GPS Navigation Units?

[Shelby07]

I've used Garmis GPS units in my planes for years. Started with a GPS 195, then a GPSMAP 196. When that was stolen I upgraded to the GPSMAP 296. Both the 196 and the 296 have an automotive and marine mode as well as an aviation mode. Getting one with the aviation databases in it would be overkill and expensive, unless you are or are planning to be a pilot, but all of the Garmin stuff is built to rigid standards and they are the most popular in the aviation world where dependability is a must.

Whatever you decide on, look for the ability to pick up a large number of satellites, 12 minimum. The more satellites it can receive the better it's going to be at getting and keeping the signal. Also be sure to use the external antenna, as the satellite signal is strictly line of site.

Have fun. They are great little gadgets.

Disclaimer: I do not work for, nor do I have a financial interest in Garmin, (although their stock is looking pretty good!)

[Bassfever]

Are you still looking for one? Tigerdirect.com has the Lowrance IWAY 500 for $639. and Lowrance has a $100. rebate for that unit until next week. Thats a sweet deal. Bass pro and cabelas sell that unit for $799.

[mauied1101]

Nah, but thanks for the information - picked up a Magellan Roadmate 800. Love it. New model out has integrated bluetooth and satellite traffic reports, but that's the price of progress.

[jcruz1027]

Nice pick up! Any problems aquiring that first signal when downtown?

I got my wife a Garmin i5 because she wanted a "cute one" and its done pretty well. Has a hard time in the city when around taller buildings. Did great on recent road trips to Atlantic City.

[mauied1101]

Nice pick up! Any problems aquiring that first signal when downtown?

nah - it needs about 30 seconds to pick up... and that's about anywhere, but after that, it's been great. Garmin has a nice system - I'm just used to the Hertz Neverlost so I got this one.

[SuperChuck]

nah - it needs about 30 seconds to pick up... and that's about anywhere, but after that, it's been great. Garmin has a nice system - I'm just used to the Hertz Neverlost so I got this one.

I used a Neverlost last week... That thing was GREAT on travel.

I used the Yellow Pages function to find a Radio Shack, which saved my ass.

Do most GPS nav units have that kind of functionality?

(I can't wait for Google to come out with nav software for mobile phones)

[mauied1101]

I used a Neverlost last week... That thing was GREAT on travel.

I used the Yellow Pages function to find a Radio Shack, which saved my ass.

Do most GPS nav units have that kind of functionality?

(I can't wait for Google to come out with nav software for mobile phones)

Yeah - most do - shopping, restaurants, etc. by categories, zipcode, city, you get the idea. I find it pretty easy to use.

There *IS* a software that turns most phones into GPS - free of charge - I just have to dig it up.