GPS Help Needed

[Thats Me]

My 8 year old Magellan GPS has died and I'm confused, so I need some
recommendations on a replacement unit.
I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a smart
phone with GPS is not an option. I want a unit that I can add my own
POI files to and am not dependant on an Internet connection to update
POI's/files. I also need to be able to move the unit between various
vehicles. I am not wed to a particular brand but would like a lower
cost unit. Any useful suggestions will be appreciated.
Happy Camping. ldp...@NOPANTS.juno.com
Remove NOPANTS To reply by direct E-Mail;

2003 Dodge 1500 QC SB Hemi, A/T, Tow Package, 3.92 gears (11 mpg Towing)
2001 Aerolite 21RDB 21ft TT (Scales 2900 dry)

Linux/Unix is user-friendly.
It's just very selective with who its friends are.

[vi...@iknow.net]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me <yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:

>I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a smart
>phone with GPS is not an option.

Thats,
A smartphone IS a valid option. At least on an Android phone. I
installed COPILOT GPS on my facinate and it does everything that
my Garmin GPS does. For nine bucks you get all of the U.S. maps that
reside on the smart phone. The app is located on the Google "Play"
store on line.
Vince

[bill horne]

So you're saying that I can buy a smartfone, a one-time 9 bucks for
maps, and a free app, and I have a mapping GPS with all the POIs that
come with the average GPS, and I don't have to pay monthly fees for a
voice or data plan? And that I can add custom POIs as easily as I can
with a Garmin?
--
bill
Theory don't mean squat if it don't work.

[Bob Hatch]

I think he's saying that but doesn't understand that he's saying that,
and I don't think you, or I, or he can do that. :-)


--
I do not carry a gun hoping that
I'll be able to shoot someone, anymore than
I carry a jack hoping I'll have a flat
tire.
Me.

[Bruce S]

On 10/1/2012 11:37 AM, bill horne wrote:

And if you are in a place with wifi, you can even make phone calls.

--
Bruce

"When it comes to individual rights, no number is greater than one. One
person, one hundred people, one thousand people, one million people do
not have any more rights than the individual. Nor are the rights of a
group greater or more precious than the rights of an individual --
because they don't exist. All rights are individual rights. There is no
such thing as "group" rights."

[Hank]

My tablet came with a couple map programs. Didn't cost a cent. When wifi is available, you can plan a route just like your GPS and it will track you on the map. However, you must be on a wifi to first plan the route. Maybe the "paid for" version is better.

You pay a monthly charge for GPS ability?

Hank

[rvfulltime]

I don't understand why a smart phone isn't an option. A smart phone is just a
small screen hand held computer with a cell phone chip in it, with tablets
having a bigger screen. Just because you're out of cell phone range doesn't
disable the rest of the computer, and shouldn't disable any GPS software. The
GPS chip and associated software should work regardless of whether you you are
in range of a cell phone tower or not.

Finding reliable software that has the functionality that you want is a
different problem. My cheap Garmin Nuvi 255, about $100, that attaches with a
suction cup to the windshield allows me to enter a lot of favorite destinations.
Note that it didn't work very well in Alaska when I was on the near north side
of mountains (probably blocking the satellites).

[bill horne]

No - but it's a GPS, not a fone.

[bill horne]

Bob Hatch wrote:
> On 10/1/2012 11:37 AM, bill horne wrote:
>> vi...@Iknow.net wrote:
>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me<yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a smart
>>>> phone with GPS is not an option.
>>>
>>> Thats,
>>> A smartphone IS a valid option. At least on an Android phone. I
>>> installed COPILOT GPS on my facinate and it does everything that
>>> my Garmin GPS does. For nine bucks you get all of the U.S. maps that
>>> reside on the smart phone. The app is located on the Google "Play"
>>> store on line.
>>> Vince
>>
>> So you're saying that I can buy a smartfone, a one-time 9 bucks for
>> maps, and a free app, and I have a mapping GPS with all the POIs that
>> come with the average GPS, and I don't have to pay monthly fees for a
>> voice or data plan? And that I can add custom POIs as easily as I can
>> with a Garmin?
>
> I think he's saying that but doesn't understand that he's saying that,
> and I don't think you, or I, or he can do that. :-)

Much to your surprise, I think I figured out what you said.

[Max]

Well, hillbill, I have 2 cameras that have GPS. When I download the
photos to my computer (or cellphone) the data is added to the EXIF file.
It shows exactly where the photo was taken. My HTC Thunderbolt has GPS.
It shows me where I am. I've never used it to see if it will tell me
where to go. I'm afraid I wouldn't like the answer.

[Bruce S]

On 10/1/2012 12:48 PM, Hank wrote:
> My tablet came with a couple map programs. Didn't cost a cent. When wifi is available, you can plan a route just like your GPS and it will track you on the map. However, you must be on a wifi to first plan the route. Maybe the "paid for" version is better.
>
> You pay a monthly charge for GPS ability?
>
> Hank

I don't pay for the GPS function, but GPS without a map is worthless.

[Bob Hatch]

On 10/1/2012 7:52 AM, Thats Me wrote:

Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates. When you need to do a maps update
you can do that at any wifi hotspot or library.

BTW, you get what you pay for in most cases. I don't know what "lower
cost" means to you.

[Janet Wilder]

Before you buy a new one, call Magellan. They have a customer loyalty
program and you might be able to get the current most up-to-date singing
and dancing, bells and whistles GPS for a pittance.

I had a problem with my first Magellan not charging. It was out of
warranty. They sold me a brand new $250 machine (I checked prices) for
$100.

Give it a try. Couldn't hurt. They have a toll-free phone number.

--



Janet Wilder
Posting from the Netbaby

[Janet Wilder]

On 10/1/2012 5:29 PM, Bruce S wrote:
> On 10/1/2012 12:48 PM, Hank wrote:
>> My tablet came with a couple map programs. Didn't cost a cent. When
>> wifi is available, you can plan a route just like your GPS and it will
>> track you on the map. However, you must be on a wifi to first plan the
>> route. Maybe the "paid for" version is better.
>>
>> You pay a monthly charge for GPS ability?
>>
>> Hank
>
> I don't pay for the GPS function, but GPS without a map is worthless.
>

On Verizon Android phones you can use Google Maps for free. You only
pay for Verizon's navigation and I don't.

I like a free app called "where" I input what I'm looking for and it
uses the phone's GPS to find nearby locations of that sort. A click can
get me the Google Maps and turn by turn navigation. Voice, too, if I
want it.

We need to get some propane tomorrow and I'll use that app to find a
dealer who can fill up the RV tank. "Where" is one of those great apps
for RV travel.

[nothermark]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me <yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:

No reccomendations but a couple of things to look for:

I went from a V7 issued by the company I worked for to a Garmin Nuvi.
In retrospect I liked the old one much better for a couple of reasons.
1. It had a trucks routes only mode.

2. It showed all the streets around me.

My Nuvi does not have either of those features. It hides adjacent
streets to simplify showing the route but often I want a different
route than it picks. The truck route option is an issue if I use it
in the MH.

[Bruce S]

Yeah, I know about Google maps on Android - I use mine all the time when
finding new addresses in Portland.

I was just pointing out to Hank that GPS without a map is worthless -
however I don't know if the maps come over the phone's data connection,
or if they are actually loaded on the phone. I know that when I played
with the Navigation program in Vegas I had maps for whatever route I had
entered before I left the service area, but if I was out of the service
area and turned the program on, I got a GPS indicator, but no map. Of
course that was two phones ago, and the whole mapping software might
have improved a lot since then.

[Max]

On 10/1/2012 4:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:

>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com> wrote:
>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>

> Nonsense!
>
> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
> Maybe .005% ??
>
> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead of the game by merely
> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>
>
>

I don't know about your part of the country but they had something like
50-60 streets per year here. Sometimes more.

[Bob Hatch]

On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com> wrote:

>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>

> Nonsense!

No it's not.

>
> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
> Maybe .005% ??

There are more than roads and highways in the updates.

>
> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead of the game by merely
> buying a new unit three years down the road!

Many of the new units include the lifetime updates.

[bill horne]

Bob Hatch wrote:
> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>>
>> Nonsense!
>
> No it's not.
>>
>> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
>> within the next five years??
>> Maybe .005% ??
>
> There are more than roads and highways in the updates.
>>
>> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way
>> ahead of the game by merely
>> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>
> Many of the new units include the lifetime updates.

Do any of the new dashboard units include GLONASS yet?

[Bob Hatch]

Why the hell would you ask a question that requires me to do research?

The short answer is I don't know.

The question is why would they?

[bill horne]

My Nuvi 1490 starts showing street detail when zoomed in to where the
little scale says .3mi. That means that the screen is about 3.5 miles
wide. If the streets showed at less zoom, they would be very close to
being a blob instead of defined streets.

[bill horne]

Bob Hatch wrote:
> On 10/1/2012 9:05 PM, bill horne wrote:
>> Bob Hatch wrote:
>>> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>>>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>>>>
>>>> Nonsense!
>>>
>>> No it's not.
>>>>
>>>> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
>>>> within the next five years??
>>>> Maybe .005% ??
>>>
>>> There are more than roads and highways in the updates.
>>>>
>>>> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way
>>>> ahead of the game by merely
>>>> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>>>
>>> Many of the new units include the lifetime updates.
>>
>> Do any of the new dashboard units include GLONASS yet?
>>
>
> Why the hell would you ask a question that requires me to do research?

To prevent you from experiencing brain stiction.

> The short answer is I don't know.
>
> The question is why would they?

Because if you've got both GPS and GLONASS, you've got more sats in
view, and less chance of losing view of enough sats to make for a
shaky position. For example, in canyons - both concrete and geological.

[Hank]

On Monday, October 1, 2012 8:07:07 PM UTC-4, bruce wrote:

>
> I was just pointing out to Hank that GPS without a map is worthless -
>
> however I don't know if the maps come over the phone's data connection,
>
> or if they are actually loaded on the phone. I know that when I played
>
> with the Navigation program in Vegas I had maps for whatever route I had
>
> entered before I left the service area, but if I was out of the service
>
> area and turned the program on, I got a GPS indicator, but no map. Of
>
> course that was two phones ago, and the whole mapping software might
>
> have improved a lot since then.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce
>
>

My Toshiba Excite tablet came with 2 different map programs already loaded. One is called "Maps" and one is called "navigation". I can use the tablet the same as my Garmin Nuvi as far as tracking what street I am on, without wifi. However, I do have to have wifi to enter my destination. Once the destination is entered, it works pretty much like any stand-alone GPS.

GPS without maps is not useless. Years ago I had a handheld GPS that didn't have maps. It got me out of the woods when I got lost while riding the dirtbike. They don't have street names on the water either. :-)

Hank

[nothermark]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:46:43 -0400, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:

>>On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com> wrote:

>>Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>

>Nonsense!

>
>Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
>Maybe .005% ??
>

>Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead of the game by merely
>buying a new unit three years down the road!
>
>

depends where one lives. I had few problems in WNY when I was
servicing but Denver was building sub divisions, moving expressway
exits and changing roads on a grand scale when I did a few weeks out
there. Quite the mess for the GPS. ;-)

[rvfulltime]

On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch<bob....@ymail.com> wrote:

>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>

> Nonsense!
>
> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
> Maybe .005% ??
>
> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead of the game by merely
> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>
>

No kidding. We bought our Garmin for about $100. Immediately went on a trip.
Came back home. Tried to do an update. Sorry, you waited too long; 60 days.
$69 please.

[Bruce S]

On 10/2/2012 4:17 AM, Hank wrote:
> My Toshiba Excite tablet came with 2 different map programs already loaded. One is called "Maps" and one is called "navigation". I can use the tablet the same as my Garmin Nuvi as far as tracking what street I am on, without wifi. However, I do have to have wifi to enter my destination. Once the destination is entered, it works pretty much like any stand-alone GPS.

I don't believe your tablet has any actual maps loaded on it - it has
the software to use the maps, but the maps are downloaded as needed (as
you said - when you enter destination and have a wifi connection). Just
like I said.

>
> GPS without maps is not useless. Years ago I had a handheld GPS that didn't have maps. It got me out of the woods when I got lost while riding the dirtbike. They don't have street names on the water either.:-)

But that won't give you any help in getting from 7th street and Main to
your house.

[nothermark]

On Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:36:42 -0400, bill horne <red...@rye.net>
wrote:

Tried that with the 1300. Most of the problem has been when out in
the country - not many roads so I want to see what my options are.
That is also when it is the most annoying.

[Bob Hatch]

That's why the Lifetime Updates would have worked, and you could update
every quarter.

Duh.

[bill horne]

Well, you said "adjacent" "streets" - not "every country road within
30 miles".

Even so, you can zoom in until the detail shows, and see 3.5 miles
out. If you want to see farther, just pan the screen out to where you
want to see.

With Street Atlas on my laptop, I can set it so that I can see detail
(streets and dirt roads) out to 25 miles, but that would be difficult
reading on a small GPS screen.

But I agree that it would be nice if the machine would let me choose
detail on/off at nearly Any zoom, and let me make my own decision as
to whether it's cluttered beyond usefulness or not. Or maybe there's
some trick I'm not aware of that will let me do that?

[K Miller]

Bob Hatch wrote:
> On 10/2/2012 9:05 AM, rvfulltime wrote:
>> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch<bob....@ymail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>>>
>>> Nonsense!
>>>
>>> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
>>> within the next five years??
>>> Maybe .005% ??
>>>
>>> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way
>>> ahead of the game by merely
>>> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>>>
>>>
>>
>> No kidding. We bought our Garmin for about $100. Immediately went
>> on a trip. Came back home. Tried to do an update. Sorry, you
>> waited too long; 60 days. $69 please.
>>
>>
>
> That's why the Lifetime Updates would have worked, and you could
> update every quarter.

Sure. What if he'd wanted to update every three months instead? Sheesh!

>
> Duh.

[Bob Hatch]

Either way, it was his choice. He could even do it every 90 days or so.

[nothermark]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:37:27 -0400, bill horne <red...@rye.net>
wrote:

>vi...@Iknow.net wrote:
>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me<yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:
>>
>>> I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a smart
>>> phone with GPS is not an option.
>>

>> Thats,
>> A smartphone IS a valid option. At least on an Android phone. I
>> installed COPILOT GPS on my facinate and it does everything that
>> my Garmin GPS does. For nine bucks you get all of the U.S. maps that
>> reside on the smart phone. The app is located on the Google "Play"
>> store on line.
>> Vince
>
>So you're saying that I can buy a smartfone, a one-time 9 bucks for
>maps, and a free app, and I have a mapping GPS with all the POIs that
>come with the average GPS, and I don't have to pay monthly fees for a
>voice or data plan? And that I can add custom POIs as easily as I can
>with a Garmin?

If you can tap the data bases for the POI's. There are similar apps
for the Nexus 7 tablet that also runs Android. The issue is they all
have the GPS receiver chip but not the maps. The apps provide a way
to download and store maps and POI's as opposed to depending on
calling up the information as you need it.

FWIW there is a third option on the Nexus 7. One can use an app to
download and store a trip in advance. That take up less space than
storing the maps. The downside is that you cannot deviate much and
still have map coverage.

As far as the data plan goes all the devices I have heard of will do
WiFi as well as phone system data. Significantly cheaper.

FWIW I still prefer a separate GPS. It is inconvenient to be talking
on the phone and trying to follow directions on the same device. BTDT,
YMMV.

[Bruce S]

On 10/2/2012 11:46 AM, nothermark wrote:
> FWIW I still prefer a separate GPS. It is inconvenient to be talking
> on the phone and trying to follow directions on the same device. BTDT,
> YMMV.

I just got a very nice bluetooth stereo headset, and talking while using
the phone is no longer a problem. Besides isn't talking on the phone
while driving - other than hands free - illegal in most places.

[Max]

On 10/2/2012 11:33 AM, Bob Hatch wrote:
> On 10/2/2012 9:05 AM, rvfulltime wrote:
>> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch<bob....@ymail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>>>
>>> Nonsense!
>>>
>>> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
>>> within the next five years??
>>> Maybe .005% ??
>>>
>>> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way
>>> ahead of the game by merely
>>> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>>>
>>>
>>
>> No kidding. We bought our Garmin for about $100. Immediately went on a
>> trip. Came back home. Tried to do an update. Sorry, you waited too
>> long; 60 days. $69 please.
>>
>>
>
> That's why the Lifetime Updates would have worked, and you could update
> every quarter.
>
> Duh.
>

I have a 1950 quarter. Should I update it?

[Max]

What's with your GPS? I can get enough detail to see whether the
neighbor is sunbathing or not. 'course I have a 7 inch.......screen.

[Bob Hatch]

Send it to me and I'll change it.

[Hank]

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012 12:56:09 PM UTC-4, bruce wrote:
> On 10/2/2012 4:17 AM, Hank wrote:
>
> > My Toshiba Excite tablet came with 2 different map programs already loaded. One is called "Maps" and one is called "navigation". I can use the tablet the same as my Garmin Nuvi as far as tracking what street I am on, without wifi. However, I do have to have wifi to enter my destination. Once the destination is entered, it works pretty much like any stand-alone GPS.
>
>
>
> I don't believe your tablet has any actual maps loaded on it - it has
>
> the software to use the maps, but the maps are downloaded as needed (as
>
> you said - when you enter destination and have a wifi connection). Just
>
> like I said.
>
> >
>
> > GPS without maps is not useless. Years ago I had a handheld GPS that didn't have maps. It got me out of the woods when I got lost while riding the dirtbike. They don't have street names on the water either.:-)
>
>
>
> But that won't give you any help in getting from 7th street and Main to
>
> your house.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce

To: Bruce Only,

I'll respond in a way you understand clearly...

Are you that much of an idiot to tell me what my tablet will and will not do? Amazing! Is there any end to your stupidity?


To: The others reading this,

I can set up a route using my tablet with a wifi connection. I can speak the destination in, or type it in, or use a previous destination that I entered ealrier. When leaving the wifi connection, the maps and route ( even telling me where to turn) continues to operate as any GPS. The drawback is that if I turn the unit off, i lose the routing. So, as long as I keep the unit turned on, it is as good as any GPS. Without wifi, I still have maps of the U.S., just not routing capabilities.

Hank

[Max]

On 10/2/2012 1:23 PM, Bob Hatch wrote:
> On 10/2/2012 11:58 AM, Max wrote:
>> On 10/2/2012 11:33 AM, Bob Hatch wrote:
>>> On 10/2/2012 9:05 AM, rvfulltime wrote:
>>>> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>>>>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch<bob....@ymail.com>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>>>>>
>>>>> Nonsense!
>>>>>
>>>>> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
>>>>> within the next five years??
>>>>> Maybe .005% ??
>>>>>
>>>>> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way
>>>>> ahead of the game by merely
>>>>> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> No kidding. We bought our Garmin for about $100. Immediately went
>>>> on a
>>>> trip. Came back home. Tried to do an update. Sorry, you waited too
>>>> long; 60 days. $69 please.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> That's why the Lifetime Updates would have worked, and you could update
>>> every quarter.
>>>
>>> Duh.
>>>
>> I have a 1950 quarter. Should I update it?
>
> Send it to me and I'll change it.
>

Naw, you'll change it into a penny.

[Max]

Well, damn! No wonder mine doesn't work that way. I haven't been
entering mine "ealrier".

[Bob Hatch]

Trust me. Have a little hope for change.

[Bruce S]

Hank, try this simple experiment to see if I am right or wrong about the
tablet not storing maps - you can do it right there sitting in your
living room. Go into settings and turn off the wifi. Turn the tablet
off, then turn it back on. Go to Google maps or whatever
mapping/gps/navigation program you use, and see if there are any maps
stored on your tablet. There are none on mine - they don't get put on
the tablet until it connects to the internet.

That is exactly what I said before, and exactly what you seemed to
confirm above - there are no maps on the tablet until they are
downloaded from the internet.

--
Bruce

Thomas Jefferson - "The policy of the American government is to leave
their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits.

No man has a natural right to commit aggression on the equal rights of
another, and this is all from which the laws ought to restrain him."

[Max]

I have *lot* of hope for *change*. Soon.

[vi...@iknow.net]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:37:27 -0400, bill horne <red...@rye.net>
wrote:


>

>So you're saying that I can buy a smartfone, a one-time 9 bucks for
>maps, and a free app, and I have a mapping GPS with all the POIs that
>come with the average GPS, and I don't have to pay monthly fees for a
>voice or data plan? And that I can add custom POIs as easily as I can
>with a Garmin?

It is surprising to me that after 40+ posts that nobody went and
googled the program. Try;

http://www.copilotlive.com/us/personal/

So bill, read all the stuff and your questions will be answered.
Vince

[Bob Hatch]

Can this be used on a "non-activated" phone. I don't see that on the
site. Additionally, what is the size of the download? Maybe too lazy to
search for that answer.

[vi...@iknow.net]

On Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:48:50 -0700, vi...@Iknow.net wrote:


>
>It is surprising to me that after 40+ posts that nobody went and
>googled the program. Try;
>
>http://www.copilotlive.com/us/personal/
>
>So bill, read all the stuff and your questions will be answered.
>Vince

bill also asked;

> I don't have to pay monthly fees for a voice or data plan?

bill,
I use Pageplus which is a prepaid service.

http://www.pagepluscellular.com/default.aspx

My phone has the capability to turn off data so that I can keep
the costs down. I use the $25 plan which gives me 400 min of
talk or 5 cents a SMS. The data usage is 25 cents a min.

I usually go the 4 months covered and still have several bucks that I
carry forward to the next 4 months.
Since Copilot doesn't need a data connection to function, I can use
the phone as a GPS anywhere.

Vince

[bill horne]

How much memory storage do those things have? And can you put SD chips
in them to get a lot more?

[Bob Hatch]

I can't answer for the tablets, but my Atrix HD has a micro SD slot and
will recognize up to 32GB. I put a 16GB in it last week. It cost me
29.99 at Wal Mart, and I didn't park in the fire lane.

[bill horne]

If I had a compatible device, I'd sure give that thing a try at those
prices.

However, the site seems to imply that the size of the whole thing -
including the map and POIs is 30 megs. That raises questions I don't
even know how ask, since the map and POIs on my Nuvi is over a gig.
And the custom POI file on my Nuvi - which no doubt duplicates some of
the built-in POIs - is almost 20 megs. There's obviously something I'm
missing.

But if I had a GPS-enabled android device, I'd risk $17.99 just to
find out why it seems too good to be true. And then, why does the
apparently same thing cost $99.99 for a laptop?

[bill horne]

Unless it also has numismatic value, it's already been automatically
updated to $6.27. I'd pass on letting Bad Hat update it.

[Hank]

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012 7:58:59 PM UTC-4, bruce wrote:

>
> Hank, try this simple experiment to see if I am right or wrong about the
>
> tablet not storing maps - you can do it right there sitting in your
>
> living room. Go into settings and turn off the wifi. Turn the tablet
>
> off, then turn it back on. Go to Google maps or whatever
>
> mapping/gps/navigation program you use, and see if there are any maps
>
> stored on your tablet. There are none on mine - they don't get put on
>
> the tablet until it connects to the internet.
>
>
>
> That is exactly what I said before, and exactly what you seemed to
>
> confirm above - there are no maps on the tablet until they are
>
> downloaded from the internet.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce

Since you're being civil... :-)

I did the test you mention above. You are mostly correct. However, there is still a map that shows me a 1/4 mile radius, but i can't expand it any further. I guess you are more right than I am. :-)

Hank <~~~ left handed

[Hank]

I think my keyboard is dyslexic.

Hank <~~~~ fingers work faster than brain

[MR]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:46:43 -0400, <stan....@hotmail.com> wrote:

>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com>
>> wrote:
>> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>
> Nonsense!
>
> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
> within the next five years??
> Maybe .005% ??
>
> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead
> of the game by merely
> buying a new unit three years down the road!

And then sell your old Garmin for half the price of a new one.<g>
MR

[Will Sill]

On 10/3/12 8:40 AM, MR wrote:
> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:46:43 -0400, <stan....@hotmail.com> wrote:

Nonsense!

Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear
within the next five years??
Maybe .005% ??

Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead
of the game by merely
buying a new unit three years down the road!

MR:

> And then sell your old Garmin for half the price of a new one.<g>

Geez, MR. Don't be sarcastic. We are blessed to have such a
knowledgeable contributor as Stan. He not only knows practically
everything, but is willing to share in a friendly and gracious manner.

On the question: virtually all GPS map databases will have errors. The
very latest will still miss a few roads or show some not yet built, and
mistakes sometimes persist for years. Expect perfection and you WILL be
disappointed.

Will

[Max]

Your "Good Citizen Award" is in the mail.

[Max]

On 10/3/2012 7:21 AM, Will Sill wrote:

> Geez, MR. Don't be sarcastic. We are blessed to have such a
> knowledgeable contributor as Stan. He not only knows practically
> everything, but is willing to share in a friendly and gracious manner.

> Will

ROFLMAO...
I just bygod love it! HarHarHar.

[nothermark]

On Wed, 3 Oct 2012 02:07:25 -0700 (PDT), Hank <nineb...@aol.com>
wrote:

On the Nexus 7 there are apps to both save the trip you loaded and to
download the map base so it really does work like a GPS. I do not
recall what you are using but there is probably app or two for it if
you want the feature.

[K Miller]

And we thought Will didn't have a sense of humor....

[Bruce S]

On 10/2/2012 8:54 PM, bill horne wrote:

How much storage they have depends on the phone itself. My Samsung has
12 gigs built in memory and a Micro SD card slot that can add up to 32
more gigs of storage. I think my last phone (or the one before that)
only had 4 gigs internal and up to 8 gigs on MicroSD. And iPhones do
not even have an expansion slot for SD cards at all.

--
Bruce

"The truth is hate speech for those who hate truth."

[Bruce S]

I just looked on the Google app store, and the very first mapping
program I looked at (Sygic) claimed that its maps were stored on the
phone and that no internet connection was needed - although they claimed
that if you had an internet connection (wifi) the maps would be
constantly updated. They claim to get their maps from Tom Tom, so they
should be pretty good maps. 10.66mb download

There were several other programs listed, but having found one that
would do the job, I didn't bother to look further.

[Bruce S]

The really nice thing about Google maps as loaded on cell phones and
tablets is that they communicate with Google as you use them. (Well, I
suppose how nice a thing that is depends on how paranoid the user is.)

With that communication, every time you ask the program for directions,
you are providing information to Google, and as you drive your trip, you
are helping Google update their system. When you drive on a new road,
or go somewhere they didn't have before, you are updating their maps.

In that regard that makes the system better than a GPS system which does
not have that two way communication. The only way for those companies
to learn that their maps are wrong is for the user to go on their
website (or write them a letter) and tell them.

Read about all the problems Apple is having with their new mapping
program (comes on the new iPhone instead of Google Maps). Both Apple
and Google started with the same maps from the same third party company
(Tom Tom I think) but Google has had most of a decade to get things
right and because of that Google maps is near perfect for every day use.
On the other hand, Apple is starting from scratch with the maps they
have bought, and they are having horrendous problems.

Apple claims that for most people there should be no problems, since the
information is about 99% accurate - but when you have a trillion data
points on the maps, having 1% wrong is a whole lot of mistakes.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/20/3363914/wrong-turn-apple-ios-6-maps-phone-5-buggy-complaints

[bill horne]

He's got a sense of humor - but it's on an irregular and undocumented
hibernation cycle.

[K Miller]

Ahhhh. You're saying it's been plonked...

[gregz]

<stan....@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me <yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:
>> I want a unit that I can add my own POI files to and am not dependant on
>> an Internet connection to update
>> POI's/files.
>
> After ten years of using MS Streets and Trips, we are more than satisfied
> with our $120 bargain 5"
> Garmin Nuvi 50.
>
> While it doesn't have a means of adding POI files, the POI files are
> **SO** complete, that we
> haven't noticed any deficit in that regard. 'Course, if you need specific
> addresses, then they can
> be easily added.

Been looking at buying a nuvi 50 LM, some refurbished at $100 . Is this
model the one to buy?? I am thinking first generation units need
reprogramed or chips replaced, so it's like new, and supposedly lifetime
updates. Walmart online is about the cheapest.

Greg

[Tom J]

Max wrote:
> On 10/2/2012 11:48 AM, bill horne wrote:
>> nothermark wrote:
>>> On Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:36:42 -0400, bill horne<red...@rye.net>
>>> wrote:

>>>
>>>> nothermark wrote:
>>>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me<yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:

>>>>>> My 8 year old Magellan GPS has died and I'm confused, so I need
>>>>>> some recommendations on a replacement unit.
>>>>>> I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a
>>>>>> smart phone with GPS is not an option. I want a unit that I can

>>>>>> add my own POI files to and am not dependant on an Internet

>>>>>> connection to update POI's/files. I also need to be able to move
>>>>>> the unit between various vehicles. I am not wed to a particular
>>>>>> brand but would like a lower cost unit. Any useful suggestions
>>>>>> will be appreciated. Happy Camping. ldp...@NOPANTS.juno.com
>>>>>> Remove NOPANTS To reply by direct E-Mail;
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2003 Dodge 1500 QC SB Hemi, A/T, Tow Package, 3.92 gears (11 mpg
>>>>>> Towing)
>>>>>> 2001 Aerolite 21RDB 21ft TT (Scales 2900 dry)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Linux/Unix is user-friendly.
>>>>>> It's just very selective with who its friends are.
>>>>>
>>>>> No reccomendations but a couple of things to look for:
>>>>>
>>>>> I went from a V7 issued by the company I worked for to a Garmin
>>>>> Nuvi. In retrospect I liked the old one much better for a couple
>>>>> of reasons. 1. It had a trucks routes only mode.
>>>>>
>>>>> 2. It showed all the streets around me.
>>>>>
>>>>> My Nuvi does not have either of those features. It hides adjacent
>>>>> streets to simplify showing the route but often I want a different
>>>>> route than it picks. The truck route option is an issue if I use
>>>>> it in the MH.
>>>>
>>>> My Nuvi 1490 starts showing street detail when zoomed in to where
>>>> the little scale says .3mi. That means that the screen is about
>>>> 3.5 miles wide. If the streets showed at less zoom, they would be
>>>> very close to being a blob instead of defined streets.
>>>
>>>
>>> Tried that with the 1300. Most of the problem has been when out in
>>> the country - not many roads so I want to see what my options are.
>>> That is also when it is the most annoying.
>>
>> Well, you said "adjacent" "streets" - not "every country road within
>> 30 miles".
>>
>> Even so, you can zoom in until the detail shows, and see 3.5 miles
>> out. If you want to see farther, just pan the screen out to where
>> you want to see.
>>
>> With Street Atlas on my laptop, I can set it so that I can see detail
>> (streets and dirt roads) out to 25 miles, but that would be difficult
>> reading on a small GPS screen.
>>
>> But I agree that it would be nice if the machine would let me choose
>> detail on/off at nearly Any zoom, and let me make my own decision as
>> to whether it's cluttered beyond usefulness or not. Or maybe there's
>> some trick I'm not aware of that will let me do that?
>>
>
> What's with your GPS? I can get enough detail to see whether the
> neighbor is sunbathing or not. 'course I have a 7 inch.......screen.

That's me and my 7200 Street Pilot by Garmin. I can see as much or as little
detail by zooming in or out and by the settings to tell it what I want to
see and not see. It also is set up to use with an 18 wheeler so it knows
not to tell me to make a U turn or get in the express lanes or take dirt
roads. The unit is not made any more, but I still get the quarterly updates
for free!! Anyone trying to tell you roads are not being built, new exits
added, old roads moved, etc are not out on the highway traveling cross
country or in growing areas in most states. I also have data from others
that shows me Wal-Mart's with gas, Flying J truck stops with RV islands,
etc.

Tom J
who just returned from Branson, MO & there is no easy way w/o GPS

[Thats Me]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:25:51 -0500, Janet Wilder
<kellie...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On 10/1/2012 9:52 AM, Thats Me wrote:
>> My 8 year old Magellan GPS has died and I'm confused, so I need some
>> recommendations on a replacement unit.
>> I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a smart
>> phone with GPS is not an option. I want a unit that I can add my own
>> POI files to and am not dependant on an Internet connection to update
>> POI's/files. I also need to be able to move the unit between various
>> vehicles. I am not wed to a particular brand but would like a lower
>> cost unit. Any useful suggestions will be appreciated.
>> Happy Camping. ldp...@NOPANTS.juno.com
>> Remove NOPANTS To reply by direct E-Mail;
>>
>> 2003 Dodge 1500 QC SB Hemi, A/T, Tow Package, 3.92 gears (11 mpg Towing)
>> 2001 Aerolite 21RDB 21ft TT (Scales 2900 dry)
>>
>> Linux/Unix is user-friendly.
>> It's just very selective with who its friends are.
>>
>

>Before you buy a new one, call Magellan. They have a customer loyalty
>program and you might be able to get the current most up-to-date singing
>and dancing, bells and whistles GPS for a pittance.
>
>I had a problem with my first Magellan not charging. It was out of
>warranty. They sold me a brand new $250 machine (I checked prices) for
>$100.
>
>Give it a try. Couldn't hurt. They have a toll-free phone number.

Thanks for the advice. Tried the call but the person I got on the
phone knew less about the Magellan line than I do.
I think I'm going with the Garmin nuvi 2455LMT since it allows for
storage of up to 100 routes.

Thanks again for your suggestion.

[Thats Me]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:27:07 -0400, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:

>>On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me <yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:

>>I want a unit that I can add my own POI files to and am not dependant on an Internet connection to update
>>POI's/files.
>

>After ten years of using MS Streets and Trips, we are more than satisfied with our $120 bargain 5"
>Garmin Nuvi 50.
>
>While it doesn't have a means of adding POI files, the POI files are **SO** complete, that we
>haven't noticed any deficit in that regard. 'Course, if you need specific addresses, then they can
>be easily added.

I think I'm going with the Garmin Nuvi 2455LMT since it allows for
storage of up to 100 routes and price difference is minimal. The
Garmin Nuvi 50 does not have route storage, though the newest 50's do
allow a custom POI file to be loaded. Garmin does have a funny way of
storing Custom POIs "all in one file" named POI.gpi. Say you have a
POI file with favorite Campgrounds on the unit and want to add some
new campgrounds unless you follow a very specific method to add them
the old ones go away.

I think I can get this to work for my needs, I create a stops list
using Streets and trips, then use a another piece of software to
create a GPX or CSV file with those stops as waypoints, that file is
used to create POI file for the GPS, Then the POI file is loaded on
the GPS unit, this is much the same way I did it for my Magellan unit.

Thanks for your suggestion

[Thats Me]

On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:02:03 -0700, rvfulltime
<rvfulltim...@isp.nospaam.com> wrote:

>On 10/1/2012 7:52 AM, Thats Me wrote:
>> My 8 year old Magellan GPS has died and I'm confused, so I need some
>> recommendations on a replacement unit.
>> I go places where cell service is spotty to non-existent so a smart

>> phone with GPS is not an option. I want a unit that I can add my own

>> POI files to and am not dependant on an Internet connection to update

>> POI's/files. I also need to be able to move the unit between various
>> vehicles. I am not wed to a particular brand but would like a lower
>> cost unit. Any useful suggestions will be appreciated.

>> Happy Camping. ldp...@NOPANTS.juno.com
>> Remove NOPANTS To reply by direct E-Mail;
>>
>> 2003 Dodge 1500 QC SB Hemi, A/T, Tow Package, 3.92 gears (11 mpg Towing)
>> 2001 Aerolite 21RDB 21ft TT (Scales 2900 dry)
>>
>> Linux/Unix is user-friendly.
>> It's just very selective with who its friends are.
>

>I don't understand why a smart phone isn't an option. A smart phone is just a
>small screen hand held computer with a cell phone chip in it, with tablets
>having a bigger screen. Just because you're out of cell phone range doesn't
>disable the rest of the computer, and shouldn't disable any GPS software. The
>GPS chip and associated software should work regardless of whether you you are
>in range of a cell phone tower or not.
>
>Finding reliable software that has the functionality that you want is a
>different problem. My cheap Garmin Nuvi 255, about $100, that attaches with a
>suction cup to the windshield allows me to enter a lot of favorite destinations.
> Note that it didn't work very well in Alaska when I was on the near north side
>of mountains (probably blocking the satellites).

To answer the Smart phone question. Most of the places where this will
be used do not allow cameras of any kind to be in the facility (this
means any tablet or phone with the ability to take a picture is not
allowed until the camera is physicaly rendered unable to capture
data). The GPS will be used (at times) to navigate on the facility,
sometimes there is no cell phone/Wifi available on the facility, this
severely limits the usability of a Smart Phone/Tablet.

The GPS unit can be pre-programed with a POI file having the locations
of the required stops, handed to a tech and they can easily use it to
get to their next stop buy just selecting the POI needed and routing
to it, in a company car, rental car, or with customer provided
transportation.

[bill horne]

Thats Me wrote:
> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:27:07 -0400, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
>
>>> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:52:29 -0400, Thats Me<yqc...@whab.pbz> wrote:
>>> I want a unit that I can add my own POI files to and am not dependant on an Internet connection to update
>>> POI's/files.
>>
>> After ten years of using MS Streets and Trips, we are more than satisfied with our $120 bargain 5"
>> Garmin Nuvi 50.
>>
>> While it doesn't have a means of adding POI files, the POI files are **SO** complete, that we
>> haven't noticed any deficit in that regard. 'Course, if you need specific addresses, then they can
>> be easily added.
>
> I think I'm going with the Garmin Nuvi 2455LMT since it allows for
> storage of up to 100 routes and price difference is minimal. The
> Garmin Nuvi 50 does not have route storage, though the newest 50's do
> allow a custom POI file to be loaded. Garmin does have a funny way of
> storing Custom POIs "all in one file" named POI.gpi. Say you have a
> POI file with favorite Campgrounds on the unit and want to add some
> new campgrounds unless you follow a very specific method to add them
> the old ones go away.
>
> I think I can get this to work for my needs, I create a stops list
> using Streets and trips, then use a another piece of software to
> create a GPX or CSV file with those stops as waypoints, that file is
> used to create POI file for the GPS, Then the POI file is loaded on
> the GPS unit, this is much the same way I did it for my Magellan unit.

Street Atlas will export directly to a gpx file which can be added to
the appropriate POI category, and then POI Loader will replace the
current POI file with the new updated one. This will give you
everything in the old file plus the ones you added.

[Bob Hatch]

Streets and Trips 2013 will import directly to a GPX file.

[bill horne]

Oh yeah? Well, I can drag and drop a gpx file from the Nuvi into SA
2011. And I can do it sitting down. With one hand behind my back. From
4 feet away.

[Bob Hatch]

Well, Streets and Trips 2013 will import and export the gpx file, and I
can do it by just thinking about it, or dreaming about it.

So there!

[Frank Howell]

Damn, those are all the qualifications that a politician needs, so run for
orifice. :-)

--
Frank Howell

[bill horne]

I don't believe that last part.

> So there!

[Bob]

In article <127k685gn5k4j75lj...@4ax.com>,
stan....@hotmail.com says...

>
> >On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com> wrote:
> >Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
>

> Nonsense!
>
> Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
> Maybe .005% ??
>
> Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead of the game by merely

> buying a new unit three years down the road!
>
>

Where I live, a new highway is opening up in about 2 weeks.

Bob

[Bob]

In article <506a41e7$0$1323$c3e8da3$9f40...@news.astraweb.com>,
bob....@ymail.com says...

>
> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
> >> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch <bob....@ymail.com> wrote:
> >> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
> >
> > Nonsense!
>

> No it's not.

> >
> > Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
> > Maybe .005% ??
>

> There are more than roads and highways in the updates.
> >

You are correct there. The speed limits in Texas seem to change a lot.

Bob

[Bob]

In article <k4f3cg$mge$1...@news.america.net>,
rvfulltim...@isp.nospaam.com says...

>
> On 10/1/2012 3:46 PM, stan....@hotmail.com wrote:
> >> On Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:29:29 -0700, Bob Hatch<bob....@ymail.com> wrote:
> >> Any Garmin, but get lifetime updates.
> >
> > Nonsense!
> >

> > Like . . . how many new roads and highways do you figure will appear within the next five years??
> > Maybe .005% ??
> >

> > Considering the limited lifespan of Garmin stuff; you will be 'way ahead of the game by merely
> > buying a new unit three years down the road!
> >
> >
>

> No kidding. We bought our Garmin for about $100. Immediately went on a trip.
> Came back home. Tried to do an update. Sorry, you waited too long; 60 days.
> $69 please.

The instructions tell you to do an update as soon you register the unit.

Bob