Lexus: GPS System Suggestions

I have the Garmin Streetpilot 2610. Awesome. You can buy it at Circuit City
and return it within 30 days if you are not happy...test drive it. Actually,
Garmin now has the 2620 which has all of America on the hard drive. My unit
only holds a few states at a time on a Compact Flash card. The 2620 is the
same great unit with all data on the hard drive. And it's BETTER than an
in-dash unit because you can put it in a camera bag when you fly and rent a
car...where you REALLY need it.


"Kevin" <com> wrote in message
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an 

Only those who have done this with this specific model will know -- a
very small number. The dealers who install these (Alpine, Pioneer,
some others) know what fits because the manufacturers know the
dimensions.

More important in my view is how they work. I would travel to other
cities if only dealers there could show me. Some systems are a great
disappointment.


"Kevin" <com> wrote in message news:<C4qFc.34523$6r1.24582@fed1read06>... 

HUH? The Garmin is PORTABLE. It sits on a bean bag neatly on your dash and
requires NO installation. Works better than the "in dash" unit in my 2004
LS430. Really! Sometimes it takes a bit longer to find the satellite, but
it's really not a problem. This unit is BETTER THAN LEXUS. And there is no
installation required. Go buy the Garmin at Circuit City or somewhere else
where you can return it if you don't like it. You'll keep it, but at least
you have the security of knowing that you can "test drive" it first!

"Jay Swinger" <com> wrote in message
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news:<C4qFc.34523$6r1.24582@fed1read06>... 
of an 

I'd be interested in specifically what ways the Garmin is better than
the Lexus GPS.

The advantages I would see for the Lexus system are:

1. Larger screen
2. Tied in to the audio system so the audio is muted when
instructions are being given by the GPS.

HBH

On Wed, 07 Jul 2004 11:48:48 GMT, "D.D. Palmer" <com>
wrote:
 

Easier input for one. For another you can change the input "on the fly". I
find my Lexus unit a PIA because you cannot enter addresses while driving.
Yeah, dangerous I am told...but in the real world there are times you wanna
make a change on the fly. The main other advantage is that my LS430 doesn't
fit into a camera bag for when I fly 'n rent...which is when I REALLY need a
GPS. Also, the Lexus has some road errors that the Garmin seems to have
corrected. Plus they do internet updates FREE from time to time.



"Helmar Herman" <com> wrote in message
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and 
no 
else 
least 
dash 

"D.D. Palmer" <com> wrote in message news:<ea%Gc.40369$a24.32690@attbi_s03>... 

Yes, there are road errors because only a small percentage of roads
and numbers are certified by people on land. I am convinced the Lexus
depends a great deal on you entering a street address which has to be
in the database. AND the creation of that database is what was so much
work that lasted so long. AND that is why their data (road errors) are
so out of date.

Put another way: When they start with a new version of a nav system
they want the latest and greatest maps and data from Navtek or whoever
did the aerial surveys and compiled that part. Then they lock it up
and start creating the database and doing the indexing. By the time
they get it into the cars 18 months OR MORE has gone by since the
aerial photos were made.

If the system didn't depend on a database but on a search engine, they
might be able to use data that is 12 to 15 months fresher. Also, if it
were able to use some of the characteristics of a mapping / routing
program, it might be easier to set. The routing programs are more
timely and they will still locate addresses. Wait, wait, I believe
there are more errors on specific addresses in the routing programs.
If you are trying for the exact address, the Lexus nav system may be
more reliable than the routing programs.

But, for cross-country driving, the exact spot you are going to cross
needs to be IN THE ROAD for a guidance program or it is not going to
release that point. It will continue to try to get you to make U-turns
to return.

Finally, please do reconsider adding or changing addresses as you
drive. I guarantee you will be sorry if you have an accident.