Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap

Price Paid:  $650.00 from Ebay

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap

Summary:
I had hoped this would be an easy solution to having a navigation system in my car. I was wrong. Don''t even bother with this if you''re looking for a navigation, there is no turn by turn guidance which is the single most important feature of a navigation system.

Strengths:
Portable!

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Acura Navigation System

Price Paid:  $700.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001

Summary:
If you are happy with a moving map with the ability to look up addresses then this is fine. If you want directions best ask a policeman.
Garmin said they will be adding Autoroute type route planning to later versions but could not say when as of Jan 2001

Strengths:
Clear accurate display as long as you use the metroguide maps.
Easy to use. Good address database.
Not badly priced but some considerable drawbacks.

Weaknesses:
Route planning is almost impossible. Despite having an excellent address and road database this unit cant give a route suggestion (like say Autoroute). If you enter 2 points it will just draw a straight line between them as the crow flies. You would then have to manually enter every turn in order for the unit to give you a route. In other words it will show you a destination but not how to get there other than which compass direction to head. This means that practically this is little more than a moving map with an address database. The 16 meg data card will just hold the map for London and the South East, so dont drive too far. This takes about 40 mins to download from your pc. The basemap covers the whole of western europe but only shows major roads.
Battery Life is about 2 hours so make sure you have good batteries when downloading maps. There is a combined power/data transfer lead available at extra cost.

Similar Products Used:
None

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000

Summary:
It's hard to imagine a trip without it. It saved me so many times... I haul a race car trailer and it is not good to get lost with 15000 pounds of equipment. U-turns are a real hassle. I also travel allot in the winter (ski coach) and trying to find your way out of a desolate ski resort in the middle of a blizzard is impossible without a GPS and track back feature.

Strengths:
AWESOME! What a great addition to any car. The unit is fairly easy to use after playing with it for a few minutes. The mounting system is good, the display works well in all lighting conditions including bright sun, and it is easily tailored to your needs.

Weaknesses:
The base map is not very detailed. Ante up the extra cash for the metroguide option which is a great mapping program used on your PC and can be uploaded to your GPS. The detailing, pre-trip mapping and location finder is killer!

Similar Products Used:
Garmin 48