Does everyone agree that automotive GPS is frivolous and really un-necessary?

That is why I got one, and you know what ... I really like the thing.

So in CA they say suction cup mouints are illegal..who cares. But I didn't want anything else on my windshield so a trip to Tap Plastics got me a round 1/4" by 3" disc of plastic and some automotive 3M dbl sided tape.
I mounted the disc as you can see and used the suction mount. This was fine but the screen was tilted up and the adjustment arm had no more range. (oh yeah, my clock took a dump a while back , but now i have the GPS clock)

While scrolling through the menu on the unit I came across an icon for flipping the screen upside down.

I did that and flipped the mount and voiala! No obstruction , full portability and she speaks to me in Italian.

 

How does it work? I'm not big on GPS, seems like a really really expensive map, but I suppose it's good for long distances or if you don't know where you're going.

 

who says suction cups are illegal in california?

I got myself a pioneer avic d2. I think it kills my friends tom tom thingy. So much easier to use and a lot better directions.

 

tomtom stuff is pretty good. i had a go700 but took it back cause laurie's pleasant english voice turned into a evil, satan-ish one and freaked the crap out of me on the highway. i traded it in for an alpine w200 with a blackbird and hated the blackbird for gps as it was totally inaccurate. i have the tomtom navigator on my treo now and it works just like the standalone unit. that is to say, very well.

easy to use menus, accurate and easy to read maps. just easy in general... something all automotive gps units should be.

 

NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)

That warning is on every GPS manufacturers sight.
I know darn well that there are other GPS units like my son's Garmin 2600 series whose maps and features are all over Tom Tom's but this one does everything I need and speaks my language too.

Yes , they are realy expensive maps, but very handy. I was never thrilled about holding my printed mapquest sheets up while driving on some freeway looking for an address on business. Once you drive around to addresses you already know and get the feel for the warnings and distances for reaction time then going to unknown locations becomes very kind of stress free( to a point...it is technology you know and bugs will allways pop up!)

I say study the features you like on various units and if your job involves a lot of going here and there to unfamiliar sites, it's worth the investment.

 

[I got myself a pioneer avic d2. I think it kills my friends tom tom thingy. So much easier to use and a lot better directions.[/QUOTE]


For a thousand bucks I would hope it spanks the Tom Tom and eats it for lunch.

I am on a budget , my brother, Tom Tom on sale at Target cathces my eye!

 

The tom tom and others like it are nice if you have two cars or people in your household who also are going to use the nav system. The new tom toms also have bluetooth and can load your phone's address book and be used as a hands free unit. I have the nuvi 350 by garmin and love it. it is small enough to put in your pocket or bag, or hide in the glove box. A map is nice but these things are amazing if you have to go to places that you are unfamilar with. If you make a wrong turn it automatically reroutes you within seconds. Mine actually speaks the street name which makes things easier. if you have some money to burn I highly recommend getting one of these toys.

 

I have a Garmin and I love it. While relying on one could be your downfall if it craps out on you, they are awesome toys.

It makes driving feel kind of like a video game with the mini-map in the lower right corner.

Necessary? No. But then, half of what is discussed on most auto enthusiast forums isn't necessary It's just fun to have, and the usefullness when it's needed is awesome.