Looking for a replacement GPS, recommendations?

[ExpoMike]

Howdy,

I have had the Magellan Crossover GPS for a couple years now and overall have been very happy with it. We love the touch screen, the vehicle navagation and topo maps. Overall it has been very easy to use and the routing and rerouting in the vehicle nav mode have been fast. My buddy has even commented on how fast it reroutes should I miss a turn or go a different direction.

So you ask, why do I want to replace it. Well, in the "Outdoor" mode which is the topo maps, we have had the occational lockup where it knows we are moving but it doesn't update the actual route. It was never a big deal as it only happened a couple times. Well, this past Death Valley trip we had it lock up 6 different times. Luckily we had map backups and the others in the group had GPS to confirm our manual map routing.

I would really like to find another GPS that offers both good vehicle nav and great topo maps. I know when the Crossover came out it was at the forefront of offering both map types and I haven't kept up on the current offerings.

What can anyone recommend, similar to the Crossover? As a added bonus, I would love to get one with an external antenna plug, since the steep windshield angle of the Cherokee can block satilite coverage at times. Ideally touch screen as hitting little buttons while moving is a pain.

Thanks.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Netbook :snorkel:

 

[Driver-Navigator]

You might want to take a look at the GlobalMap Baja series and see if they fit your needs. They have external antenna connections too.

 

[charlieaarons]

Look at this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-StreetPi...ZViewItemQQptZGPS_Devices?hash=item414c44ba1b
A >$1200 GPS, refurbished, as new, for $347. Very large touchscreen, external antenna jack, dead reckoning, video input jack for backup camera or other vido input. Slot for SD cards.
I like mine in the Unimog.

Charlie

 

[Vermejo]

For the value, it’s hard to beat a widescreen Garmin Nuvi (SD card slot equipped). You can download your own compatible topo files to SD or purchase the preloaded Garmin SD topo maps. I’ve been impressed with mine both on and off road.

 

[preacherman]

For the value, it’s hard to beat a widescreen Garmin Nuvi (SD card slot equipped). You can download your own compatible topo files to SD or purchase the preloaded Garmin SD topo maps. I’ve been impressed with mine both on and off road.

Hey Vermejo, which nuvi do you have???

Also I looked at your website, very cool. I am in West Texas, we should connect up for a run sometime and do some wheeling.

 

[Driver-Navigator]

Assuming they are compatible with the Nuvi (I don't own one to test) there are some nice, free topo maps out there too. I use them with a Garmin handheld and MapSource. Some are even designed for offroaders and include trails.

 

[charlieaarons]

I just ordered a spare Streetpilot 7500. 25% of new price is pretty good for a spare.
I have SD cards for: Australia (Street Navigator + topo/bad roads in Outback); SE Asia; China (comprehensive whole country coverage w/7 million POIs!); Russia; Europe.

Charlie

 

[mudbutt]

Here's the one I decided on....

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Garmin+-+nüvi+765T+GPS/8956089.p?id=1218018395965&skuId=8956089

 

[Vermejo]

Hey Vermejo, which nuvi do you have???

Also I looked at your website, very cool. I am in West Texas, we should connect up for a run sometime and do some wheeling.

Thanks for checking out NMBR. I went to Texas Tech and often escaped to Palo Duro Canyon.

Assuming they are compatible with the Nuvi (I don't own one to test) there are some nice, free topo maps out there too. I use them with a Garmin handheld and MapSource. Some are even designed for offroaders and include trails.

The GPS pictured is a Nuvi 850; it was recently recalled by Garmin and replaced with a Nuvi 1450. While the 850 is considered a widescreen unit, the 1450 comes with an even larger screen. GPS File Depot provides Garmin compatible maps and conversion tutorials.

 

[ExpoMike]

So, if I am understanding things correctly, I can get a Garmin unit and upload Topo maps into while still having the car navigation maps available, just like how our Crossover works, correct?

Anyone have any comments on the Garmin Nuvi 755T? Costco has a fairly good price on it and from what I can tell, I can add the external antenna to it. As long as I can load Topo maps easily, this might be a good unit for us.

As it is, I am thinking of doing a simi-permenant mount so it basically lives in the Jeep but is not easily seen from outside.

 

[mudbutt]

So, if I am understanding things correctly, I can get a Garmin unit and upload Topo maps into while still having the car navigation maps available, just like how our Crossover works, correct?

Anyone have any comments on the Garmin Nuvi 755T? Costco has a fairly good price on it and from what I can tell, I can add the external antenna to it. As long as I can load Topo maps easily, this might be a good unit for us.

As it is, I am thinking of doing a simi-permenant mount so it basically lives in the Jeep but is not easily seen from outside.

Yes, it does have an input for external antenna..... And according to thier website you can upload topos to the 755t.

Go here and you can download the owners manual before you buy:

http://www8.garmin.com/support/userManual.jsp

 

[Vermejo]

So, if I am understanding things correctly, I can get a Garmin unit and upload Topo maps into while still having the car navigation maps available, just like how our Crossover works, correct?

Yes. You will need to disable the Garmin factory installed maps to enable a secondary map. This is easily done through the “maps” menu feature. Multiple map-sets can’t be used simultaneously. Unit compatible maps will still use most of the GPS’s basic navigation features; less address find, street name announcement, etc...

Hope that helps.

A Good 755 Review

 

[ExpoMike]

Thanks guys, I went ahead and ordered it via Costco. $100 off currently (until 2/14) for a price of $199.99.

Will post up thoughts once I get it.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

So what's the verdict on the new unit?