Garmin PCar navigation system: Great buy

[RickM]

I'm not sure if the last GPS navigation thread was here or in OT. I feel this will be of benefit to at least a few of us. Apologies in advance if this is too off topic.

The Garmin StreetPilot 2610 In-Car GPS Receiver is on sale, via two rebates, for $530. That's less than half the retail cost.
FWIW, this version uses a CF card to download map info to.

http://www.slickdeals.net/#p5402

I'm tempted to go for this as I'm not happy with my current solution.

As I've written on the SD site:

I have an Compaq IPAQ and the HP Bluetooth GPS unit. I am thouroughly disappointed with the combo. The software locks up continuously and gives erroneous information. Getting support from HP is almost completely impossible as you get caught in the "it's the other component's problem" from each side...IF you can even reach them.

[MarkY]

I have that GPS unit. I purchased it almost a year ago for $600. Great unit.

[Emission]

I have the Garmin iQue. I am pretty sure it uses the indentical map database and uses an SD Flash Card. The unit has been amazing for navigation (and an overall excellent PDA as well).

I also give a thumbs-up to the StreetPilot (gave one to my father-in-law about two months ago as using a stylus on the iQue would have killed him while he drove).

[anthony]

I've been tempted to get a Harmon Kardon TrafficPro since it's an in-dash unit. It's only $399.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-UjIQyjOU0gj/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=108TPRO&search=harmon%20TrafficPro

The only downside I see is that it requires a CD.

[Emission]

Originally posted by anthony
I've been tempted to get a Harmon Kardon TrafficPro since it's an in-dash unit. It's only $399.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-UjIQyjOU0gj/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=108TPRO&search=harmon%20TrafficPro

The only downside I see is that it requires a CD.

The portable units are much better. You can carry them car-to-car (wife's car, rental car, etc...) and sell them when they get outdated. The in-dash models will look like 8-track players in 10 years!

[84porsche]

Do you need that extra antenna for the car? I have been tempted to get this for the Porsche runs so we don't get lost like last time.

[Emission]

Originally posted by 84porsche
Do you need that extra antenna for the car? I have been tempted to get this for the Porsche runs so we don't get lost like last time.

95% of the time, if the unit is on the dash, you only need the internal antenna. If you are in heavy forest, heavy building density (high rise), or in a deep canyon, the external antenna can help. I carry one, but have never "needed" to use it.

[anthony]

The portable units are much better. You can carry them car-to-car (wife's car, rental car, etc...) and sell them when they get outdated. The in-dash models will look like 8-track players in 10 years!

I just don't want another contraption that I need to disassemble and hide when parking the car. That's the primary reason I stopped using my radar detector though I've been thinking of getting another one.

The most likely scenario for me is to wait a 2-3 more years until the price on these things have plummeted. Or maybe navigation/gps will be built in to my next cell phone!

[RickM]

This unit comes with a bean bag base attachment. So you can hide when parking.

Cell phone GPSsounded good to me as well but currently there is at least a $9.95 monthly charge for the service. Also, the cell phone display is less than ideal for heavy use.

I view the touch screen feature on this Garmin as a real plus.

[skipdup]

I use my Palm T3 with Navman & Bluetooth antenna. I'm quite happy with the solution. The Palm's going to be with me anyway, so the only additional component to carry is the small wireless antenna.