I know, the topic's been beaten to death. But let's see what's good on the market today. Options change.
I've always used a laptop with StreetAtlas and a GPS antenna when traveling. This gets a nice large (but reflective) screen, and has other uses. Since the laptop seems to have low volume, I have a dongle to transmit thru the radio. However, all this means I have to remember to bring the laptop, etc, and that's a lot to lug. And it takes a while to boot up, being cursed by MS.
So I'm rethinking the matter. I did not, and would not, get an in-dash navigation system. They generally cost around $1800, 3-10 times as much as the portable units, and may become obsolete.
So what am I/should I be looking for?
- I'm not too concerned about the cost, I'll have it many years and the boss might chip in. Well, better keep it under $500 or so.
- Must be updatable, with reasonable expectation that such updates will be available for at least the next 5-10 years.
- Screen size must be fairly large. Is 4.3" really enough?
- Is WQVGA really enough resolution?
- Must come with own GPS antenna. No such antenna in my car to plug into.
- Accuracy is important, especially down to minor streets level in the northern VA/DC/MD area.
- Canadian coverage is of some interest, but not major. Coverage in Mexico is of no interest.
- Is a live traffic service of any real value? I find that the Sirius traffic info is not current & of little use.
- Voice directions desired, voice commands I think I can live without.
I plan to look at Magellan, Garmin, TomTom- should I be considering all these? Any others? Mostly concerned about updates being available for many years into the future.
What do you folks think of the Navigon® GPS Systems 7100?
I've always used a laptop with StreetAtlas and a GPS antenna when traveling. This gets a nice large (but reflective) screen, and has other uses. Since the laptop seems to have low volume, I have a dongle to transmit thru the radio. However, all this means I have to remember to bring the laptop, etc, and that's a lot to lug. And it takes a while to boot up, being cursed by MS.
So I'm rethinking the matter. I did not, and would not, get an in-dash navigation system. They generally cost around $1800, 3-10 times as much as the portable units, and may become obsolete.
So what am I/should I be looking for?
- I'm not too concerned about the cost, I'll have it many years and the boss might chip in. Well, better keep it under $500 or so.
- Must be updatable, with reasonable expectation that such updates will be available for at least the next 5-10 years.
- Screen size must be fairly large. Is 4.3" really enough?
- Is WQVGA really enough resolution?
- Must come with own GPS antenna. No such antenna in my car to plug into.
- Accuracy is important, especially down to minor streets level in the northern VA/DC/MD area.
- Canadian coverage is of some interest, but not major. Coverage in Mexico is of no interest.
- Is a live traffic service of any real value? I find that the Sirius traffic info is not current & of little use.
- Voice directions desired, voice commands I think I can live without.
I plan to look at Magellan, Garmin, TomTom- should I be considering all these? Any others? Mostly concerned about updates being available for many years into the future.
What do you folks think of the Navigon® GPS Systems 7100?