Need Feedback on new GPS for Bikers

[Joe]

This new unit is made for the two wheel crowd and looks to have some great features.

Waterproof
Bluetooth
rechargeable battery

http://www.tomtom.com/products/screenshots.php?ID=80&Language=4

I have a chance to become a dealer for them ......... Would you buy one if it was in the $500-$600 range. possible group buy.

[AndrewA]

The only way I'll get one is if they change the name to JoeJoe.





















I really like:

1) The size (my 2610 is clunky).
2) Bluetooth (all of my stuff has blue tooth now)
3) Can run off of a charge, or remain hard wired (not a huge deal as the 2610 is hard wired, and I'm not a hiker)
4) 3-D graphics (which look cool, and are actually functional).


I've been using Garmin products for years, between biking and boating, and currently have a 2610. I would hate to abandon the Garmin "ship" without really being able to fool around with the interface first. Or at least getting a thorough comparison review between the two,



I'd get one of these in a group buy, provided it was next Fall or Winter (toy budget about to be depleted for FY05).

Looks like a winner!

[VetteRacer]

Very nice looking unit.
I just picked up the Garmin iQue 3600 for my trip back to Cali. See how it does then. After messing with it so far, I think that I want to get the new iQue M5 because of its bluetooth abilities.
Does the TomToms bluetoothedness offer computer syncing and map uploading, etc? Or just Phone dialing and headset use?
Being a hater of wires, computer use is a big thing to me.
That price range seems very nice in comparison to some of the others out there, and the design is very good, no wasted area.
If you become a dist in the next few weeks, yes I would be interested. Otherwise I will have the M5 (or keep the 3600). And cant afford 2 right now...

I was just told to ask, will you be a dist for the other models as well? The 300 might be a nice one for the girl...

Matt

[Joe]

Thanks Andrew

Yeah I'm a Garmin guy too but with a wireless helmet system including cell interfacing and battery operation and waterproof too they filled in the gaps found on most other systems.

Even has auto Volume that varies with speed compensates for wind noise

[Joe]

Matt

I can get anything in their line. I just don't know the prices yet.

tomtom Bluetooth is for communications I think their usb would handel data faster then BT


I've been using the Ique3600 for over a year now .......works great for my house call based business ....syncs with my PC so I can keep my customers in the PDA database and gives me door to door directions and more........battery time sucks though



BTW. Matt this is the place for Garmin PDA forums... Its the Pelican parts of PDA's

http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=108

[VetteRacer]

Joe: Thanks, going to the forum now.
What would you say battery life is? I am heading on a 2800 mile. ~45hour trip. Want to use GPS as much as possible.
I know it shuts off after alittle bit. Does it awaken to give upcoming directions? Or do I have to turn it on every little bit? I dont have plug setup for it yet, so batt only for this trip.
Matt

[John Lyon]

Matt- I have an Ique 3600 and you WILL need a cigarette lighter (or other) power source for a trip - the battery might be good for an hour. There are two ways to plug it in, but don't get the adaptor with the little "headphone" type plug - its too fragile and breaks off easily. Get the kind with the wide connector that clips into the base (like when you place it the docking station).

I got a 250MB card, which can hold the detail maps for most of CA, plus some other major cities I travel too.

[Joe]

Matt
You'll be lucky to make it out of town before needing a recharge.

Like John said get a recharge cord you can use one for a Palm m500 its a lot cheaper at RAdio Shack or a Staples store.

[island_dude]

It looks interesting, but they don't talk much about the map data. To me this is the most important thing. If your maps are not good you are going to only be able to use it on the superslabs.

They don't mention anything about their points of interest either. It would be nice to know. Garmin is the gold standard for maps and points of interest. It would be nice to know.

[lemec]

I agree with island dude. If the maps, autorouting, and points of interest db are similar to Garmin's, this would be a killer unit. The features of the hardware look like a wish list of the perfect GPS. I think $500+ is a fair price range.

[gigantic]

i've been checking them (tom-tom) out. price is slightly out of my range, but unlike the garmin uniits, these are also Mac compatible, without having to pay the microsoft tax via virtual PC... i'll prolly get one, after i get a set of ohlins & some pvm wheels...

[giarcg]

Does anybody have an update regarding pricing and availability of this (Tom Tom Rider) GPS?

[WHBonny]

I agree about the POI database also. I'm considering a garmin 2610 and a lowrance iway500 myself. Any opinions on how they compare to eachother or the tom-tom? Garmin seems to be the front runner, but the competition just keeps coming. I'm planning on buying in the next 30 days, just in case that's too soon to get a deal on the tom-tom.

[island_dude]

I have been pondering the Iway500 myself. I am sitting on the fence since I don't have much experience with it. On the surface it has great features. I have a garmin 2610 that my wife has pretty much stolen from me. Garmin's stuff is first class, and the service is great. I managed to find the 2610 discounted with dual rebates for about $525 out the door. A steal. This was on Amazon of all places. I have a certain amount of resistance to going to another brand because it means loading another set of maps on to my already heavy laptop (they get heavier as you fill the disk you know...).

The Iway has a built in MP3 player which is a very attractive feature. Garmin hasn't addressed this market segment yet. decisions descisions....