Driving w/ Garmin GPS System

[SLDL]

Anyone use one of these navigation systems for driving to Florida??

 

[cranbiz]

Yes.

I haven't used the new Garmin units but had an older Streetpilot Colormap. With the uddated maps, it was fine. I also used a Nvaman Ipaq add on unit, it was also fine. I now have a Magellan 360 and it's also fine.

Sometimes the routes that they select are questionable, the older the map database, the more questionable the routes may be. Also, how you set your route preferences will affect the routing.

To a GPS, shortest time is a mathmatical calculation, it may not actually be the shortest time in your mind. It may also use roads that may not actually exist (if they were planned and approved but never completed). Also be careful of the avoid highways setting. That setting usually does just that and you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere (but still being routed to your destination)

For example, my GPS routed me from Disney University to my house in Deltona CR535 to SR429 (toll) to Apopka, then SR436 to I4 etc. My normal route is CR535 to SR535 to I4. The GPS route MAY be faster, but it is a lot of time on secondary roads and uses a toll road (which I try to avoid always)

From MA to FL the routing was about what I would have thought except it used I895 thru Baltimore instead if I95 and used 295/I295 thru DC instead of I95 or I495. Now my Navman did not use the 295 route but the I495 route. Both used the same map database so who knows.

The best part of the GPS is the on the fly rerouting, but, it can also be a pain. If/when you make a wrong turn, it will calculate a new route for you however, if you get off the highway to gas up, etc. the GPS does not know that you need gas and attempts to reroute.

You take the good with the bad. I won't travel without mine because the good far outweighs the bad.

 

[c.w.e.m.]

My Garmin GPS will be safely packed away for the trip down, and when we get the rental car, out she will come!

We love ours, even gave it a name. Aunt Agnes.

Aunt Agnes NEVER DROVE a mile in all her life, always sat in the back seat, and she could tell you which way to get there and what you were doing wrong!!!

Get the picture???

 

[Ms. Belle]

I didn't drive to FL, but I drove to Tulsa and it was great! I don't know my way around Tulsa at all and the Garmin was great. I'm taking it to FL with me in June.

 

[curlybop]

We have one for road trips. We used it last summer in PA, and never got lost. Just have to listen to the directions, and drive. It's fabulous!!

 

[billcsho]

I am using TomTom5 on my PDA. I have already punch in a bunch of addresses for my trip. I am ready to go. This is my first trip using a GPS. Indeed, I got the receiver and software installed last month only because of my trip to DW tomorrow.

What is important is a clear voice direction and fast automatic re-route. I'll keeep my eyes on the road anyway. Also check the destination on your device ahead of time and make sure it is shown on your map.

 

[clkelley]

I've got a Magellan 760 and I love it!! It is great for the drive to Disney. (It doesn't know about the new Western Way entrance yet, kept telling me I was off legal roads and to make a U-turn when possible). Mine also has gas stations, fast food, etc. programmed in. I had prepaid gas cards for Shell and BP and was able to get directions for the closest one (most are right on the interstate, but some are not). Plus, I'm not very good when I get off the interstate and have to go a bit down the road for a stop. I invariably go the wrong way when pulling out of Burger King, etc. to get back on the interstate. When I turn this thing back on, it asks if I want to continue to my destination and tells me how!!

Beware though on Disney Property it knows ALL of the roads. It tried to send me down a couple of Cast Member only roads to get from Ft. Wilderness to Wal-Mart, so program in what you need, but then watch the Disney Purple signs also.

 

[bigbabyblues]

DH used his Garmin, I don't know what model it is. We drove from Ohio and it worked great, no problems at all. We'll be using it again this year.