General GPS questions, caution EXTREME gadget newbie....

[StumpXJ]

Ok, I want a GPS.

My head is spinning from looking at all of the options available, and my requirments/wants.

I can replace timing belts, transmissions, fab bumpers, roof racks and do darn near anything mechanical, but when it comes to electronics/software/topo/laptop/do-dads, I am apparently the epitomy of stupid.

Here is what I have, not even sure if it matters, but just so we are on the same page. I have a 1998 Tacoma ext. cab pickup that is set-up for expedition style travel, camping, and just general exploring. I have enough stuff hanging off of the dash or mounted to it that I am not sure I have room for a laptop set-up, but its not completely out of the question.

Here is what I would like (keyword like, not sure if any of this is feesible/possible) to have all in one unit:

#1: Something that I can use for regular street driving, i.e. inputting a destination address and it giving me step-by-step driving instruction to get there. Like any of the normal street style navigation systems in regualr cars today. We have one in our family vehicle and it is darn nice to have when in a city far from home.

#2: something that will also allow me to use/have Topography maps of various areas... how does this work??? Do you have to "buy" certain sections from map companies to do this? Can you buy it by the state or country?

#3: This is an important one. I am currently living in Germany. I will be here for atleast another 3 years and plan to do some serious road trips/exploring trips as there are many very cool destinations/terrain in Europe. I need something that will have Europe maps available or included that will work with everything else...I also want to be able to use this when I get back to the states in a few years, by buying or dowloading the U.S./Canada/Mexico stuff.

Thats basically the gist of it. I am very much aware that there is much more to it than Im probably aware of, but thats why im here.... Im not asking for anyone to do research for me, but would be great if someone who is knowledgeable with this stuff could atleast help me narrow my choices or lead me in the right direction for a system that will work or me. Once that happens and I learn about those options, I am sure I will have more specific questions.

Thanks for reading... ~James

 

[Schattenjager]

Gps

There are a lot of great GPS companies now - and they all have pretty good software. When I was living in Alaska and started flying I noticed that every pilot and bush guide was all about Garmin. After a little exploration I learned that Garmin has some of the easiest to use yet hi-tech GPS on the market. Others will chime in with their experiences with other GPS's and as you will soon see the loyalty to a brand can be pretty strong - namely because they WORK. Hard to go wrong with a name brand GPS these days.

You do not have have to have a laptop in your car to make a GPS work. Load the info you need at home or the office and you are good to go. By saying that you want topo and city maps I gather that you will want a hand held that can be mounted to the car for driving around town and then put in your pocket for a hike?

I really like my Garmin 60CSx because of all it does - color screen, easy to use, newest and fastest chipset, holds both city navigator and Topo maps and uses Micro SD chips for unlimited map/data storage. I think the only reason I would buy another GPS is because I just wanted one - not a need. There is a lot of European support for them as well.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=310

I mounted mine using RAM mounts (highly recommended) to the front door trip on my Tacoma. Here is a pic. It is easy to see, I ran the power cord out of sight behind the weather stripping, and it just snaps out of the holster for my hikes. It does an amazing job with street navigation too - got me from Alaska to Denver without a hitch.

good Luck with your decision - keep us posted as to your thinking.


:lurk:

 

[jeffryscott]

Garmin's Quest GPS is a good starting point - it does everything you are asking for (autorouting, topos available, European version available with basemap), is fairly inexpensive, can easily go from car to hand and has a beautiful color screen.

It is inexpensive enough that you could buy the European version, use it for the three years you are in Germany then sell it when you leave (at that point the newer GPS's will probably have many more features you would want anyway)

 

[StumpXJ]

Ok, both great suggestions. I have spent the last few hours looking at the Garmin website and comparing those with other similar models, shopping for prices etc...... Then I ran across something interetsing.

Does anyone have experience with this?https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=10573

When I mentioned above that I didnt neccesarily want any more stuff hanging off of my dash, one of the reasons is because of the 7inch color monitor I already have for my cameras (Me) and DVD player (My wife when camping). I have several inputs available on this monitor and it would GREAT if I could use this in conjunction with the Nav system. I know it would work on a component level. It has a lot of features, and appears to be compatible with all of the other maps that Garmin offers, including Topo (??). I dont have any need to take it out of the vehicle for hiking (because im not much of a hiker....) I kind of like the idea of it being a more permanent install.

Anyone ever used this or something similar? What do you think about the features it has comared to the other models mentioned? The price is a little higher, but....

Thanks!!
~James

 

[DaktariEd]

Hmmm...if I recall correctly, the Fall Overland Journal is having an article on GPS units by BajaTaco (aka, Chris Marzonie). It's in the mail as we speak.

Maybe see what he writes.
I haven't seen it yet, but it's likely to be very helpful.