Stereo & Electronics - GPS Opinions: In-dash vs. Laptop

Hey guys, I have no sense of direction, I couldnt find my way out of a paper bag... so i'm thinking that it's gonna be GPS for christmas this year :jest: The in-dash ones are..kinda expensive, but I imagine that's easier than trying to prop up a laptop in a bucket seat. I was just looking for some personal experience and opinions on GPS systems that might make the choice easier.

I've been watching TopGear and it seems that "SatNav" is a defacto thing of the modern supercar, and whose to say that a venerable LS1 isnt a 'super' car!? lol

Thanx guys (and girls :cool: )

Simply buy streets and maps with GPS works well good map

I vote laptop w/ mount.It will make it cheaper if you decide to get a TUNING program later.
Hawk

Another option is a standalone GPS like one of the ones from Garmin or Magellan. I have a Garmin Quest that sits on the dash when I'm driving in an unfamiliar area and goes in the glovebox when I don't need it (or I can put it in my pocket if I'm walking someplace and need directions). It has all the features (auto-recalc, voice, etc.) and costs less than $400.

The cheapest solution to solve your problem is to enlist in the U.S. Army. In basic training they will teach how to read a map, use a compass, use terrain association and other land navigation techniques so that you are never lost. :) :)

I have a Palm Tungsten T3 I got free. I installed Mapopolis Navigator. I bought a Globalsat BT-338 GPS mini bluetooth receiver. This combo let's me have full voice navigation in the car and let's me make it portable for geocaching.

If you already have a PDA (Palm/PocketPC) you can save alot of money. The Reciever and navigation software was only $230 or so compared to a $500-1000 in-car nav unit.

This is an easy to use setup.

Check out www.buygps.com for the reciever.
If you don't need voice navigation you can get Mapopolis Platinum Plus for $60 and it has full GPS ability.

I haven't done this yet but plan on using an lcd screen mounted somewhere on the dash ready to be hooked up to the laptop. use my gps with the laptop closed yet running and tucked or stored. use a wireless mouse to control the laptop while viewing the smaller screen thus no need for a stand or taking up the passenger seat.

I like the indash because its a clean install.
With a lap top you have battery/charging issues and wires.

Yeha if you like portability, considering you will still be lost while driving a different car, Tom Tom and Magellan make good GPS units.

Check this out..
http://www.eclipse-web.com/avn/avn5435.html

The only problem with it is that its a 2DIM profile and we've got a 1.5 din stock opening..YOu'd have to trim a bit (~1/4") top and bottom to mak it fit..

Check here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=63949&highlight=camaro

mp3car.com