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GPS questions....

ST Guy said:
I recommend getting a decent Garmin and keeping it in your tank bag, turned off. If you need to consult it, pull over and turn it on. Consult it. Turn it off and put it away.
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How is that any better than using a paper map?


That's a serious question.

As is, I keep getting reminded that I should bring along a paper map anyway, because I'll still occasionally get lost relative to the route I originally wanted to be on, even with my GPS. And sometimes I don't know exactly what roads I want to be on to get from point A to point B, but my Garmin tends to pick the most boring ones for me if I don't pre-program the route, or don't otherwise know exactly what roads I want to take. Sometimes I can figure that out better looking at a map of the area than trying to do it with the GPS. (And I'll readily admit that I'm no expert when it comes to using a Garmin Zumo 550.)
 
A GPS doesn't need to be any more distracting than the rest of your gauges. It's on you if you can't discipline yourself to only look when you need it.

I bring paper maps along as well, but mostly for route planning to put into the GPS. I like a larger view of a days ride to make sure I'm not missing any good bits you can only see when zoomed all the way in on a screen.
 
revnort said:
A GPS doesn't need to be any more distracting than the rest of your gauges. It's on you if you can't discipline yourself to only look when you need it.
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All the more reason to use the iPhone tucked into another compartment where you can't see it and just use the Bluetooth function for directions.
 
minor threadjack...

I have a Zumo 550 that I recently picked up. Unknown history. The touchscreen doesn't seem to work, any suggestions?
 
Junkie said:
minor threadjack...

I have a Zumo 550 that I recently picked up. Unknown history. The touchscreen doesn't seem to work, any suggestions?
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I work at a company that uses resistive touch screens. It happens sometimes. Call their support and see if they have a special mode to recalibrate it.
 
Junkie said:
minor threadjack...

I have a Zumo 550 that I recently picked up. Unknown history. The touchscreen doesn't seem to work, any suggestions?
Click to expand...

My old 450 had it's touchscreen wear out. Replacements are available on ebay for under 50$ from what I remember. I bought a 660 to replace it but did swap the screens and gave it to a friend. Works great with new screen. Easy to replace.

As far as not riding with an active mounted powered mount gps to refer to often, many rides it's not only advisable, it's required. Great mp3 player as well.
 
I've had really good luck with Garmin units - reliability, water resistance, accuracy. I paid over $200 for each one, though.

Would you consider getting something off eBay? Some sellers offer factory refurbished units.
~or~
Do you know anyone that works in the outdoor sports industry that you could get a "bro deal" from? Not just someone that works in the motorcycle industry, but anywhere they use GPS units - bicycling, hunting, fishing, flying, hiking, cosplay...
 
hmm, seems I could even get a replacement touch part only for a very reasonable price.
 
Beauregard said:
I use a non-smart flip phone for my communication needs.
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Bummer.

I use my Android phone with a free downloaded map app (pay for a bit more features). You download the map based on the state you need, so you don't end up having to load up 1+ Gb. worth of maps (CA = 240 Mb., NV = 23 Mb.). It works great without any cell signal, it saves battery (no data stream + turn off display for voice only) and it's quicker since the map is already in the phone.

Add an extended battery for the phone ($25) and a decent in-ear rubber earbuds ($30, also act as earplugs). I can go 2-3 hours with directions spoken to my ears with still battery power to spare - the phone stays in my pocket. If you want to go farther, pick up an external battery pack for $30 that would at least double the batt life.

Otherwise, yea, it's impossible to get just the durable GPS unit alone for $200.
 
I have a Zumo 665 and GPSMap 478, and have owned a Zumo 660. For casual use I would take a look at the Zumo 220. At a list of $399 its not cheap, but it does a good job, screen is kind of small. If you want to listen to music while you ride as well as the directions the 660/665 are nice, but not cheap.

If you don't need music then the 220 is fine.

I find the spoken directions more useful than looking at the screen. I don't have to take my eyes off the road. And its are really good warning that you have a turn coming up when your music cuts out. You lose this on car units, most only use Bluetooth for the phone, not spoken directions. Some do have audio jacks but then you need to deal with the wires.

I like the XM weather that I get on the 665, but then I ride a fair distance...

The older StreetPilots and GPSMaps have a cult following so the prices remain high. And the new map updates will no longer fit in the internal memory, so you have to load a portion of the US into them (not a problem for most people).
 
I've always had good experience with gpscity.

I typically go for an lower end one that meets most of my needs. I careless what happens to it when I could buy a replacement or two with the budget of a top end unit and a pricey locking base.

Rammount is awesome.

My current is a Nuvii 550. Works great. Takes a bit more effort to be precise with the gloves on, but otherwise gets me from A to B.
 
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