Posted by JDB_CA on 6/20/05 11:31pm
Msg #46369

Getting around Cali

I am new to CA. I am new to being a notary. Does any one use the GPS? If so any recommendations on a brand name or style. I have been shopping around and they seem so small. Thx, JDB

Reply by HisHughness on 6/20/05 11:35pm
Msg #46370

WOW! I bet the heading on this thread caught everyone's attention. Getting around Calinotary is a virtual occupation for some people -- who are almost always unsuccessful, I might add. I understand even his mother tried it a time or two, like the last time, when she abandoned him in a highway rest stop restroom. Took seven weeks to track her down through DNA, but the state finally did, and promised her there would be no criminal repercussions if she would just please come get him. She took the three years in prison instead.

Reply by Ted_MI on 6/21/05 7:21am
Msg #46418

Re: Hugh, my response was exactly the same !! n/m

Reply by DonnanorthernCA on 6/20/05 11:56pm
Msg #46375

where in CA are you?

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 6/20/05 11:59pm
Msg #46377

Garmin 2620 - love it! n/m

Reply by JDB_CA on 6/21/05 12:03am
Msg #46378

O.K. Great! I have researched the Garmin2620 and I have looked online at the tomtomgoplus and the Lawrence iWAY500C.

Reply by Barry/FL on 6/21/05 1:09am
Msg #46387

Personally, I like the Acura with the built in Navigation. It's how I get around. Between the touch screen and the Voice Activation, it's a great vehicle and navigation system.

Reply by Calnotary on 6/21/05 11:40am
Msg #46511

I got the same BArry in my Honda Accord, but sometimes the new housing in my area still too new for my system.

Reply by Terri_CA on 6/21/05 1:23am
Msg #46391

Re: Garmin 2620 - Magellan RoadMate 500+

I looked at the Garmin 2620; but decided against purchasing it. Why, be cause in some of the newsgroups I read, it has its own hard drive which in time with vibration etc can become corrupt and unusable. I purchased a Magellan RoadMate 500+ I love it. I use the Window mount to hold it and it's a good size for me. I have to be able to read without glasses and this does the job for me.

These toys, however, are not cheap. FYI - I like the ability to use it in any car I'm in, like having to rent a car while mine is being serviced, or using hubby's because he needs my bigger car.

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by Shan_cali on 6/21/05 2:23am
Msg #46398

I just bought a GPS system. I have done extensive research before buying the Garmin StreetPilot c330. It is an awesome unit. Very simular to the Garmin 2620 but with a better LCD, and smaller overall design. (design very simular to the TOMGOGO, but it's a Garmin. Go to GPSnow.com, best deal that I found for a little over $700, $712 shipped to be exact.

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/21/05 7:03am
Msg #46414

Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

http://www.delorme.com/earthmatelt20/default.asp

LO demonstrated his to me last week - you have to have a laptop for this one. You attach a little gizmo to the laptop and put it on your dashboard.

He said he bought his at Fryes for $79.

Obviously, it's not as stylish as the Garmin GPS or the Magellan (sp) systems you mount, but it sure fits my budget better at this time. And, I've also had this recommended to me from another who is accustom to carrying a laptop with her.

Also, I like the large laptop screen view. For those who cannot sink the $600+ into a GPS system, this may be an alternative.

Reply by Jon on 6/21/05 9:28am
Msg #46450

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

I also have DeLorme for my laptop. So far, I have been very disappointed with it. It is missing 26 or so miles of a major freeway where I live and has only been able to find the actual address I need twice. My Thomas guide from 2000 works better for me than Street Atlas. I was considering getting MS Streets and Trips to see if it's any better, but don't know if I want to spend the money an a chance that it won't.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 6/21/05 9:52am
Msg #46467

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

I have both programs and in my area the DeLorme has contained more info than the Microsoft Streets and Trips. I have a problem in my area as well with incomplete information but many times it is the county's fault (bad info to ALL the map people).

I found myself once on a dirt road in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. Nothing around for 15 miles... NOTHING. 'You have reached your destination'. I was like 'What destination?' Stomp, stomp, stomp... is it an underground bunker?

I finally found some Southwest Gas road crew sleeping in their truck and they let me follow them another 20 miles of dirt road to my destination.

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/21/05 9:54am
Msg #46470

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

These comments are helpful...keep them coming!

Would the Garmin / Magell. technology solve this problem?

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 6/21/05 9:59am
Msg #46475

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

Beats me... You've lost me there! Now I'm going to look it up though!

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 6/21/05 10:14am
Msg #46485

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

I don't know if this is what you were asking but... my DeLorme already has a GPS and I set up the options for 'Talking Directions' so my computer talks to me when I drive. Microsoft Streets and Trips doesn't have a GPS (but I think you can link one I just don't know how) but I don't think it would do any good if the information is off.

In the city and most of the time, my DeLorme works great!

My point to Jon was that if DeLorme didn't have it, then MS&T probably wouldn't have it either.

The great think about MS&T is it is very easy to work in. When I do marketing days, I just take the address list and import into MS&T and it routes it fast and prints maps and directions. I don't think DeLorme makes it so easy on you in that aspect. I use DL for my signing appts and MS&T when I schedule 30 extra stops in a day. It was only $30 at Costco.

Reply by anonymous on 6/21/05 10:32am
Msg #46498

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

Angelina you are too too funny, how about a map and your brain, works for me most days and use the term most days gently. Of course it does help that I have lived in the area for upteen years. Enjoy your humor!

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 6/21/05 10:52am
Msg #46504

Re: Not as snazzy, but it's $89-$99: Delorme GPS Earthmate

What are you sayin anon? That I can't tell my a** from an anthill? Most days my brain stays on my porch sippin margaritas so... alas... it's talking computers for me! (I would put a smily here but I don't know how.)

I service 6 rural counties and certain ones... the one with bad water... I had never been to before I started this job. There are tons of unmarked dirt roads that are not on maps and unless you follow your 'At 2.6 miles... turn right on county road 46....' you are SOL. You are SOL half the time anyway and many times I have to ask the borrower for a quick set of directions. Most of them understand what it is like out here and volunteer it first. They don't want to have to say..."Well the last time I heard from that Notary was three days ago... she said she was on her way but we never heard from her again!"

Reply by Barb/LI on 6/21/05 7:51am
Msg #46426

I purchased the Garmin 2610 about a year ago from online Getyourfeetwet.com. It was refurbished and came with a 2 year warranty. Believe it or not it got better reveiws than the 2620. Anyhow I think it is great. It doesn't alwalys take you what you may learn later is the best route but it does get you there and if you go off route it recalculates. Great also when you hit a traffic jam and get off that road to avoid the jam. When you are going on a long trip, you may want to go as far as you can knowing the best route from experience and then turn it on in you unchartered area. I was going to Pennsylvania from NY one time and it wanted to take me through New York City at 5pm on a Friday night. A big no-no LOL. So, I went as far as I could through prior knowledge and then turned it on.

By the way, I paid $630 refurbished with warranty. It does a lot more than I use it for. Shame on me. And of course, I bought it a year ago so maybe some of the other units are newer and have newer or improved features. In any event I am thrilled with this one. Just to note because it is portable and not professionally installed, it does not have dead reckoning. So once you get on the street, it may tell you you are in front of number 123 main street when in fact you are in front of 135 main street. In other words, you may be off about 30 to 50 feet. To me this is a small thing to give up for portability. Good luck with whatever you get.

Reply by Barb/LI on 6/21/05 8:32am
Msg #46436

Mistake in above answer: It's "Getfeetwet.com"

Sorry

Reply by Dave_CA on 6/21/05 9:55am
Msg #46473

TomTom GO

I've had mine since December and I think it's great. It was rated best by PC Magazine late last year. It has an outstanding 3D map display, an excellent mounting system and a great Speaker.