Thread: GPS for the technologically inept?

people still buy GPS systems? I use my phone and so far its working fantastic!

Originally Posted by NinerPilot

One of the downsides with using a phone based GPS is that you have to have service in order to download the maps of where you are and if you are out in the boonies this may be a problem, along with all of the advanced features of the stand alone gps such as closest gas/food/hotel, detour rerouting, and preferences...
Chris

I prefer my favorite scenario of: what if I want to make a phonecall on my phone, and still navigate?

My last few smartphones have had navigation and all my laptops do, but its gadzillions times more efficient to stick a purpose-built box on the dash to do it.

I admit, google maps on the crackberry is awesome, but as NP said, go through a valley with wacky service and that red dot on a gray wallpaper isn't so useful anymore

I have used my Q9h and crackberry for getting myself out of jams though when I didn't have my GPS, it just bugged me to get a call on one while trying to navigate

I get the feeling I'll remember this conversation when I'm out in BFE and it doesn't work...

the calls don't bother me, just get off quickly if I don't remember where it has told me to go and it pops right back to the navigation.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

y last few smartphones have had navigation and all my laptops do, but its gadzillions times more efficient to stick a purpose-built box on the dash to do it.

I agree.

Garmin doesn't seem to agree though: Garmin | nüvifone - connect, communicate, navigate

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

My last few smartphones have had navigation and all my laptops do, but its gadzillions times more efficient to stick a purpose-built box on the dash to do it.

You're so modest.

http://www.motorcycleaddicts.org/att..._2720_lhcx.jpg

Originally Posted by RedRider

I'm looking for something in the $200-250 price range to give to one of my kids for Xmas. Any suggestions on something relatively small and simple? I see several models mentioned here, but I know diddly about them...

make sure you get something that works on the water also. that way you can borrow it.

Originally Posted by sickchuck

Garmin Nuvi 255 is simple and intuitive. Got one for my parents and they were able to figure it out.

The 2 series Garmins are some of the simplest and best made. If I could find a 260w for ~125$, lots of people would be getting them this year

SSG, any idea what a BMW Zumo is worth, re-sold NIB?

BTW, not mine, I wouldn't give it up!

Originally Posted by luvtolean

SSG, any idea what a BMW Zumo is worth, re-sold NIB?

BTW, not mine, I wouldn't give it up!

600$ I'd toss it on Craigslist and take the highest offer I had at the end of the first week if they were above my buddy price.
350-400$ Is what I'd sell it to you or Dr. Hall for, but I'm not really selling.
So probably somewhere in the middle for the average forum listing price.

..unless you find an unlucky schlub who considers 700$ to be a value compared to BMW's 900$ MSRP.


Biggest notable pluses and minuses to consider:

1. - it cannot be used as an XM tuner due to BMW's agreement with Sirius (no value to me, I hate xm..but maybe it's different now that they are sirius?)
2. + it does include a usb FM traffic adapter (80-120$ value)
3. - It does not include any mounting stuff other than the cradle itself (40$)
4. + It does include the BMW 'plug-and-play' harness for most of their 2007 and newer bikes (AFAIK, may be earlier as well). (50$ for BMW owners, can be modded for others, but your better off buying the OEM harness from Garmin and pitching the BMW one on fleabay).
5. - It does not include a car power cord or suction mount...thats a quick 100$, I paid 65$ for mine and it was a steal at the time.

Need more? lemme know.