[FrayAdjacent]

If you want to go with a dedicated unit, check out buygpsnow.com. They have many GPS nav systems available. Find what's in your price range, then read some reviews.

I'd probably go with something that has maps on a removable SD (or other) memory card, and that allows you to update maps online (preferably without paying for a subscription).

One common problem with almost every GPS unit/system/software I found is that most map sources are out-of-date in some areas. It's just a fact of life given construction and the like. So whatever you get, don't be upset or surprised if you ever come to an area that isn't on your maps!


Personally, I went with a PDA and Bluetooth GPS receiver. Buygpsnow has bundle deals if you go this route, usually with the receiver and a software package. My plan was/is to wire up the GPS receiver in my storage bin behind the seats and just leave it there. The site had a great mounting device for the PDA I bought (Dell Axim X51), which powers it, and has an auxiliary plugin for the GPS receiver.

I use the PDA for several other things... it comes in handy when I'm traveling (I use my cell phone as a modem for it), as a portable music player, as a system for copying pictures from my camera's memory, and a vehicle information database. I found a neat little piece of software called 'Vehicle Manager' that tracks maintenance and fuel usage, and can give you quick stats on your economy, cost of ownership and cost per 100 miles. There's a desktop version that can be synced with it, too.

For the software, I went with Infogation's Odyssey Mobile. It's a good navigation software that runs great on the PDA and was easy to set up. Maps are divided by state (some whole states, some large states are split, and some small ones grouped together), and are easily added and removed. This software is VERY easy to locate addresses with, and it has a HUGE POI database that is relatively easy to search through. A couple drawbacks, though: It doesn't allow waypoints, and the voice prompts do not speak street names. Infogation is working on improving it, though.


Anyway, I hope I've helped a little bit!