Vehicle Talking GPS Help

[03RMK800]

I am thinking about a GPS for vehicle use, and looking for help.
Tickled pink with my Magellan Sporttrack for sledding and hunting, but I'm a beginner at putting one of these talking machines in my truck.

Any suggestions on what to look for, any experience, good or bad, with any brand/model?

Volume and clarity of voice are important since at least one possible user can't hear....


Thanks!

 

[retiredpop]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 760. It works well and you can pick the voice you want. There are newer ones out there now but you can't go too wrong with Garmin no matter what model.

 

[rhein1969]

What type of truck? Do you need it to be portable? If not why not go with an in dash system? I just installed a Pioneer AVIC-D3 in my 05 Mustang, and while I was scared of screwing something up found a VERY complete write up on line with the exact same install and it was VERY easy, and turned out VERY nice.

They make aftermarket harnesses for various manufactures (ford, gm, etc) that map the wiring of the stereo to the harness of the car, so, you take the two harnesses, hook the wires up between the two, and then it's plug and play.

For an older vehicle of course, this won't work, but a late model vehicle I'd def look into going that route.

 

[yz400ex]

with the in dash stereo/gps unit.. I have one and love it.. It is an Eclipse with a TomTom GPS unit.. the TomTom is also detachable so it can be taken with you on the go if needed. All touch screen controls and fully customizable so you can pretty much have any voice you want to give the directions. Equips your vehicle with bluetooth for hands free use of your cell phone while driving and its easily updated just by plugging the TomTom portion into your usb on the computer.. Hasnt failed me yet.. Has made life 10 times easier wherever I travel and I never have to worry about forgetting it at home!

 

[boone]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 760. It works well and you can pick the voice you want. There are newer ones out there now but you can't go too wrong with Garmin no matter what model.

I agree completely!! Garmin is, without a doubt, THE way to go. Very portable and easy to use. You can move it to any vehicle you want. I use the beanbag dash mount, so all you do is plop it on your dash and plug it in. I send it with my 80 y/o grand parents all the time and they love it. Super simple to use. My Dad bought a different brand and liked it untill he used mine. Now he steals mine all the time! lol

Boone

 

[Dunatic]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 265 wt that I use every day to find customers houses, works awesome!!

 

[03RMK800]

Thanks for the Help!

Thanks for the comments. I did watch a Garmin in action last week, and thought it could be good. I could easily see the screen from the back seat, and could hear the voice pretty well. I would have to try some of the other voices, to see what is most audible to me.

The mention of the aftermarket indash is a new thought, but I probably need vehicle to vehicle transferability, and woudl stay with a fully portable.

Alan

 

[xrated]

only used one it was the TomTom. After using it I am now gay for TomTom. I actually didnt use the voice as I found it annoying...it was easier for me to glance at the screen and go from there.

 

[benamen]

I have been using a Garmin NUVI 650 for over a year now. Voice is quite clear and if you find the volume too low you may have to go to the volume screen for music to increase it.
Just had my hearing checked and will be purchasing a couple of hearing aids in the near future. The Garmin unit is quite clear even without the help of hearing aids.
I like the voice feature, even though it is a little annoying when you decide not to follow its chosen route. Nice to have the unit advise you ahead of time, when you are getting close to a turn. Gives you time to get into the correct lane.
Some of the more expensive Garmins (ZUMO) allow you to plan a trip on your computer and then transfer the trip to the GPS. Handy if you are doing a lot of side trips on a vacation.

 

[boone]

Another thing about the Garmin... mine has an FM tuner so you can set it to broadcast over your cars speakers it you really need more volume.

Boone