|
I've used earthmate (old serial and newer USB) and deluo gps units. I prefer the deluo a great deal due to the magnet. Let's me stick it on the roof when I'm having trouble getting a signal on my dash. The old serial earthmate (which I'm sure noone uses still) sucked due to proprietary format. The newer usb (actually went through two) was pretty good. First one was stolen thanks to the bright yellow, second one had the wires go loose I think, didn't bother troubleshooting it much cause it was USB. Went to serial just because there's not the USB driver issue. Although the serial deluo requires a fix to keep windows from thinking the gps is sending mouse signals, causing the cursor to jump all over the place. Quick and easy fix though.
Software wise:
Using MapMonkey/D3/(whatever it's called) now because of the integration with frodoplayer, automatic rerouting, and voice prompts and flash of streets and turns coming up. Lack of data kind of sucks. I've had quite a few address that I can't find and end up just manually picking a point I know is close to my destination.
Streets and Trips is good as far as info on business, gas stations, restaurants, etc. Street Atlas annoys the hell out of me. Way too much on one screen for in-car usage.
Used Mappoint integrated with MediaCar before I switched to Frodo, did well, but I ached for automatic rerouting.
Umm.. what else...
Also tried out ExpertGPS for awhile. Very very cool to see an aerial photo version of a map as you drive along. Not very useful, but definitely gives a good "wow" factor to passengers. Wish there was an easy way to download all the maps in one fell swoop for an area though. I did it manually and it took forever just to get a few mile radius from my place.
If I had to buy a new gps and had the $$$ I'd go for a bluetooth one, just to get rid of the wire running across my dash. But other than that the simple cheap deluo is great in my opinion. Real easy to tell when it has a signal or not too.
__________________
1997 Honda CR-V
Audio::Custom Speaker Box:/:2x10" Rockford Fosgates:/:Sony Xplod amp
Computer::Epia M10000:/:Deluo GPS:/:Lilliput 7":/:802.11g:/:In a shoebox
Software::FrodoPlayer + Destinator3
|