Automotive Navagational GPS

FinsnFur · April 01, 2012, 10:22:12 PM

I finally caved in and bought one of these. I feel like the guy in the commercial trying to write a check in the check out lane in todays technology enveloped world and bringing things to a screeching halt.

I bought a TomTom XL 335-SE and granted this is my first one, It's already viewed as the keenest thing since sliced bread in my eyes. The things this thing knows literally amazes me.
I was looking over past posts regarding GPS and found this one from 2006. http://forum.finsandfur.net/index.php?topic=617.msg5605#msg5605
LOL! It's amazing how far it all has come over time.

Oh yeah....if our space program is finished, who's going to maintain the satellites up there that these things feed from? I've always been curious about that, and Google wont tell me.

HaMeR · April 02, 2012, 05:49:27 AM

I have the plain Jane TomTom from several years ago. That is one slick little unit. It's never failed us & we've used it a lot. I still like the old paper map system much better but it doesn't show the exact address you're looking for.

FinsnFur · April 02, 2012, 08:48:06 PM

Do you download updates for yours?

The biggest reason I got one is I'm just flat sick of trying to go into the cities alone and find something. I can Google the directions just fine and print them out. But when I'm getting shoved through bumper to bumper traffic in the middle of a three lane in the state capitol I cant look at that piece of paper, the road signs, the cars in the other lanes, and my mirrors at the same time. I've tried.

Plus, the ex wife's got me meeting her in the damdest places to pick up and drop off the girls.
I can get one of the girls to guide me through by reading the Google print out, and then I'm F*!#@'d on the way home.

But I love this thing so far. I've updated it and have been setting different route points in the neighboring counties and then letting it take me there to see how well it does. I'm very impressed.

HaMeR · April 03, 2012, 06:25:48 AM

I update mine 2-3 times a year. It's FREE so what the heck. I understand what you are saying. It's not as bad for me having Diane reading & watching tho. I guess that's the trade off for all the late nights you get to have at the bar VS having to come home right after work & hand over the paycheck for the bills. But I'm cool with that.

2 years ago we went to Pittsburgh. THAT place is about as,,

UP as a place can be!! The TT recalculated 4 or 5 times but it got us to where we wanted to go.

Find an address in the nearest big city & plug it in. Then drive thru busy downtown traffic once. You will really like it then.

FinsnFur · April 03, 2012, 05:46:09 PM

Quote from: HaMeR on April 03, 2012, 06:25:48 AM
Find an address in the nearest big city & plug it in. Then drive thru busy downtown traffic once. You will really like it then.

Why do ya say that? Is it a nightmare or something?
I grew up in South Milwaukee (Racine), so driving in a metropolis is nothing new, but I still hate it. Even worse now that I've lived in a rural area for 20 years.

Mallardsr · April 03, 2012, 06:28:36 PM

why spend the extra money when you can get turn by turn directions from your phone....droid

FinsnFur · April 03, 2012, 10:14:49 PM

This thing gives turn by turn directions. Even tells ya what lane to get into to be ready for the turn off.

My Motorola Razr dont have GPS, and I dont really want a phone that does. Heck I dont want this phone.

HaMeR · April 04, 2012, 05:45:48 AM

Nope!! It just makes it that much more bearable,, and easier,, driving thru the masses of idiots that are ALWAYS in a bigger hurry than what they actually are.

Hawks Feather · April 04, 2012, 07:58:13 AM

I took mine to Washington/Oregon last summer and it was a great thing to have. I could enter where we wanted to go and didn't have to worry about the normal navigator saying, "I think that we just passed our exit." While it really isn't needed for around town driving I love it when I am on the road.

Jerry