OK Time for the old Graybeard to get some advice

[Graybeard]

Guys I'm not even sure what the heck the proper name for what I want is. An example is the Tom-Tom unit I see advertised on TC. What I think would be really nice would be OnStar but then I don't drive a GM vehicle but instead I drive a Toyota Tundra.

I want a talking GPS type unit that even an idiot can use. I'm about as close to a computer idiot as you can get and still know how to turn one on as Matt can testify to.  We're going to be heading west again come June and Faye aka Mrs. Graybeard has got to be the worlds worst copilot/navigator. I hate with a passion going thru big cities on interstate highways and always seem to either get lost or have a near collision navigating my way thru without a real good copilot/navigator.

I'm hoping to get one of these new fangled talking GPS type units that will be easily enough programed so that I can tell it what cities I want to go thru and it will guide me step by step turn by turn as I go along. I see a lot of them advertised on TV but have no clue what's easy vs. hard to operate for a person who hasn't yet figured out how to make my DVD player work. I might could get Matt to program it for me but along the route I'll have to be able to do whatever is required.

So what do you recommend? Have you used it? Talk to me about it.

[Siskiyou]

OnStar came with my new pickup.  I cancelled it after last hunting season because it is no longer cost effective from the cellphone standpoint.  The cellphone side of OnStar provided me a slight advantage while in the mountains.  But cellphone towers are becoming more common and the advantage is going away.  If I can re-up my OnStar service for a long trip or for a few weeks during hunting season I will.  It is nice to have the hands free telephone connection and the external cellphone antenna.  The downside with OnStar is that you must buy expensive minutes and pay a monthly fee.

Tom Tom:  My son has a Tom Tom in his car and he drives a lot of miles every day for business purposes.  I have had the over the shoulder view a couple of times and I would consider a Tom Tom option.

There was lawsuits flying back and forth between Garmin and Tom Tom regarding unit software.   I understand that Garmin won.

If I was looking at a true automotive GPS unit from Garmin the Street Pilot C550 would be high on my list because I could use my BlueTooth enabled cellphone with it.
 
"Bluetooth Wireless
Features exclusive to the StreetPilot c550 include Bluetooth technology integrated with a microphone and dual speakers that lets you to make hands-free mobile phone calls on a compatible Bluetooth wireless phone. View incoming calls on your c550, and simply tap the screen to answer. Just speak into the built-in microphone while staying focused on your driving. In addition, retrieve and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or the phone’s call history log. You can also make calls from the StreetPilot c550's huge points of interest database – which includes hotels, restaurants, stores, and much more.
Integrated Traffic Receiver
Another feature unique to the c550 is its integrated traffic capabilities. The c550 includes an integrated FM TMC traffic receiver which notifies you of traffic, construction and weather delays and automatically suggests alternative routes.*
GPS Navigator
The c550 comes with preloaded maps of Europe or North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names — making navigation easy. It is also an MP3 player and accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras."
 
And you can load optional software on it.  The C550 can be had for $424 on the net.

This unit will do a lot of the things OnStar will do without the extra cost.  No there is not a OnStar operator but there is 911.
I am currently using City Navigator V8 on my handheld GPS76C & Cx and I am impressed with finding the nearest place to eat, fuel, and sleep.  Along with phone numbers.  Hospitals are list from nearest on out.  The downside with the 76CX is that directions come in form of TONES and I cannot watch the screen and drive safely.  And my wife would rather use a map, because she is a good navigator.

Tom Tom also offers hands free calling (BlueTooth).  The Tom Tom 910 can be had for around $440 on the Net. 
http://www.tomtom.com/products/category.php?ID=0&Language=4

A few months ago my son was demonstrating the Touch Screen Navigation of his TomTom.  He used the Touch Screen method and it quickly calculated a route North into Oregon.   

I should note that with what ever brand you might have to get Matt to connect it to a computer and take advantage of the manufactures software updates.  There have been some complaints about Tom Tom’s map growing stale, but I understand they are or have been updated.  Of course Matt may take advantage of the situation and route you into Southern Baja.

See you late Amigo!

[MI VHNTR]

Graybeard, Siskiyou, has given you some very good advice. I like my Garmin GPS Map 76CS  unit for my uses. I have mine loaded with topo and city navigator too. That way, I can use it in the woods and the city with just a push of a button.

Here are a couple of websites with more GPS info:

http://gpsinformation.net/
http://forums.groundspeak.com/gc/

MI VHNTR

NRA Endowment Member
The Second Amendment isn't about hunting. It's about Freedom.
 

[Graybeard]

I don't tend to get into the woods as often these days as I once did cuz of my shortness of breath issue. Even if I do go I can't get very far from the vehicle these days because I just physically cannot do it anymore. I have my old Garmin GPS12XL and while I sure can't use all the functions it has I do know how to use it to set way points and find my way back to the vehicle with it.

I don't have any sorta bluetooth stuff and barely know how to make and take calls on my cell phone. I don't even know how to search it much less do that from a GPS unit. Way over my technical level I'm afraid.

I just want something that has the street maps and can guide me thru hell holes like Memphis, TN which I will have to travel thru again on this trip. I HATE and DESPISE that town cuz I can't find my way thru it on my own. I'm hoping the GBP unit will do that for me. As I said Faye is NOT a navigator and can't read maps remotely fast enough to be of help.

I want as simple as possible to operate and the capability once programed whether by me or Matt to get me where I'm going and back home thru the places where it's not so obviously when to turn where.

With that in mind is there a good reason to chose either Tom Tom or Garmin over the other? I have high regard for Garmin products and that is the only brand of GPS I've ever owned. But Tom Tom sure is the one that gets the TV advertising time. Are those the two best choices or the only choices?

I know since I have a Toyota that On Star is not an option but I sure like what I've heard about it and "might" buy a GM product the next time I buy a new one just to get it.

[Siskiyou]

I looked at the Garmin C330 at Christmas time as a gift for my grandson.  The price was right and I liked it.  Called the wife on the cellphone and she told me what she had already bought him.  I did not buy it, enough was enough.  I came very close to buying for myself.

Sounds like the low end Tom Tom and Garmin units might be the right fit for you. 

I need to do some checking on software and may have another suggestion for you.  Do you have a laptop?

[Graybeard]

I do NOT have a laptop but Matt does. I keep thinking I should have one but just don't seem to ever be willing to part with the bucks they want for them. It would be nice to be able to check in on the site when off on such a trip as this one. Matt might actually have to wake up some during daylight hours and check the site for me. 

[Siskiyou]

Here is another low cost option for the laptop owner.  This one has voice directions and offers some nice features.  In the past I have used DeLorme products.  A friend of mine transports fire crews all over the country, including a couple trips East.  He sticks the Delorme antenna outside the bus and one or more of the crew members gives him direction from the computer.  I do not know if he has upgrade to the voice command software. 
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=10122&item=24706

I have tied my old Garmin Legend into my laptop using Microsoft Streets &Trips software.  Worked great on a couple of trips with grandkids keeping me up to date.  It does not work with my wife.  She pulls out the AAA map.  But the downside is that I cannot see the screen, if I do not have a co-pilot to help out it does not work.

I use the laptop around the house on the wireless system, and when staying in motels.

[Graybeard]

Looking over that link you gave me and reading the reviews and specs it sure looks like the 550 you recommended is a good choice for me. All of the others listed in that chart have some things that pretty much rule them out for my use. The 550 has features I don't see me ever using but the others lack features I do think I'd want.

I don't think I'd want to do a permanent mount of it as that would just encourage someone to break into my truck to get it. So I think one of the temporary mounts they offer would be the way I'd want to go, then I could take it out and inside with me for protection.

The reviews sure made it sound easy to use. Do you think the optional package on places of interest would be worth the money? I thought a lot of that was built into it.

[xr650rRider]

I think the Nuvi 660 unit would be a good option if you drove in Metro traffic alot.  It has the entire North America City Navigator preloaded that allows routing to any address.  It also has a traffic radio integrated that is supposed to reroute you around traffic problems.  The problem is the price.  I saw one at a local Sam's club for over $600.00.

I have a GPS III, V and now 60CSx.  Withe the 60CSx I have a 2GB micro sd card installed that has every map in City Navigator 8.0 and about 5 states worth of topos.  Its a good unit for hiking/hunting/motorcycle/auto use but its hard to read in the auto and it doesn't talk to you.

If you own a laptop there is a solution, that in my opinion is superior to all of the auto style GPSs.  You can download NRoute from Garmin's website for free.  With it and one of the software packages that supports routing like City Navigator 8.0, and just about any Garmin GPS that has a serial or USB interface, you have an autorouting package that talks to you and has a much larger screen than any of the auto GPSs.  You can probably use your 12 with it.  

Here is a link to nRoute 2.7.3
http://www.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=575

[EsoxLucius]

The Magellan RoadMate 2200T is a full featured voice and visual guidance navigation system.

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2006/09/magellan_roadma_2.html

[Siskiyou]

Using Nroute


What I am about to write is in some ways a contradiction of what I posted earlier.  If the user wants the fasts and simplest learning curve then I believe a dedicated automotive routing gps is the way to go. 

Do not let the term BlueTooth scare you.  It is not a form of congressional foot and mouth disease.  In its simplest form Blue Tooth is industrial standard software that allows a BlueTooth compatible cellphone communicate with a remote device.  In many cases the cellphone can be thirty feet away from the Bluetooth device and function.  In this case I am talking about an automotive gps unit.  Currently States are passing legislation outlawing the hands-on use of cellphones while driving a vehicle.  Such a law is going into effect in California in 2008.  A Bluetooth compatible gps has a built in mike and speakers so the driver does not have to take his hands off the wheel.  The calls are received and transmitted by his existing cellphone.  A far cheaper option then OnStar with no monthly fee for use and another fee for minutes.  Remember OnStar uses existing cellphone towers.  No towers, no OnStar.  The gps data that OnStar advertises is part of your telephone signal mixed with data from a gps antenna on a GM vehicle.  My OnStar does not provide mapping and routing on a screen.  Routing can be purchased for an extra fee.  There is no screen with my OnStar.  Most areas are upgrading to enhanced 911, which means that with gps capable cell phone the 911 dispatch will get a lat/long for your location and it will pop up on the dispatchers screen.   http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/support/governmentgpse911.jsp

 Most cellphones sold in the last two years are gps capable.  For an addition fee you can subscribe to a gps navigation service from many cellphone provider.
http://support.vzw.com/faqs/VZ_Navigator/faq.html#item51

So if you buy a dedicated automotive gps unit you not only have the advantage of a screen with routing software, but if you chose the BlueTooth option you will be compliant with future State law regarding driving and using cellphones. 
 
I believe that using Nroute loaded a laptop connected to a gps is a great way to go for a person who already owns a laptop, and a gps.

If you want to take advantage of the routing features incorporated in the free Nroute software you need to purchase MapSource routing software such as City Navigator v8. 

If a person has an old gps, which uses a serial port cable, they may have to buy an adapter to USB if they purchase a current laptop.  It is hard to find serial ports on laptops now days.  The user will have to install software so the computer will recognize the adapter.  For many this is starting to look like a can of worms.  But it is doable. 

My wife asked me where the computer was going to set besides in her lap. (I did not realize there could be a problem.)

I suggested the laptop could ride in the back seat of our extended cab pickup and I could hear the voice directions.  That was okay.  I also suggest she might want to play games on the computer, or watch a DVD on the laptop while we traveled.  And she could check our route during critical periods of travel.  That seemed okay.

Another issue that comes up with using a laptop is the clutter of wires.  (1) Power outlet to the gps if using a serial port. (2) Cable from gps to Laptop. (3) Cable from external antenna to gps, which is tuck out of the way. (4) Power cord from 12v power outlet to 110v, 400-Watt power converter. (5) Power cord from power converter to laptop.  The laptop uses approximately 60 Watts.

If I am using the laptop just for the gps guidance system I am good with my two laptop batteries for the day.  But if the wife watches a movie or pays games on the laptop I may need to hook in the power converter.  The key to this whole process is not to get into trouble with the Boss.

[ROAshooter]

  I think if you will review the Garmin c330.....it will do everything you want it to do...and save yourself several hundred dollars in the process.

[dave375hh]

Graybeard,
I bought the wife a Magellan 300+ for CHRISTmas. She does interviews of people out in the boonies and needed a Gps road finder. I looked at a Tom Tom and decieded it had way more options than we would ever use. The magellan worked like a charm on a trip to Texas in Jan. Navigating through cities is a piece of cake. In heavy traffic in Houston I just listened to it and kept my eyes on the idiots. I'll never go through Houston at rush hour again, 6:30 PM on a Friday night, WOW!!! It took us through San Antonio, Larado, and Corpus Christi slick as snot. If you miss a turn it will re-route you also. I got mine at Radio Shack for $275.00.

[Graybeard]

  I think if you will review the Garmin c330.....it will do everything you want it to do...and save yourself several hundred dollars in the process.

In comparing the 330 to the 550 I noted that the 330 didn't have:

1. New Brighter Screen. Since I'll be mostly using in daylight that "might" matter.

2. SiRF® high-sensitivity receiver.

3. Text-to-Speech Technology  - Announces Streets by Name?
(Unit prompts you to “Turn right on Main St” instead of just “Turn right in 500 feet”)  I really think I want it telling me specifically what street by name to be turning on not just turn in so many feet.

Those features might or might not be worth the extra money but I think they are.

[Siskiyou]

There are a number of issues when using an automotive gps unit.  The biggest is that it can distract the driver resulting in an accident.  To reduce distractions learn to use the unit before hitting the road.  In my case I hooked up a gps, the laptop, and practiced with Nroute, and City Navigator in my home.

I am ahead of the game when using City Navigator on one of my auto routing gps.  I know enough that I can instruct my wife or other passenger how to find an address, food, or fuel options while we are traveling.  That way I can keep my eyes on the road. 

At times a unit may lose the satellite lock.  This can happen when you are driving in steep canyon, which blocks a lot of the sky.  Or if you are in the big City and the cement canyons are blocking the ski.  My grandson barrowed his Dad’s Tom Tom for a trip to San Francisco and in the heart of the City it lost the satellite lock.  I had a similar problem with my older Garmin Legend when in the canyon of tall buildings. 

I have not had a loss of signal since I start using an external antenna with my Garmin 76C.  I use a Gilsson external antenna with my 76C when on the road.  http://www.gilsson.com/gps_antennas.htm

One of the reasons I think the Garmin C550 is a great option is the SiRFstarIII technology for fast and deep signal search.  My 76Cx with the SiRFstarIII chip made the 76C obsolete over night.  My 76Cx receives in the house, and in the pickup out in the woods.  Heavy oak canopy has not defeated it.  There has been a few times that I have hooked up the external antenna because I have it.  It was not needed but I think that 12 satellites maybe better then ten.  You can save $100 and get the Garmin C530 with the SiRFstarIII chip.  The C530 does not offer BlueTooth or some other C550 features.  An earlier post suggests the Garmin Nuvi series.  The nuvi models have the SiRFstarIII chip.

Whatever brand you choose you will find a difference in map coverage.  And remember areas that are being rapidly developed my not be on your map.  So if you go to visit Uncle Joe in a new sub division it may not be on the map.  Just have him give you his Lat/Long and you can program it into your unit as a waypoint and route to it.  This may sound silly but I was able to do it.  At the time I did not have routing software in my gps, but I did have US Topo.  A trip was planned to my wife’s cousins for a family get together.  I looked up her address using Microsoft Streets and Trips.  I then took the Lat/Long information and created a Waypoint on my gps.  My best guess put us within one hundred feet of the house. 

Another silly thing recently came up with my son’s TOM TOM.  He made a trip to the big city and parked on the 8th floor of a parking garage.  Because of the open walls his TOM TOM worked all the way.  After the meeting he returned and program a new address in the TOM TOM.  As he proceeds down the spiral exit, the Tom Tom kept telling him to turn left on to the street.  If he followed the direction his vehicle would have fall many stories to the street.

A similar event happen the other day.  I was driving a rural road that goes around a hill.  My computer loaded with Nroute and City Navigator kept telling me that in so many feet to make a right turn.  The problem was that I was not turning on to another road, but that many of the curves around the hill were almost 90 degrees. I almost disconnect it because the turns were about five hundred feet apart. 

Another feature of Nroute that I do not like and need to find a fix for is that it locks map detail when following a preplanned route.  The problem being is the names of side streets do not show.  In many cases it is better to just travel without using the route feature.  But if I were by myself and going to hit the L.A. freeway systems I would use a pre-planned route.  I have not had this problem with other Garmin software.

The bottom line is do not expect a spouse or passenger to grab on to your unit and have the expertise to use it. 

[xr650rRider]

The SirfIII chipset is so much better than the older technology.  This last week I was riding motorcycle in an off-road area that has trails up and down canyons and gullies in heavy cover.  The GPS V would lose its signal multiple times in this same area.  The 60CSx kept a lock the entire time.

It was mentioned earlier that it was going to be illegal to operate a hand held cell phone while driving.  According to Garmin its already illegal to have a GPS mounted to the windshield in some states now.  The dashmounted ones will be next.  In Texas you can get pulled over now for having something on the dash that they assume is a video screen.

[Siskiyou]

Xr650rRider:  You are correct that the vehicle code in many states limit items that can be mount on the windshield.  I mount my external antenna on a rear side window in my pickup.  I have never purchased a dash mount because I have my gps setting in a cup holder. 

My son mounts his TomTom on the edge of the dash next to the doorpost.  In that location it can still pickup satellite signals. 

On my older pickup I had a holder for my gps that mounted in front of an air vent in the center front of the dash.  It did not block the windshield and was visible.  I understand the insurance industry was one of the motivators for the law.  Some insurance companies inspect clients’ vehicles and they may take exception to such mounting or deny a claim because the client was violating the vehicle code.

It bugs me that it is legal to drive around with a dog standing in the drivers lap with it’s head out the window and butt in the drivers face and it is not against the vehicle code in this State.  And at the same time the driver is on his or her cellphone.

I have a sister-in-law who has a nativity scene on her dashboard.  She is a nice lady but she cannot afford a ticket.  Every time I see it I bit my tongue and get a blood transfusion the next day.

Many times cops will not write a ticket on a minor violation like this but others seem to specialize in it.  I know one that has written a load of tickets on those mirror spin globes some dummies have hanging from the driver’s mirror.  In traffic they can be mistaken for a flashing emergency light.

In part the California Vehicle Code states:

Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver’s View
26708. (a) (1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle
with any object or material placed, displayed, installed,
affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear
windows.
(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any
object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or
applied in or upon the vehicle which obstructs or reduces the
driver’s clear view through the windshield or side windows

I have seen a number of gps drivers running around with them mounted in such a position that it is blocking the drivers view.  I also know that I could install a low dash mount of my 2005 GMC dash and all it would block is a view of the immediate hood.  Would such an installation be in violation of the vehicle code?  I do not know for sure.

From Garmin:  Mount your GPS on a glass surface with this suction cup mount.
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)


A gps with the SirfIII chip does not need to be sticking up to get a signal, or other models using an external antenna.

A user needs to scope out the unit requirements and where to mount the unit to be in compliance with the law.  Or be like my sister-in-law and smile a lot.

[Siskiyou]

From Garmins FAQ:
"Q. Can I "real-time track" on a PC using a GPS 12 series unit?A. The GPS 12 series units are capable of providing a data output to allow real-time tracking on a PC. You can use Garmin's nRoute application and/or some 3rd-party applications. When using nRoute for your real-time tracking, set your GPS 12 series unit to GARMIN under the interface setup and NMEA for use with non-Garmin software. The nRoute application is a free download for current users of Garmin's family of MapSource products. "
 
This proceeding information “might” be of interest to Graybeard.  He can re-employee his GPS 12.

Aside, I just received my ten or twelve year-old laptop back.  The timing is right because we were just discussing laptops and gps tracking.  It is to slow for most processing now days, but if I can use it for vehicle navigation it will save my new laptop a possible pounding.    The old battery has been dead a long time but I can plug in my 12v to 110-power converter and be in business. 

I will get into it and see if it is still functional.  Kind of hard to tell how functional it is because the grand kids passed it around.

[Siskiyou]

A word of caution in regards to older laptops and software.  A lot current Garmin software no longer supports Windows 98, ME, and other pre-Windows 2000 versions.  I just go my old laptop back.  While I saved the last version of MapSource that supports Windows 98SE, I do not have a version of NRoute that supports Windows 98.  And remember MapSource does not support Apple products.

I'll load an older version of Microsoft Streets&Trips on it.  I had it loaded on the "old" laptop before I gave it to a grandkid so it should work again.  The reason the grandkids had problems with it is because the new software does not reconize W98, and the small hard drive.  You cannot fill a hard drive to 98 percent and expect it to perform.  It had been loaded with a full version of print shop for a school project.  It eat up most of the hard drive along with other large package software.   Last night I deleted the big packages and it is working great.

I will try a flash drive(Nerd Stick) with it and see how that works out.  If it works then I will consider buying a 4GB Nerd Stick.    While I have a very good upto date laptop, I want to use this one for navigation.  That way if it gets busted my lost will be far less. 

If anybody knows of a way of downloading an earlier version of NRoute from the web let me know.

[xr650rRider]

Look towards the bottom for NRoute previous versions.  There are several previous versions there.

http://www.gpsinformation.org/perry/msource/

From Garmin's website this is Nroute for legacy operating systems Win98 included.

http://www.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3369

[Siskiyou]

Thanks for the information.

[Doc Lisenby]

I am as ignorant as you profess to be about these electronic gadgets.   That is why I asked the question about the Magellan Road Mate 2000 a few days ago.  No one replied.
I got it for ~$250 and I just took it out of the box put it in the car plugged it in and found a shortcut home from the store.  Since then I have found every address or at least every street junction near the address I was needing to find.  I can hear it and look at it and read it.  No antenna is required.   I can't use it as a telephone or as a computer and don't need to add any software or downloads.  I don't need it to play music or do anything except show me the way around where I live.  The biggest city I will use it in is Charlotte, NC and Charlotte is comparable to Memphis in confused street situations.   I can use it in the wife's Jeep or my other car.  If I had a cigarette lighter, on my Honda motorcycle, I could use it there.
A friend of mine took a trip to Indiana and his directed him right up to his sister's door.   I really don't NEED anything else but if I do, this price was fair enough for my purpose now.  Maybe this is all you need.

[Siskiyou]

Doc Lisenby I was hoping that you would get a reply to your post.  I have no experience with Magellan automotive units.  A friend who has both Garmin and Magellan handheld gps say they are both good.  You earlier topic caught my interest and I spotted them on sale in last weeks newspaper adds.  Please keep us up to date.

From the Magellan website:

·   
o   Easy-to-use - Simple touch-screen menus and quick-entry features

o   Pocket-sized and light-weight - Easily transfer between vehicles or take it with you on business and personal travel. So small it fits in your pocket. (4.3" x 3.4" x 1.1" and 7.8 oz)

o   Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance - BE THERE™ quickly and safely

o   Built-in maps - 48 contiguous United States

o   SirfstarIII processing chipset

o   "Bird's eye" 3D view - Clearly see your surroundings

o   Rechargeable battery - Up to 3 hours of continuous use

o   Multi-Destination Routing - Select up to 20 destinations to plan out where you need to go in advance

o   SmartDetour - Automatically routes you around sudden slow freeway traffic using your custom settings

o   Auto Re-route - Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you take a detour

o   Auto night view - Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing

o   QuickSpell™ - Easily enter addresses with efficient auto-complete feature

o   Nearly 1.3 million points of interest (POI) - Easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, airports, parks and more

o   Interactive POI icons - Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination; see phone number and get an instant route

o   4 routing options available - Shortest time, shortest distance, least use or most use of freeways; avoid toll roads

o   Route exclusion - Select streets or freeways to avoid

o   Address Book - Create and store personal address and points of interest for easy reoccurring trips

o   Instant locate - One touch shows your location so you can quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services

o   SIRF StarIII chipset for quick GPS signal acquisition
·   select
selected

The SIRF STARIII chip is a big selling point.