| Author |
Message |
RJ Long (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2002 - 11:52 pm: | |
Ok, troops (or at least those of you who have a GPS / Mapping Software system):
Where do you get them?
Best Buy? CompUSA? Amazon? Office Depot/Max? Circuit City? Your friendly neighborhood auto stereo / electronic gizmos store?
My navigator is directionally challenged, and we're interested in purchasing a GPS system, but so far no one on this or some other message boards I frequent have provided sources for them.
A little help here, please?
TIA,
RJ Long
PD4106-2784
"The Giant Greenbrier"
Fresno CA |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (12.146.33.9)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 12:20 am: | |
RJ, they're available every day on eBay and I haven't found anything cheaper, yet!
We were watching newsgroup posts (alt.rv) and came to the conclusion that most people who use them regularly buy two different programs because they have different strong points.
We have been watching for Copilot 2002 software, but have only found the kit with the GPS included. If you don't have your GPS, yet, this might be a good way to get started.
We already have our notebook and GPS, so we only want software, now.
I think the kits retail around $400 and can be bought off eBay for about half of that. Discounters are in between, usually.
While we buy quite a bit from Walmart and other big stores, when we try to find topnotch equipment, we usually wind up buying elsewhere.
We buy on eBay because we like it, but also because the prices on good things are very competitive. You have to pay attention to all the clues about the sale and the seller, however.
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 |
Doug Chapman (Dcc) (24.101.251.77)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 5:45 am: | |
If you have a gps and laptop, I would recomend Delorme Map & Go and Street Atlas software. They have package deal for both packages of $70.00. Street Atlas gives audiable commands. Good exit information and downloable road construction reports. I have no connection with Delorme, just a satisfied customer |
BILL BUTLER (172.153.116.15)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 10:58 am: | |
I HAVE CO-PILOT AND USE IT WITH A LAPTOP. I GOT IT ON EBAY. THERE IS A 2002 VERSION THAT CAN BE PURCHASED AS A UPDATE. I DON'T HAVE THE UPDATE YET. I LIKE IT VERY WELL AS THE WIFE CAN OPERATE IT AS WE ARE IN TRAFFIC. IT TALKS TO YOU AND TELLS WHEN YOU MAKE A WRONG TURN AND WHICH LANE TO BE IN BEFORE YOU GET THERE.
YOU ENTER YOUR DESTINATION AND IT WILL MAP A ROUTE FOR YOU. IT IS EASY TO ENTER YOUR OWN ROUTE.
WE LIKE IT WHEN WE GET TO A CITY AND ARE TRYING TO FIND A CAMPGROUND OR A WALLMART.
WE ALSO HAVE A MAGELLAN 330X WITH STREETS DOWNLOADED INTO IT, BUT IT DOESN'T TALK AND IS QUITE SMALL.WE REALLY HAVN'T HAD A CHANCE TO TRY IT OUT. |
Rodger (63.28.244.8)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 11:41 am: | |
I have been using DeLorme Street Atlas and MapNGo with DeLorme's GPS receiver on my laptop computer for about six years.
For trip planning, general info and enrute navigation, I'm very satisfied with this system. Among several useful features, I especially like the exit services info. The main benefit I get from MapNGo is finding campground locations and information. Were it not for that feature, I'd use only Street Atlas.
If you already have a laptop, I doubt you can get more bang for your buck. Street Atlas and the receiver together cost under $150 on DeLorme's website. Upgraded copies are discounted to registered users.
Not having an outside antenna, the receiver occasionally will lose signal from at least two satellites (necessary for a fix) for a short time and you'll encounter occasional inaccuracies or omissions on the maps. I haven't found any of these to be more than infrequent, minor shortcomings. |
Steven Gibbs (12.148.43.8)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 12:19 pm: | |
RJ,
The Street Atlas and Earthmate GPS is an excellent choice. Been using it for several years.
Steve |
CoryDanes RTSII NE/IL (4.17.253.13)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2002 - 12:59 am: | |
I found my CoPilot 2000 on the internet, I just used the Yahoo search engine and searched for Copilot 2000. There is an upgrade to 2002 and when my bus will let me, I will get it.
I have the CoPilot 2000 and it is great. It is used on a computer of at least 300 mhz and speaks intelligent instructions as you drive. It will also respond to some voice commands and will track you on the screen. Very easy to see where you are and it tells you where you need to turn or will respond if you tell it to find a detour.
The current model is the 2001 and is supposed to be an improvement.
the antenna sits on your dash and you supply power to the computer. other than telling it where you want to go, thats all there is to it. It will tell you where you are even if you don't know and is great for finding places or addresses you need to find.
have had it for about 2 1/2 years now and am not sorry I bought it.
as for accuracy, it has been 100 % accurate on highways, freeways and limited access highways. I would give it a 95% accuracy for roadways and city streets. mostly because the city keeps changing roadways, oneway streets, or rebuilding areaas and closing off streets.
I think it was about $250 and for me it was worth every penny - cd |
John G Root Jr (Johnroot) (140.186.114.253)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 5:35 pm: | |
I think the best GPS system is a laptop with the Delorme Earthmate and Street Atlas Deluxe with a headset and microphone to the laptop. I use an extension cable to put the Earthmate on the roof (with velcro)and Street Atlas Deluxe lets you give verbal commands to the program and gives you verbal directions. The package deals from Delorme www.delorme.com make the setup cost about $150. I also bought a jotto desk for the laptop so I can get it exactly where I can see it without it blocking the view. The voice navigation is a lot safer than trying to look at the map! The headset means only I have to hear the program and I can still hear everything else going on in the coach including the radio.
I also use Map & Go to find good campgrounds and places to visit. |
Steven Gibbs (12.148.43.7)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 10:57 am: | |
John,
Where did you get the "jotto desk" from? I think that is what I'm looking for for my setup.
Thanks,
Steve |