluetooth for hands free telephone, plus has the built in FM traffic receiver, which here in SoCal, gets me out of a lot of traffic jams, everthing works GREAT!!


Ahhhh JimZ....thanks for that.

I was wondering how my latest edition GPS software (DeLorme 2007)was updating traffic. I didn't pay for it.

And as you suggested, it really worked well for California freeways on a recent trip.

I just ordered the Garmin Nuvi 660 GPS Unit. It was only $629.20 normally $799.00 and a 2 year extended warranty for $89 for a total of $728.20 from Dell.com

When I get it I will follow-up with a review on it.

Here are the highlights of the Garmin Nuvi 660

Features high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
Uses Bluetooth® wireless technology for hands-free calling
Offers an FM transmitter
Alerts for traffic, road construction and weather-related tie-ups
Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
Features a voice that announces streets by name
Equipped with preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe
Allows choosing 2D or 3D map perspective
Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams