Gps At Cost To Forum Members From Auto Nav 2000

[04FJR4ME]

+1 Bike Effects

and thank you for your support too_many_hobbies

 

[too_many_hobbies]

Bike Effects,

Exactly what I have been doing. I have the 2730 on the dash of my pickup along with the Bel RX65 radar detector that will go on the '06, whenever it arrives. I also have the Yaesu VX-6R two-way that will be used on the '06, scanning FRS/CB/Aircraft/Business frequencies. And I have the semipermanently mounted Itronix Tablet PC that I use for survey applications. And going down the road is when I return a lot of my phone calls on the cell phone. And driving is about the only time I have to read magazines any more.

I am experiencing complete [SIZE=14pt]information overload!!![/SIZE]

too_many_hobbies

 

[Warpdrv]

James.... thanks alot for getting back to me about this...

I think I will be walking away from using a PDA for a GPS, as Im sure it would prob. work OK, I have found that alot of people are having all sorts of troubles with PDA's and not just with GPS... Not saying it can't work, just that I don't want to work that hard at it.

I was Looking at some info about the Tom Tom Rider... and it looks pretty nice..

thanks for your help once again....

Warp

 

[04FJR4ME]

Warp

No problem, let us know if you can't find a deal on a TomTom Rider

James

04FJR4ME

 

[Lone_Ranger]

Hi all,

First, I want to thank both James and SBE for helping out all of us FJR folks...

I'm actually an ex-navigator (USAF C-130) who used a sextant and a variety of other devices (no GPS or INS in our plane, we were REAL navigators....ha!) to find the "most probable position"...it's funny to me that a few short years later we've come to this...consumer GPS systems that blow away the fixes that it took us 30 minutes of busting tail to get after millions of dollars of training...

and so much integrated into society that it comes complete with the modern consumer dilemma of marketing departments gone wild....

you know, the same dilemma that you see when someone is standing looking for toothpaste or shampoo or cereal or....any consumer product nowadays...

there has to be a happy medium between Henry Ford's "any color, as long as it's black" and Marlboro Ultra Light Menthol 100 soft pack (I just made that up, but I'm sure it exists for some gender confused soul)....

anyway, back to GPSs, here's what I'm considering:

I was set on a 2720, until the 2730 came along. Then I wasn't sure I'd use the XM features enough and I have an iPod, but the more I read here (including that it is not the expensive XM weather package you have to get), the more I'm convinced to get the 2730.

but wait....

I then saw James' post about the Nüvi. I really liked the fact that it had batteries as well as plug in power, though I wasn't all that impressed by the foreign language stuff that cost $80 a pop...and when I saw that it wasn't waterproof, that was the clincher...I was definitely going for the 2730...until....

I saw the post about the TomTom Rider...going to the web site, it is really impressive the amount of work they put into the video to show what it looks like under varying conditions...and it was nice that they built it specifically with motorcycles in mind (like gloved fingers will be using it, etc.)....

With all the marketing segmentation, it makes me wonder why Garmin hasn't specifically targeted the motorcycle market, too, instead of having cyclists get a car GPS or a marine GPS with a motorcycle mount? It certainly seems like there is a big enough market...but I stray....

I read enough bad reviews about the TomTom that I can't pull the trigger for it (and I wonder if those bad reviews aren't just from sources that Garmin paid more???)...It seems that the TomTom is popular in Europe and the Garmin products are popular in the US, and I wonder why that is???

Anyway, after staring at the GPS market long enough, I'm like that shopper in Wal-Mart wondering if he should buy the Cool Orange Mint extra whitening tartar control Crest or just shoot himself so he doesn't have to make yet another grueling choice...

Oh, one other thing, it seems like a lot of folks really like the 2610 because it is more "customizable" than the 27x0 series...but then I read the 27x0s are just as customizable if you read the manual and know how to access the right areas...I mean, I know what I'm doing and would like customizable.....but I also want a GPS that has the whole US on solid state maps...

So, I sit here ready to pull the trigger on the 2730....can anyone give me a good reason NOT to???

I long ago got tired of waiting for Tonto to read tracks to figure out where we should head...here's a secret for you...he and Scout got us lost...Plenty!!!...I'm ready to take Silver to places I'd never be without the wonder of technology....and besides, while I was writing this post, Tonto got a GPS, found the trail, and took of without me...now I'm lost and in need of serious GPS buying help...

thanks in advance for any advice...

I'll feel a lot better actually knowing where I'm going when I give a hearty Hi Ho Siver....away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LR (aka Scott)

 

[too_many_hobbies]

Lone Ranger,

You can't go wrong with the StreetPilot 2730. With the forum discount Auto Nav 2000 Plus is giving, it makes the 2730 even more appealing. I received one from them last week and I am very satisfied. For motorcycle use, you have the benefits of being waterproof, solid state map storage, and the motorcycle mounting kit. The 2730 does not have an internal battery, but does come with an AC power suppy so you can easily play with it indoors. One tip that I would recommend is to email Garmin after you have the 2730 in hand and state that your package only contained the USB driver CD and did not contain the City Navigator DVD. Garmin will mail you the DVD free of charge. I got mine in less that a week. This software allows you to do routing on your PC and transfer it to the 2730.

I remember those days of following my finger on a map to navigate. It was amazing how accurate it was though, if you did proper preparation and also did adjustments along the way knowing that the winds were "forecast" winds and changed as you traveled along your route. As an 18 year old Private Pilot in 1978, I remember making the trip in a Cessna 150 with 1 Navcom and a VOR that did not work well to visit my now wife who had moved 400 miles away. It wore me out mentally keeping up with where I was and making sure I did not blunder into controlled airspace. Now as an instrument rated pilot, I have a Garmin 430 coupled with GPSS to an S-TEC 60-2 autopilot in my Maule. Navigation is now almost effortless. Since the 430 automatically sequences from one fix to the next, the thing will fly most approaches for you. You only have to control power settings and changes in altitude for step down type approaches. I use the UP/DOWN buttons on the 60-2 to decend so I am flying the whole approach by simply pushing buttons. I practice approaches by totally flying myself, but when in real IMC I let the autopilot do it. There is no way you can outfly it.

too_many_hobbies

 

[04FJR4ME]

I read enough bad reviews about the TomTom that I can't pull the trigger for it (and I wonder if those bad reviews aren't just from sources that Garmin paid more???)...It seems that the TomTom is popular in Europe and the Garmin products are popular in the US, and I wonder why that is???

I represent and sell both TomTom and Garmin, so I am not going to tell you to buy which unit. You can compare them to cars, they all will get you to your final destination just slightly different.

Here is the TomTom bad press in NA and why they are so popular in EU.

TomTom uses TA mapping software, Tele Atlas mapping software is not as complete as the NavTeq software in NA, so there are lots of missing address and streets that are not routeable cause by this mapping software.

The hardware is very stable, very little returns except from time to time a bad SD card which is to be expected.

Now lets talk about the TomTom Rider, the Rider DOES NOT use the Tele Atlas mapping software, it uses the NevTeq mapping software and if you chose to install the TA software, you can but it's best if you don't if you are going to use it in NA.

I don't think Garmin is paying for bad reviews for TomTom, I think TA is doing a good job for TomTom and I have been meeting with them for the past two years trying to tell them why they should switch to NT until TA mapping software get better.

Anyhow, the TomTom Rider is made for a motorcycle, it has bluetooth handfree phone, and it will offer you traffic and weather if you subscipe to their program and if you phone is set up for the download ability from TomTom server.

I would say for a motorycycle, the Garmin 2730 is their flagship GPS unit and you can't buy one better then what they have to offer, processor is faster, display is brighter and the unit performs much eaiser then the 2610.

But that's just my personal opinion, don't let it affect your decision as to which unit is best for you.

Happy trails Lone Ranger

James

04FJR4ME

 

[NovaFlyer]

James.

I'm compelled to say a huge thankyou as I've spent the morning reading through all the posts you've written. I'm new to the GPS world and have throughly enjoyed reading your insights and information.

I was leaning towords the PDA route, but have now paused to reconsider my approach. Rest assured that when the time comes, you'll be getting a call.

There is one question I have regarding maps and detail. I live on the east coast of Canada and am wondering how much detail is available for this part of the world. I've seen some map coverage displays that omit my part of the globe which kinda blows. You have any insights as to which are better, especially if you consider the world doesn't end at the 49th parallel

I have to say this forum is great .... Wow.

Thanx again.

 

[04FJR4ME]

There is one question I have regarding maps and detail. I live on the east coast of Canada and am wondering how much detail is available for this part of the world. I've seen some map coverage displays that omit my part of the globe which kinda blows. You have any insights as to which are better, especially if you consider the world doesn't end at the 49th parallel

What province in Canada do you live in? NavTeq the company that supply most of the GPS manuafctures like Garmin have full coverage map for Canada,

but they are not all at the Detail Ccover Area level. If you can tell me what province you live in, I can pinpoint it on the map and see if it it there under full coveage.

 

[NovaFlyer]

Evening James.

I'm living in Motorcycling nirvana... otherwise known as Nova Scotia. I'd also be looking at having fairly detailed info for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The short forms are N.S. / N.B. / P.E.I

Thanx again.

 

[04FJR4ME]

Hello NovaFlyer

I'm living in Motorcycling nirvana... otherwise known as Nova Scotia. I'd also be looking at having fairly detailed info for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The short forms are N.S. / N.B. / P.E.I

You can simply go to the Garmin MapSource City Select V7 product page at:

Garmin mapsource coverage search

and click on the MapSource Map Viewer on the top right side of the page and launch the Map Viewer page and you can then maneuver on the map to Canada and zoom in on any points on the map to see the coverage.

 

[Fencer]

Can you tell me if there is such an animal as a gps with mp3 and Bluetooth?

I have seen one or the other but not both in the same unit Unless I have just overlooked it.

What could I pick it up for? I would like to be able to transfer between bike and car

 

[04FJR4ME]

FJRFencer

Can you tell me if there is such an animal as a gps with mp3 and Bluetooth?

Garmin C550 series with many enhancements like Bluetooth® wireless technology with hands-free calling, an integrated traffic receiver, MP3 player, plus much more.

You didn't ask if it is water resistant, I would say no, it is not, but otherwise it does have bluetooth and MP3 player as you have wished for!

Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc. is my company, and if you can't pre-order a unit from a GPS store near you, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

My Webpage

 

[JimLor]

James - I am getting ready to jump into the GPS world and there is a daunting amount of information (and opinions) on what's the best, etc. I've read about the Garmin Quest, the 2720, 2730, TomTom Rider, Lowrance 350C (reviewed in MCN this or last month) and I'm sure they'll all work just fine. I am fortunate in that cost really isn't "the" deciding factor, however I don't want to get more then I'll ever use. I'd like your opinion (as one who clearly knows all of the systems and their capabilities) on which ones would fill the bill if I used the GPS as follows:

- 80% on Maxine (a beautiful 05 Galaxy Blue FJR)

- 15% in the car

- 5% in the woods, hiking, etc

- XM Radio - nice but not critical

- Wx channel - yes

- MP3 - nice but not critical

- I'm used to using a map and compass so the 5% in the woods isn't absolute

- Ease of use is important

- I have an AutoCom Active 7 intercom so if it would connect to that, so much the better

I know this is a lot to ask you to do, especially on-line. If "call me" is a better solution, I will!

Thanks, Jim

 

[04FJR4ME]

- 80% on Maxine (a beautiful 05 Galaxy Blue FJR)- 15% in the car

- 5% in the woods, hiking, etc

- XM Radio - nice but not critical

- Wx channel - yes

- MP3 - nice but not critical

- I'm used to using a map and compass so the 5% in the woods isn't absolute

- Ease of use is important

- I have an AutoCom Active 7 intercom so if it would connect to that, so much the better

I know this is a lot to ask you to do, especially on-line. If "call me" is a better solution, I will!

Your criterias really narrows it down to two popular units: StreetPilot 2720 and 2730.

5% in the woods isn't absolute (I would suggest buying a basic handheld GPS for use 5% in the woods)

You should buy a SP 2720 if XM Radio/Traffic/Weather, MP3 & AudioBook are not required period.

You should buy a SP 2730 if XM Radio/Traffic/Weather, MP3 & AudioBook might be used in the future.

The SP 2730 also has the built-in stereo audio out jack and FM modulator. The GXM 30 Satellite antenna is included.

If you cannot buy it from a local GPS store near you, give us a call at Auto Nav 2000 Plus, Inc at 650-328-8832 and ask for Mr. Rick Nee for assistant

Thank you

04FJR4ME

 

[04FJR4ME]

NovaFlyer

I'm living in Motorcycling nirvana... otherwise known as Nova Scotia. I'd also be looking at having fairly detailed info for New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The short forms are N.S. / N.B. / P.E.I

NavTeq respond

NAVTEQ has Detailed City Coverage, NAVTEQ's highest level of coverage,
in Halifax, NS. The area covered at the Detailed City level is 13% of


Halifax County.  This represents 84% of the population of the county and


does include Halifax International Airport.

 


Outside of Halifax, NAVTEQ has had full coverage in Nova Scotia, New


Brunswick and Prince Edward Island (as well as the rest of Canada) since


Q4, 2003. Full Coverage means that all the roads are included, but that


the lower level roads are not fully coded to NAVTEQ specification.  In


more populated and/or important areas lower level roads means the local


roads.  In sparsely populated areas, it means local roads and lower


level arteries. 

 


Since you said that James is a reseller of our data, he should also be


aware of the following. 


a. Not all systems use our current data.  If a system has very old data


then the users may not see all of what I have written above.


b. Not all systems use all of the geographic data we send them.  For


example, certain systems may have decided to drop areas north of a


certain latitude, specific provinces, etc.


c. Not all systems use all of our data in the areas that we send them.


For example, even though we send all of the roads to a customer, they


may decide to drop roads that do not meet NAVTEQ spec.  The end result


of this would be that instead of having full coverage outside the


Detailed City areas, there would only be a skeletal network of roads.

Hope this helps!

04FJR4ME

 

[JimLor]

James - thanks for the reply. I know you put a lot of time into answering folks questions, etc on this forum and you don't make a profit - I do appreciate your time and expertise!

Jim

 

[04FJR4ME]

Hey JimLor

James - thanks for the reply. I know you put a lot of time into answering folks questions, etc on this forum and you don't make a profit - I do appreciate your time and expertise!

No thanks needed, if I didn't want to do it, I won't have.

You guys are bunch of unique guys, and this is my contribution to this forum like it or not!

I just wish I had more time to ride, but the weather here has been a bit wet and I hate cleaning the bike afterwards.

I look at my FJR like my Glock, lots of fun to use but not much fun to clean.

The Glock is faster to clean

Anyway, sometimes it takes me a while to get an answer, but I will if it is possible.

Happy trials

 

[JimLor]

A recent edition of MCN had a short review on the Lowrance IWay 500C that gave it an "A" for motorcycle use - waterproof (resistant) large screen easy to use w/gloves, comes w/a ram mount (ball), etc. I've read here and on other threads that folks don't like a GPS with a hard drive - this one has a 20GB hard drive. From the review and literature this looks like a good choice for bikin'; anyone have one and what's the deal w/hard drives?

Thanks - Jim

 

[04FJR4ME]

Engine vibration and hard drive is not a good mix, and also, the Lowrance is a good system and I am not knocking it. It is a matter of user interface and weight of the system that I have my reservation on.

You really need to test these side by side to have a better understanding of GPS user interface and how they are different.

I know MCN probably performed a short review for the Lowrance unit and it probably checked out o.k. But if you would have had a Garmin 2730, 376C or a TomTom Rider next to it, I think they would have found the unit to be slightly more difficult to use and the hard drive could be an issue.

But again, that is my own opinion and I would ask the rest of the board what they think of the unit.

We also represent Lowrance, and I have no problem selling them to people that demand it, I just don't wish to have unhappy customers and I feel by letting them know ahead of time cover my part as a GPS vendor.

I had very high hope for Lowrance and I think they will come out with a better overall system, they are getting very close.

Email Motorgod, I think he had a Lowrance that he was very happy with and later changed his mind. That is Motorgod and not MotorDOG! there are two users with almost the same name, both have Lowrance iWay 500c.

I would say if the unit you see is what you like, buy it and use it, it will be fine!

Happy trails