VS: [Chrysler300] GPS

["Narve Nordanger" <narve.n@xxxxxxx>]

Fra: Narve Nordanger [mailto:narve.n@xxxxxxx] 
Sendt: 17. desember 2009 20:25
Til: 'jimmac2004'
Emne: SV: [Chrysler300] GPS

 

Mac,

Having tested the top of the line Garmin (bought in 07) and the newer TomTom
counterpart bought this Spring in view of their qualities for navigation, I
might have some insight from comparing those in the hopelessly overcrowded
London-area traffic. I also have some knowledge from encountering GPS
navigational equipment at work (ship navigation) since the system?s launch.
I though have no interest in added-on gadgets like music and photos, which
the news reviews typically tend to focus on.

 

Findings:

·         The car GPS get better every year, like laptops used to do a few
years back. I would never fork out extra money for built-in GPS in a car,
knowing that it will be obsolete in a few years time. A plug-in one can also
be moved to your 300 if so is needed (C-300 owners will have to make
themselves a voltage converter, or rely on the 1-2 hours of battery life in
the devices).

·         It pays to be certain what maps you will need in the future, as
buying these separately is horribly expensive.

·         Main difference between the Garmin and the TomTom I have, is that
the latter tries to calculate time/distance based on recognized speed pr
road section, while the Garmin always would assume any road equals the speed
limit leading me onto farm-roads suitable for 10 mph while the limit might
be 30 mph. As the detour was intended to save me 30 seconds compared to the
main road, it actually made me lose time, it was terribly annoying and the
main reason for replacing it. Calculated arrival time with Garmin would
correspondingly also always be a bit too optimistic.

·         Coming now are real-time traffic information used to guide users
past congestions. The TomTom Live Service (their nick-name) does work,
although they do not care about congestion on minor roads. The kit includes
a built in GSM telephone receiver, which of course will cost you
subscription money if you decide to use it. My Garmin has a FM-receiver,
which is free to use and also works for the larger incidents, however with a
slower reaction time.

·         The MMI (Man Machine Interface) is not excellent on any of them,
with difficult multilayered menus in typical modern engineering stupidity.
The TomTom will however display your speed together with the map, allowing
you to disregard the car?s speedometer and drive at corrected speed as
modern speedos all are 5-10% optimistic for legal reasons.

·         The Garmin GPS-signal receiver seems to be the better, using
shorter time to locate its position when switched on. However, if switched
on 1000 miles+ away from its last known position, they both can require 15
minutes to get a fix. The Garmin was able to get a fix while in an airplane,
now showing maximum speed obtained as 500+ mph.

·         Garmin also seems to have the better detailed maps (more names
displayed as you pass) and a function calculating sunset for your position
for entering night settings on the device. TomTom only uses a photo-cell for
this, resulting in flickering back and forth if you drive through wooden
alleys.

·         A bonus with subscribing to updates and live services is that you
will always be updated on known black spots (which in Europe includes the
ever popular Gatso (speed) cameras). In Norway, the cost of being caught
speeding means one ticket less equals the prize of a top-of the line GPS.

·         They both work very well for walking in city centers.

·         They will always ask you for which house number you require at an
address, although they rarely find the right house.

·         Improvements I would like to see: Scenic routes as menu choice,
better real-time updates on congestions of minor roads (typical in the UK)

 

Hope that helps and not confuses,

 

 

Narve N

C-300

Norway (and UK)

 

Fra: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] På
vegne av jimmac2004
Sendt: 17. desember 2009 14:08
Til: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emne: [Chrysler300] GPS

 

  

Hi All, Anyone up to speed on the latest GPS units. Looking to get one for
our 03 Ram Hemi SLT that plugs in the power point. Thanks & Merry Christmas
& Happy Holiday to all, Mac ,Sanford Fla 300KSS





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