Hi Guys! as many of you already know, I recently started work at a rural Sheriff's Office. While attempting to learn my countys roads, I discovered that My 10 year old Garmin Nuvi was woefully inadiquite for the task. It often shows roads that no longer exsist, or doesn't show roads that have been in constant use since the 1850's. Often the unit will just "zone out" and display nothing at all except the vehicle icon. I need a navigation unit that is up to date, and optimised for police work. Prefrably under $200. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Help! I need a new GPS navigation system
- Thread starter Izzydog
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I've used Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. They all operate differently so I would stick with what you know.
On Consumer Reports Garmin leads the way in 5" GPS. They are over $300. But due to the importance of what you need it for, I wouldn't skimp.
These days most come with free maps upgrades.
On Consumer Reports Garmin leads the way in 5" GPS. They are over $300. But due to the importance of what you need it for, I wouldn't skimp.
These days most come with free maps upgrades.
Wish I could help. Still using Dolph's. They make spiral bound road atlases county by county for some of Florida. Don't know what part of the world you're in but would bet you can find something similar. Nothing wrong with a hard copy back up to digital that may autocorrect you into a ditch.
Good luck with the new gig and hoping you get to use some of that advanced, time consuming and probably expensive education you acquired.
Good luck with the new gig and hoping you get to use some of that advanced, time consuming and probably expensive education you acquired.
Arik
Member
I would update your Garmin. None of them are perfect and buying another might get you a whole different set of problems. For instance, Garmin finds my work address perfectly, TomTom on the other hand puts you 10 miles away. There is nothing rural about where I work. I prefer Garmin. Another option is Google maps on your cell phone
smokindog
Member
Don't spend $50 to update the maps on a 10 year old unit (but do run the software update as suggested). Get another Garmin or get lost 
There are plenty with Lifetime Maps now. I like the 4.3" but I think someone mentioned you asked about 5".
Here's some examples. Look at all of the options. I get a LOT of stuff from newegg
If you're not in a hurry, you can often find similar to these at <$100 shipped for free.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3V71886154&cm_re=garmin-_-58-108-552-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3V718W2939&cm_re=garmin-_-58-108-488-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3V71886156&cm_re=garmin-_-58-108-557-_-Product
GARMIN nuvi 50LM 5.0" GPS Navigation w/ Lifetime Map Updates - Newegg.com
There are plenty with Lifetime Maps now. I like the 4.3" but I think someone mentioned you asked about 5".
Here's some examples. Look at all of the options. I get a LOT of stuff from newegg
If you're not in a hurry, you can often find similar to these at <$100 shipped for free.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3V71886154&cm_re=garmin-_-58-108-552-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3V718W2939&cm_re=garmin-_-58-108-488-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3V71886156&cm_re=garmin-_-58-108-557-_-Product
GARMIN nuvi 50LM 5.0" GPS Navigation w/ Lifetime Map Updates - Newegg.com
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Rand-McNally: $9.95 at wal mart. lee
Cdog
Member
Any one of my X's.
They never hesitate telling me where to go...
They never hesitate telling me where to go...
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I picked up a TomTom 50 for $150 at Best Buy, a couple of weeks ago to replace a TomTom from 6 or 7 years ago. Industry average life bake then was 3.5 to 4.5 years. The new operating system takes getting use to, and I bet they changed Garmin has changed also. My hardest part was the Customer Service from India, was very hard to understand and deal with! ivan
Brian41
Member
I like Garmin and have had them from early on in the GPS format. Mine is about 5 years old so when I bought one for my wife's car I got another Garmin. It's a bit different in the operation and does take a moment to adjust to it after using mine.
My Father-in-law wanted a Tom-Tom so bought him one of those. Somehow he managed to change it to French and not knowing French so well I couldn't figure how to change it back. Paid a guy that repairs them to change it and fortunately he didn't charge much. My FIL finds it too complicated for him although he's older and doesn't use it.
My Father-in-law wanted a Tom-Tom so bought him one of those. Somehow he managed to change it to French and not knowing French so well I couldn't figure how to change it back. Paid a guy that repairs them to change it and fortunately he didn't charge much. My FIL finds it too complicated for him although he's older and doesn't use it.
THE PILGRIM
Member
Get a current paper map of your county.
A good place to start is the county office that is responsible for mapping.
That could be a GIS dept or the Assessor.
Study that map.
Find out out how they assign road names-numbers, house- lot numbers.
GPS' are a navigation aid. Just like they say in the Music Man,
You got to know the territory!
A good place to start is the county office that is responsible for mapping.
That could be a GIS dept or the Assessor.
Study that map.
Find out out how they assign road names-numbers, house- lot numbers.
GPS' are a navigation aid. Just like they say in the Music Man,
You got to know the territory!
indie_rocker
US Veteran
The Magellan I use came with lifetime map updates. 4 times a year I can plug it into my computer and download the latest & greatest. Also had live traffic info.
Damn Yankee
Member
Well Deputy I'M guessing you do not have a computer in your unit to be in touch with dispatch. Are units have a GPS in them and dispatch knows where you are at all times.
Go here. Lots of good info.
GPS Receiver Information, Software, and Hardware Reviews of Garmin, Lowrance, Magellan and other GPS Receivers
Go here. Lots of good info.
GPS Receiver Information, Software, and Hardware Reviews of Garmin, Lowrance, Magellan and other GPS Receivers
Cpo1944
Member
Izzy I have abandoned my GPS units . Now I use my iPhone and it has been great ,and always up-to - date. The app I use is Motion-X drive.
I see no reason to carry a separate device, when I already have the phone.
I see no reason to carry a separate device, when I already have the phone.
kalei
Member
I use a Garmin 1495LTM, bought it as a refurb unit. With lifetime map updates. Been flawless. This my 3rd Garmin since 2002. Tried a Magellen-what a piece of ****.
So my advice is Garmin!!
So my advice is Garmin!!
I have a Garmin Nuvi 1415 with lifetime updates. I like it. But I almost always back it up with a road atlas. With the free lifetime updates, the Garmin is usually more up-to-date.
What I like about the GPS units is that I don't have to look at the screen, because they'll nag me when to turn.
But the paper maps don't ever not work.
What I like about the GPS units is that I don't have to look at the screen, because they'll nag me when to turn.
But the paper maps don't ever not work.
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
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/\ This.
Our Garmins did a great job, particularly with lifetime updates. But they've been in the kitchen junk drawer ever since getting iPhones. Not sure why we keep them, but they don't cost much sitting in a drawer.
wilkoi
Member
Garmin Nuvi 2757 LM. Large 7 inch screen, super fast recalculation screen, easy to read. For those who want something bigger than 5 inch. Around 200 dollars at most online places, you will not be disappointed.
Arik
Member
The problem with cell phone gps is that they are good for once in a while. If you need it daily for long periods it eats up batteries. If you constantly keep it plugged in to keep the gps running it kills batteries. The more you keep lithium ion batteries charged the shorter their lifespan is
Cpo1944
Member
Arik ,I have heard that about keeping the phone charging too much will shorten the battery life, but my experience is totally different. My old iphone-4 has spent much of its life plugged in to the car charger playing Pandora and navigating with Motion X and it still works fine and holds a charge like it always did.Now it is relegated to my workshop -no longer a phone- playing Pandora thru a mini stereo with WIFI and its still plugged into the charger. Occasionally I`ll unplug it to allow it to discharge, then back into the charger it goes. I have been doing like that ever since the iPhone 4 came out- how long is that?
So I really can't complain about battery life, and even if I did have a problem I could always replace a defective battery.
Good Luck, Jack
PS I used my new iPhone 5-S to track my canoe trip last sunday with Motion X ,
and it was on for more than 3 hours and only dropped the battery about 20%, so thats not bad .
