Topic: GPS Experience Advice?

[Aardvark]

I have it sort of pegged between a Garmin 1490T and the 1350T and the 755T and waffling between  them. I am reading reviews  here  and there on both..   Anyone have either of these or a newer model Garmin  with recommendations?

We want to get one that is newer, that the glare on the screen isn't so bad.  I have a Garmin 330C, it does its thing, is discontinued and the glare is awful and it is old

But as I am getting older,  I need the larger screen.  I am  not interested on the mp3 player, or the blue tooth as I have that already.  I think I am going to dash mount it rather than the  windshield.

[mackbig]

I have a 755T.  Good little unit.  Got it around xmas.  I like the size and price.    Battery life ok.  I only use it as handheld on planes, to tell where were are an how fast we are going.  Price is right though. I have never used the Bluetooth or multimedia stuff on it, since my first Nuvi had it, and both my cars have built in bluetooth in the entertainment systems.    I got my first Nuvi in Jan 2007, post xmas "sale" at Costco, $1100 
Its was a 660, guess it was bleeding edge for a 4 inch screen, all the same options.   Satellite acquisition is better / faster on the 755.  I like how its antenna is integrated, the flip up one on older nuvi's (all garmins really) was annoying. The touch screen is a little flighty vs sometimes I know I hit "favourites" and it will load the icon next to it.  The 660 was definitely better constructed, but they had to shave cost in certain areas.  Built in lifetime traffic is pretty cool, I turn off the avoidance in Toronto, because I know the alternates they give are way slower during rush hour.  But in a foreign city I would perhaps trust it.  The one feature they removed on this generation that I would like was kind of a compass view, it also showed all the GPS satelites in the sky and their location relative to you, they would turn greens as they were each locked in.  Not really something you use while driving of course, but neat none the less.

Andrew

[DaculaWeather]

Funny you mentioned using it on planes. I tried that with my laptop the last time I was flying. I use DeLorme software and and USB GPS device. It was really cool watching the map, checking our speed and altitude while flying!

[tomcj2]

I have a Garmin 765WT.  I purchased it as a factory reconditioned unit last October.  It has been shipped back once for replacement and the traffic receiver only works from time to time; I am sure they will replace it if I find time to call them.  Despite the problems I would recommend it.  Garmin service is excellent ( after you get through the initial 20 minute wait)  their technicians know their products and do not rush you.  I chose the 765  because I can attach an ear bud to it;  I drive a front engine passenger bus from time to time and I had difficulty hearing the directions over the engine noise.  Before I chose that model I phoned Garmin and spent close to an hour with a sales rep who explained the features of the different models.  I would also recommend buying a reconditioned unit, they come with the same warranty, are substantially cheaper, and you know that a human has actually turned it on to ensure that it works.

[ocala]

Funny you mentioned using it on planes. I tried that with my laptop the last time I was flying. I use DeLorme software and and USB GPS device. It was really cool watching the map, checking our speed and altitude while flying!

Just did the same thing on my vacation with my Garmin. Only problem was keeping it pointed out the window the whole time to pick up a sat.
Topped out at 565mph and 36000 ft.

[mackbig]

The dashboard mount is semi permanent.   Unless its illegal in your state to windshield mount I would try it in a few places before you decided to go dashboard.

Andrew

I think I am going to dash mount it rather than the  windshield.

[mackbig]

I registered 1000km/h (621mph) bang on during last flight as top speed.  I left it on my trip info / speedo screen... so if the highway patrol ever looked over they would not see a potential car top speed on it.

Another cool feature on this model is that it will give you trip cost, estimates of fuel economy etc.. (amazing how the $$$ rack up going 600 miles per hour).   It gives you instant estimates when you click a favourite, will show real time, and you can even download a CSV file of the data onto your PC.

Andrew

Topped out at 565mph and 36000 ft.

[Aardvark]

I am leaning toward the 5 inch screen 1490T  right now.

[kanewolf]

I just bought a second Garmin 1350 (for the wife) at Sams for $119.  The fm traffic option is not appealing to me because of the advertising which appears on the screen.  I have had 5 generations of Garmins and I believe the 1350 is the best car GPS so far.  The lane and speed indicators are quite handy.  The speed limits are not always up to date but still better than nothing.  They just released a MANDATORY firmware upgrade to fix a "lockup" during power on.  I have had the lockup and it is REALLY annoying.  If you have a 1300 or 1400 GPS I highly suggest you upgrade the firmware.  I can't say it fixes the lockup, but it has not happened since I upgraded.

[Aardvark]

the traffic thing would be nice, if Iowa has it...  I can add it later..  the 1350

[mackbig]

The three units you listed all come with a traffic receiver.  Des Moines is listed as a city with traffic service.  Eiter get the T version (listed above) or forget about it.  The receiver with lifetime traffic is $119 by itself.  The difference (for example) between 1350 and 1350T is only $20 and that's "retail"

All three units you listed are very comparable with the feature set.  
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=134&compareProduct=36082&compareProduct=37706&compareProduct=14933

Screen size on the 1490 is obviously a bit bigger.  Little things here and there like headphone output, fm transmitter (for playing directions on radio), etc.  The 1350 is older than the other two (hence the cheaper price), and it seems to be missing lane assist(wasnt there my first ready I swear).   That is handy when on large multi-lane highways in big cities.

Andrew

[mackbig]

I did not even know about the ads until my last trip to Orlando, they have not been turned on in Canada yet.     Of course we dont have the speed limits either, always thought that was a good idea.  Do you know if that is stored on the base map level, or you think its xmitted as part of FM signal.  I assume its right on the maps.  They have obviously always had some idea about the speed limits as it would be impossible to give an accurate ETA without the GPS knowing them.

Andrew

The fm traffic option is not appealing to me because of the advertising which appears on the screen.  The lane and speed indicators are quite handy.  The speed limits are not always up to date but still better than nothing. 

[Aardvark]

I brought in my C330 to update the map and it originally had NOrth America on it.  All that Icould get is the eastern US..  wow.   Anyway..  I am looking at either the 1350T or the 1450

sort of looking a prices.

I did look at Magellan and Tom Tom.. the big issue is compatible with my computer.  I know the garmin works well.  but the rest are 32 bit and I have 64 bit.  Oh well..  minor, so I won't have John Clease mumbling..

I am trying for the best price.. Amazon can sell it for 242  for the 1350T  or I can get it from Garmin for 249.. go figure....   I don't care for the window mount so another 20 for the dash.  and of course a case

[mackbig]

You would need City Navigator® North America NT Part Number: 010-11546-00 Suggested Retail Price: $ 99.99 USD, but for 100 bucks.... its a waste on that unit, given what new cheap and better ones are going for.

Map updates in general are a waste.   I spent the 100 bucks at year 1, because my wife is in real estate, and the new subdividions werent on her 660.   Here unit was $1000, and low priced ones were still in the $400-500 range.  After the update a few of the many new roads were added, but non of the out of business POI's were removed, and by the looks of some of them, they went OB a few years before we got the gps in the first place.

As for dash mount, wait till you get yours.  All three of mine have come with a smooth disc that sticks to the dash with 2 sided type tape, and then you just stick your window mount on there.  Unless that was removed recently as another cost cutting measure. (based on the description I read, they both come with the dashboard disc)

Have you looked at costco? $199 for the 1450 and $129 for the 1350  They appear to be the non T versions..but price is good, and if you dont care about the traffic service.

Andrew

I brought in my C330 to update the map and it originally had NOrth America on it.  All that Icould get is the eastern US..  wow.   Anyway..  I am looking at either the 1350T or the 1450

I don't care for the window mount so another 20 for the dash.  and of course a case

[Aardvark]

I am not a costco member.

I finally settled on the 1390T   it ran 189.  Got from Amazon, and should have it in the next few days .  the T version  is one of the things I want when we are out on the interstate or back road.  Of course in this state,  if the road has water flowing on it.. we detour..pronto.

I didn't opt for the map update.  I assume that it is up to date, and if not , I think I get 1 free update.  I priced it and  I can wait.  After all updating once a year should n't be too bad a wait.
I still have to find the micro sd disk.. garmin wants a lot for them, it is a 4 gb  so I am looking.   The window mount, in cold weather  it won't stick. the angle of the glass is steep enough it will be a problem, but I have this tray in the center of the dash that the older gps fits in nicely..

So I figure I should be good to go, get the disk and the other mount  and off we go.  I did like that there are coordinates and elevation availabe on the gps.  I do have mine already for my station.   T

Whew it is warm here to day...

[mackbig]

Congrats.  T is cool, but not sure how much coverage you will have outside Des Moines city limits, even in city its major roads only.   So the diff between the 90 and the 50 seems to be bluetooth.

Have fun, they are neat toys.

Andrew

ps: I know they did not have T's at costco, but for future reference anyone can shop online there, it just adds 5% to the price, which is most of the time still a better deal than elsewhere.  Odd that in Canada costco.ca has all T models, and US costco had only non T models... hmmm?

[Aardvark]

I am hoping that it catches on better and they put in more coverage..  I am not sure on that...  If it doesn't catch on and dies .. then I can switch it off .   I hear the ads are irritating when the vehicle stops.. hence... don't stop

I looked around at Magellan and Tom-Tom  and they had some form of it in their units as well..   I prefer Garmin.. they said the other two had issues with the wrong information and so forth.  Of course user reviews  are sometimes just a couple of folks that were pissed at the moment.   Garmin is about 3 hours from my house..

[mackbig]

No one remembers the thousands of worry free miles they drive with it, but they will be mad the one time it takes them into East LA to find a pharmacy, and they get car-jacked coming out of the drug store, and just before they are pulled from the car they see that annoying Best Buy ad on the gps........ 

I am hoping that it catches on better and they put in more coverage..  I am not sure on that...  If it doesn't catch on and dies .. then I can switch it off .   I hear the ads are irritating when the vehicle stops.. hence... don't stop

I looked around at Magellan and Tom-Tom  and they had some form of it in their units as well..   I prefer Garmin.. they said the other two had issues with the wrong information and so forth.  Of course user reviews  are sometimes just a couple of folks that were pissed at the moment.   Garmin is about 3 hours from my house..

[Scalphunter]

 Use an Garmin 276C here which is an very good multi functional unit. Has the road maps for Land use and it also has slot for Marine charts for when I use it  aboard ship or on small boat. It is also one where I can carry it as backup for when flying. Never know when one may loose electrial power. But it has the stickum post for dash and voice direction for turns. I have several card that plug in for flying. So far have not needed it as back up  but it is alway fired off before approaching on of our many passes that we fly thru. Also with the marine charts I have them so if I have to set down on channel some where due to weather I can taxi along with the aircraft.

John

[Sigdigit]

Get the Garmin brand bean bag mount for the top of your dash!!!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!  If the dash is clean (not covered by a ton of dust or Armorall), this thing does NOT BUDGE even during some pretty dicey maneuvering.  And when you park somewhere?  Just pick up the whole thing and put it under your seat, in the trunk, whatever.  This way there are no mounts advertising "A GPS lives here, come smash my window and try to get it"!  My Garmin is PIN protected, so it wouldn't work even if someone did steal it, but a smashed window is far more expensive then a GPS!

[Aardvark]

Get the Garmin brand bean bag mount for the top of your dash!!!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!  If the dash is clean (not covered by a ton of dust or Armorall), this thing does NOT BUDGE even during some pretty dicey maneuvering.  And when you park somewhere?  Just pick up the whole thing and put it under your seat, in the trunk, whatever.  This way there are no mounts advertising "A GPS lives here, come smash my window and try to get it"!  My Garmin is PIN protected, so it wouldn't work even if someone did steal it, but a smashed window is far more expensive then a GPS!

I did order that mount and it is due to arrive later this week.   I have my c330 on the dash of my Jeep in all weather,which is going to be a bummer for me because it was able to stay out there in all weather and work.   technology has improved to the point that the screens can't take the heat and cold.   I settled on the 1390T, so it has to come in the house with me. or go into the pocket.. it would be nice for a case like the cell phone..

speaking of the c330.. I put ball cap over it and never had any trouble.  but I hear what you  are saying about hiding the mount.. I can  do that.   

I had a mount a while back and glued it to the dash.. it came up alright when I got the other mount.  The C330 still works, maybe I will give it to the daughter.  I have to transfer over my favorite places and perhaps I can do that today after I get it set to work and take it out for a spin.

[mackbig]

Agreed, I have even hear that bad guys would even look for the mark left by the suction cup. Then assume the unit was in glove compartment/console or trunk.  Luckily with units so cheap now, the stolen market hopefully dried up a bit.  See a lot at the malls just sitting on windows and dashes, when a few years ago everyone would hide.  I still do, so I am kind of glad that the 'bait' ones are all around me.

I was "smashed and grabbed" once for a worthless piece of junk.  The in-laws gave us a free fax machine.  It was probably 10 years old.  Literally worthless.  Wife forgot to take it out of car that evening, the next day I drove it to train station to go to work, when I got in and started driving noticed 'whooshing sound', thought at first I accidentally hit the window buttons after I started the car....... Looked back and say the moulding hanging off the rear window.  They did $600 damage to window/door to get it though.  At times I feel like just putting a $20 under my windshield wiper.........

Andrew

This way there are no mounts advertising "A GPS lives here, come smash my window and try to get it"!  My Garmin is PIN protected, so it wouldn't work even if someone did steal it, but a smashed window is far more expensive then a GPS!

[mackbig]

??? I have never taken either my 660 or 755 out of my car due to heat or cold.  Never had an issue with their operation.

My only issue ever was heat related.  In Orlando, and it was the window mount.  I left it attached all week, when I went to remove at rental car return at the airport, a layer of rubber from it was still on the window.  After that it could not complete seal.  Emailed Garmin, they shipped me a new one no questions asked.

Andrew

,.,which is going to be a bummer for me because it was able to stay out there in all weather and work.   technology has improved to the point that the screens can't take the heat and cold.   I settled on the 1390T, so it has to come in the house with me. or go into the pocket.. it would be nice for a case like the cell phone..

[Sigdigit]

One other thing about leaving it in the car:  Heat is the worst enemy of the rechargeable batteries, especially if exposed to high temperatures in a fully charged state.  If you have to leave it in the car, at least let is discharge to half capacity.  The heat will quickly reduce the life expectancy of the battery otherwise.