I've been using a Garmin StreetPilot III for 3 years now, for those unfamilar with it, its a all-in-one GPS unit with auto-routing feature and voice prompt. Its a good trusty device, highly rugged and I credit much of my career success in Silicon Valley to it.
What prompted me to start sourcing for another GPS device is due to the airport hassle we experience these days. I work for the Sales department of a security company and that means frequent travel these days. The StreetPilot III is an excellent device but its a little bulky to fit into my notebook bag.
Hence enter the Garmin GPS 10. I got mine for $209 from Digitally Unique, they're slow on shipping but the price was good. Get the Deluxe package and not the receiver only one, the Garmin software and maps are worth the money.
In comparison with the older StreetPilot, advantages are:
1. Small, light and easily fit into your pocket or laptop bag, easier when passing through airport security.
2. Integrated magnetic mount allows for mounting outside the rental car, a good solution in case you rented a car with heatsheild on the windscreen that can block GPS signal.
3. Waterproof, so you can still mount the device outside the car in adverse weather condition.
4. Software provided for both PocketPC and Windows OS (Mac / Linux users are out of luck here). Most business travellers like myself typically carry a PDA and for sure has a notebook. In case your PDA fails, you'll still have GPS capability using your notebook.
5. Enhanced software features includes:
- More customization options
- Cool transparent setting for indicators and prompts
- Elevation indicator, nice feature when travelling
- Easier filter for Waypoints and POI (Points of Interest)
6. Uses standard SD or Compact flash memory cards supported by your PDA instead of the proprietary flash memory cards from Garmin. Get the Viking 512mb SD card available from Amazon here with rebate, goes nicely if your PDA has a SD slot.
7. The GPS 10 turns on automatically if it detects power from the 12v cigarette lighter adaptor.
Disadvantages compared to StreetPilot III:
1. This could be related to my choice of PDA, I'm using a Dell Axim X5 PocketPC 2003. This PDA does not have an integrated Bluetooth so I use a Anycom Bluetooth CF card. Whenever I turn off the PDA and back on again, I need to re-connect the Bluetooth serial connection. Then I have to stop the Garmin nRoute software from searching the serial port, then reconnect again. A bit of a hassle compared to the StreetPilot III where you simply turn it on.
2. Routing algorithm not as good as StreetPilot III. The Pocket PC based routing logic seems to be slightly inferior to the one based on SP III (Palm OS based).
3. Depending on your PDA, the screen could be very difficult to read in the car. The Dell Axim X5 does not do well despite its transreflective LCD. The SP 3 on the other hand is clearly visible under all sorts of condition. Recommend you buy a PDA with a very bright screen.
4. PDA dependent. The SP 3 is a integrated device and is very rugged, sitting in direct sunlight for 2 years before I finally managed to buy a townhouse with a garage last year. The PDA however, is flimsy in comparison. I would not thing the Dell Axim will hold up being in sunlight all the time for 2 years.
5. Mounting a hassle. For a semi permanent mount in a car, you'll have to buy a mount either from Seidio or Arkon. However, those mounts are mainly for the PDA and you'll have to mount the GPS 10 seperately.
Recommendation:
1. If you do not travel by air frequently but is looking for a GPS device for use in your car, go with one of those all-in-one devices such as the older Garmin 2610/2620 or the newer Garmin c320/c330. They're much easier to use and mount, and are easier to see in your car.
2. For frequent travellers by air, get this Garmin GPS 10 and a good PDA. This combo is a lot more portable and works even if you end up renting a car with heatshield on the windscreen. Also, in case the PDA fails, you'll have your notebook to fall back on.
3. If you decide on the Garmin GPS 10, get a PDA that has the fastest possible processor. The latest Intel XScale running at 624Mhz is a good choice. My Axim X5 running 416Mhz though usable, I sometimes felt a faster processor would be nice when I'm planning a trip and markign waypoints on the PDA. Garmin GPS 10 Deluxe with Bluetooth Technology
I am an accountant with average PC skills. If you have a laptop with Bluetooth and another person to serve as navigator, the GPS 10 Deluxe is for you.
Set-up was easy. The n-Route laptop navigation software loaded quickly and easily as did the maps of the US and Canada. (On a laptop, you can load and unlock the maps all in one step.)
The GPS/software kit price is 5% of an installed navigator on new car while the functionality is comparable, and the laptop screen view and sound are excellent. Documentation of the software and GPS is thorough and easy to follow. The magnetic GPS 10 module clings securely to the hood or roof of your car.
Turn on your laptop and connect to the GPS 10 with Bluetooth. Then open the n-Route software and the laptop quickly connects with the GPS. You are ready to go (the software permits you to see how many satellites are being used to fix your position).
Assuming that you have saved your home and destination as "waypoints," you can easily create a route using two waypoints (beginning and end). The software/GPS allows your laptop follow the progress of your vehicle and provides suggested voice and visual directions along the way. Of course, you can chose to go your own way at any point, and the software automatically recalculates your route. At the bottom of the screen you can watch the ever-changing status including your current speed, direction, and time and distance to destination and next maneuver.
The maps have very good route detail and lots of helpful information regarding retail establishments and other points of interest, with an easy way to find them, especially when you are looking for something while traveling (gas, food, etc.).
You may need to change the setting on your firewall to disable the automatic detection of new wireless networks that you will encounter while travelingxx in residential areas, which will distract from your navigating.
Defining a "waypoint" by using a street address may take a little practice and some trial and error. - Garmin - Bluetooth Gps - Bluetooth - Gps Mapping Software'
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