Posted by BetsyMI on 10/5/06 6:14pm
Msg #150561

Question about GPS and installation

Did a Search. Can't find what I'm looking for.

I told you all I had a car accident a month ago while looking for an address for a closing. Some on this site suggested getting a GPS, which apparently makes it much easier to find addresses, especially when it's dark.

I'm looking at new cars with built in GPS but the cost through the dealership is about $2000. I have seen quotes from some of you for a GPS for about $500-800. My question is, do you just plug the thing in or does it have to be installed? Does it have an antenna? Does that have to be installed? Where do you find a GPS, besides ebay?

Reply by Calnotary on 10/5/06 6:31pm
Msg #150566

I have a navigation that came with the vehicle. But I also have a laptop with microsoft Streets and trips and it works very well. You can get that software for about 100.00 it includes the satellite receiver. Do a google search on 2006 Microsoft Streets and Trips.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 10/5/06 6:41pm
Msg #150569

I have a Garmin 2620 and love it! It plugs into the cigarette lighter of the car, it is mounted on a bean bag and you just put it on your dash when you use it. When not in use I leave it on the floor on the passenger side.

Having this GPS system has really made the traveling so much easier!
I bought it over the Internet 2 years ago for about $800... they must be much lower now.

Reply by DellaCa on 10/5/06 8:03pm
Msg #150593

2620 Garmin here like Barbara I love mine also. Bought mine at bestbuy staples also has them. I would be lost without it!!

Reply by dickb/wi on 10/5/06 6:48pm
Msg #150572

betsy....i have the garmin street pilot C330, and i love it......i have used it from coast to coast and it works superbly......as with all gps, they may not be right on the spot but usually are on the spot within aprox 100-200feet.......i paid around 1100 at the time i bought mine but they can be bought at shopko---best buy---circuit city for about 499 now......they even have an updated version out as well.......go to garmin.com and you can get all the info on their gps...thaey are considered the premier gps co whether its hand held, auto,boat air plane or what ever.......mine has a window suction cup and a built in antenna[as long as its on the windshield it works, but must have view of the satelite]........however i bout an antenna for it and mounted mine on the front of my dash just below my satelite radio and hooked the antenna to it and place the end of the antenna on my dash under the windshield with velcrow and it works like a charm......to your first question....it plugs in the cigarette lighter receptacle........hope this helps......

Reply by MINY on 10/5/06 7:15pm
Msg #150576

Wal-Mart.com (I know! wal-mart BAAAAAD)

I just got the same one (c330) researched it quite extensively. Must say I LOVE IT!!!! Wal-Mart .com has the best price around. $389.78

Reply by BetsyMI on 10/5/06 7:36pm
Msg #150581

Re: Thanks to all of you! n/m

Reply by PL on 10/5/06 7:54pm
Msg #150588

COBRA 4500, IT'S LARGE AND VERY EASY TO USE. $550@AMAZON n/m

Reply by PL on 10/5/06 7:55pm
Msg #150589

COBRA 4500, IT'S LARGE AND VERY EASY TO USE. $550@AMAZON n/m

Reply by PL on 10/5/06 7:55pm
Msg #150590

COBRA 4500, IT'S LARGE AND VERY EASY TO USE. $550@AMAZON n/m

Reply by Tina_MA on 10/5/06 8:12pm
Msg #150600

I have the Garmin iQue 3600 -- it's a PDA and GPS in one.

I got mine quite a few years ago for $660. It has a beanbag type base that sits on the dash. The speaker plugs into the lighter socket.

A friend bought a used one from ebay for $200 a little over a year ago.

I bought my husband a brand new one a little over a year ago for $300 and change.

The Garmin's are great and I highly recommend them!

Reply by Kathy Mobile Notary Source on 10/5/06 10:20pm
Msg #150626

I have a Garmin 340 ,purchased at Circuit City. Suction to inside windshield, plugs into cigatette lighter. Has a great color screen. Nice large letters numbers and maps. (My arms quit growing six months ago thus the need for large) She tells me where to turn, how many feet ahead. I love my Garmin. $599

Reply by David Kral on 10/5/06 10:35pm
Msg #150630

GPS-Issues to consider when buying.

GPS

Garmin likely the best for the money.

Issues:

1) Mounting some states do not allow mounting on the windshield. Must be dash. CA and MN I believe do not allow for winshield mounts.

2) Batteries verses lighter. Batteries need to be recharged. For a mobile notary. Lighter likely the way to go.

3) Maps preloaded or download by disc and PC. Preloaded more expenisve but likely easier than the second method. Second method not too hard.

4) Speaking voice. Most newer models speak commands. The new ones speak street name. Likely useful for a notary. Might be worth the extra cost.

5) POI-Points of interest. Some will point out points of interest or you can add them. Such as gas stations etc. Can help save dollars.

6) Sunglare. Some are better at sun glare, otherwise you might have to buy a sunglare addon. Something to consider in the cost.

7) Factor installed more expensive than buying at a retailer. I would go with the latter option myself.

I think Garmin 330 models and up are what a notary considering a business investment would want to start at.

Good luck.

Reply by SusanOH on 10/6/06 6:07am
Msg #150661

There is a great website to buy GPS called www.getfeetwet.com. They have new and refurbished. I have a garmin 2620 and I don't know how I ever did my job w/o it.

Reply by BetsyMI on 10/6/06 8:09am
Msg #150672

Re: Goin' Shopping!! n/m

Reply by jlissem on 10/6/06 12:07pm
Msg #150716

I use Garmin I5(thats capI 5) Sells for $325-$350 on the web