Microsoft GPS unit sucks.. anyone else? What would be better?

thepunkerguy · 07-10-2007, 11:38 PM

Alright, well i had bought Microsoft Streets and Maps 2007
with their newest USB GPS receiver. I am not very impressed with it. Even on the front of the dash under the windshield it has problems often. Many times it takes several minutes down the road before the gps unit picks up any satellites and starts working. Thats what really bothers me. It does drop out a bit, but the part about how long it takes to initially startup is what sucks, especially when you are in a hurry to go somewhere and are trying to depend on your gps. Has anyone else tried this receiver, what was your experience? In you guys opinions what is the BEST overall gps receiver, that will pickup the most satellites and connect the fastest? the BU-303? I am using StreetDeck software and hibernate the computer each time the car goes off, so whatever receiver you guys suggest needs to work when resuming from hibernate!
thanks!
- Mike

2k1Toaster · 07-11-2007, 01:01 AM

Well I had the Microsoft 2006 with USB puck which was a pharos-360 unit. It was awesome. I got a lock within seconds of turning on the car cold, as well as lane change accuracy. I was told however it was not SirfIII but SirfII. Well when my puck died after about 1yr of rock solid service, I thought I would buy a BU-353. It too suffers from this. It takes between 5 and 15 minutes to get a lock. It ****es me off. It is supposed to be the best. I changed absolutely nothing other than the gps puck.

So IMHO, the pharos-360 is kick *** and much better than the BU-353. However they dont make it anymore so what you will buy will be used, and of course mine died after a year which is sort of bad for any modern technology.

I am thinking of just buying another pharos-360 because I loved it so much. But first I am going to try and put the bu-353 on the outside of the car just to see what difference it makes if any...

Sonicxtacy02 · 07-11-2007, 08:47 AM

i've never hadda an issue with locks on my bu-353.. it usually has locks before windows fully loads.

Ruffy · 07-12-2007, 07:45 PM

i was just about to buy a copy of MS trips 2007 with the puck...

i want sirf III and Im tired of my Pharos 360 puck from MS trips 2006 not picking up alot.

great now I don't know what to get. The BU353 has alot of people claiming issues.

techfire · 07-13-2007, 03:52 AM

Best bang for the buck is the Navibe GM720 from BuyGPSNow.com for $36.95. This is the same chipset as the BU-353, but a bit cheaper.

USB attached, SirfStarIII chipset (-159 dBm), waterproof (if you are wanting to mount it externally).

http://www.buygpsnow.com/navibe-gm72...abled-779.aspx

Another good alternative would be the EverMore GM-R900 from Semsons.com. Again, SirfStarIII chipset. However, Semsons.com includes the Franson GPSGate program with it. $42.99.

http://www.semsons.com/gmusbgpsresi.html