The other day I mentioned that we would probably need to start looking for a new GPS. Our Magellan Maestro was screeching at us. Matter of fact, it screeched so loud numerous times on our trip back from Valley of Fire that it about blew out our ear drums. Then, the very next day … hardly a sound and it worked perfectly …. well, other than the fact, it was still running a 2007 map. We have no idea what was going on with it. Perhaps, it was an interference or maybe it was a warning of things yet to come. The pressure may have been off to replace it since the noise went away but we still thought it best to get another one … ju
st in case. We really knew we needed to update the map but we didn’t want to do that, if it was getting ready to shut down.
st in case. We really knew we needed to update the map but we didn’t want to do that, if it was getting ready to shut down.
Magellan Maestro
I really liked the one we were using for the most part. We originally bought the Magellan because of using the NeverLost in the Hertz rental cars. They were made by the same company so we figured they would be easier to learn. The Maestro just had a few more bells and whistles than their Roadmate model. Our mistake in the purchase was in buying an open box store display. It meant that we didn’t get the computer disk with the software for uploading POIs (points of interest) to the GPS. Matter of fact, I didn’t know one was available until a couple days ago when I was reading all the specs. Oh well, we missed out on that. I would have opted for a new Magellan if I had known we could have uploaded POIs.
First we looked at the Garmin 465T. Others had commented on it so this is where we started. The Garmin 465T is the trucker’s version and can be programmed with the height, width and weight of your RV. I played with the trucker version available at Fry’s but wasn't so sure that was something we would really need or ever use. Besides, if we ever
decided we did want it, we could always add that option later by loading the CoPilot software.
decided we did want it, we could always add that option later by loading the CoPilot software.
Garmin Nuvi
The search is no longer on. What a task it was! I’d rather buy new toys and not replacement ones. We settled on Garmin Nuvi 2360LMT. The Garmin's have so many different models and each one had different features and specifications. The TomToms had many different models too. It was just a little bit more difficult to figure out all the specifications and options.
After using this one for a couple days I was actually ready to eat the 15% restocking fee and buy another Magellan Maestro but we didn’t. At first I thought the Magellan performed faster and better. However, only time will tell on that. Perhaps, it’s just a learning curve. There are definitely quite a few new features I do like. There are others I'm not so fond of. I do like receiving unlimited map and traffic updates as a starter. I like knowing the speed limit and the lane assist feature. I like being able to find my parked car in a lot and I like the pedestrian option.
I especially enjoy being able to transfer my own POIs (points of interest) onto the GPS. I now have 4gbs of these converted and loaded from favorite places to shop (Fry’s Electronics and Costco) to other attractions .…. then, of course, I shared these with the Jerry and Janice who are still parked behind us. I figure I’ll probably add just as many more within the next week or so.
In addition to the normal WalMart, Casinos and such, these are just a few other POIs I’ve added to the new GPS.
* Factory Tours
* Offbeat Tourist Attractions
* Haunted Houses
* Diners, Drive Ins and Dives
* Passport America
* Throwdown
* Waterfalls USA
* National Parks
* Waterfalls USA
* National Parks
Really like some of those POI options...we are still in the possible looking stage, our current TomTom has not begun to screech at us yet...hopefully it never does!
ReplyDeleteThe one thing for sure we would look for would be the unlimited lifetime map updates as part of the package, since the cost is around $50 per year that could pay for itself in just a few years.
We still like our Tom Tom but it needs to be updated and we can't do that with the air card. So we need a good wifi signal. When we get back to Billings we'll use Todd's.
ReplyDeleteReally, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? The ones on the show? I have been making a list. Cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't seem to get organized enough to update the blog!! Still using the old fashioned maps. But need to change some day, so I'll check back with you and find out which one you decide is best!
ReplyDeleteI just read a review of the 3G iPad that said there's a GPS app for it that updates maps automatically every time you use it. I don't know if you can upload POIs into it, though. Wouldn't that be cool?!
ReplyDeleteI have an SD card loaded with some POIs that I put on there just to practice loading them into the GPS. I never did load them, now I can't even remember what they are. I think they are truck stops and Texas state parks? I need more time in the day :(
ReplyDelete