Im interested in a navigation system for my truck. please coment on any of the portable systems you have likes and dislikes features it should have and ones you dont really need. I am currently looking at several of the more expensive units and was wondering if I really needed to spend that kind of money.

 

A laptop with externally attached gps reciever and mapping software has worked well for me over the last 10 years. The latest Delorme or Microsoft mapping software and usb or Bluetooth powered gps reciever with Surf Star III chipset makes for a powerful and inexpensive setup, if you already own the laptop. Plus the laptop can be used for playing mp3s, movies, and various other roles, including powering a webcam used as a backup camera, and monitoring the engine with Cummins or Alex Pepper's software, as an example.

If the laptop is too big, use a PDA with the same hardware and software.

 

I have the Magellan Roadmate 760 and have been extremely pleased with the performance and features. I opted to not get the built in NAV system on the 06 because it lacks touch screen. Much easier to program while driving if you don't have to use a **** (or keyboard) to enter addresses etc.

 

Depends on what you are going to use the GPS for. If you have a laptop MS streets and trips has a GPS, about $130 for the package. Also a lot of small units out there, Garmin Magellen, TomTom are a few to come to mind.
I have used ALK technolgy' s CO-PILOT for years. Using laptop-9 now. Has a lot of features, including a RV mode. Check out their web site. Makes travel and planning easy.

 

Pioneer has a nice unit that folds into the receiver when off. Its a DVD player, and has local TV channels too. I dont know if I am going with that though, because of the $1800 pricetag, but its a really nice unit. I really wanted the factory nav system, but they didnt have ANY trucks on the lot with one in it. Must not be a big seller.

 

what ever you get just make sure that you can load long and lat as a way point. You will not allways be going to a physical address and some of the systems out there won't let you use just long and lat.

 

I, too, use a laptop with MS S&T. A small GPS antenna sticks to the windshield. I'm about to take a 12,000+ mile trip through Canada & Alaska and it will be my principal source of navigation. I made up a board which straps to the center seat console to hold the laptop. So far, it looks like it will do everything I need it to do (maps, directions, speed, elevation, etc). It gives me a really big map that zooms in or out as needed, talks to me & gives me written instructions that are easy for an old man to see. I also have a handheld Garmin GPS but the screen is too small to see while driving. In addition, the laptop lets me connect to wireless networks, plays DVD's, etc. All this for about $100 (not counting the cost of the laptop).

 

I have a Garmin Quest II. It has all the maps downloaded and is very small and portable, you can hike with it! Very easy to see while driving!

 

Mine might be a bit out of date, but its never left me wondering where I was at...

Rand McNally Atlas, a compass, a flashlight and a couple street finder atlases.

 

Well, it's usually a trade off between price and portability.

You see, the smaller navigation units usually require a greater upkeep, in the form of rings, lingerie, hair dye and the like. Alternately you can get a navigation unit for a lesser price, but that particular unit just might make your truck list to one side and you'd have to replace your front shock twice as often.

My particular favorite navigation units are those under 5'8", have dark hair and blue eyes. Of course, you're preference may vary.

 

Being the secondary unit Begle1 described (ahem, funny guy) I did buy the nav system in my 2004 and have not been impressed. lacking details (defintely NOT what is shown on tv for the priceier cars) and -yeah, you had to pullover to change a program with all the small push buttons
the right side ones for "seek" and "tune" don't even work sometimes.

We were blown away by Hertz nav system- now magellan. so if you swant the closest burger world, whatever- that is the way to go..... IMHO
all the bells and whistles for a small price.

Cause we are scuba divers, we have the very cool GPS unit 276C Garmin unit that can go from boat to pocket to vehicle on a basic preset program for about 600 bucks. might be a little small for some folks view for driving though.

 

Does anyone know if you can buy a factory GPS system/dvd player used... and simply plug it into my truck..... oh I have an 04 3500 4x4 laramie

any help would be great