[9200IH]

My wife wants to get me one for X-mas. Just found out today she has already bought it and I got to look at it today.

I had a few concerns---Where to mount it and if I will actually use it.

Mounting---- The unit has a real good suction cup that will mount on the metal of my dash by the gauges. I didn't want it on the windshield, I like to see everything in front of me that I can.

Will I use it and will it be helpful---I pretty much stay in Michigan and do allot of Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards deliveries and about 6 times a year I might take a longer trip to Fl,LA,MO,PA.

When I can I print myself maps, but when I get a load after I leave home that I didn't know about I have no maps.

And I read allot of reviews and most of them said that it takes from 2-20 minutes to aquire a satelite.

Are they a useful tool or just a gadget after the newness wears off. I am thinking about asking her to take it back. Her feelings won't be hurtLOL.

It is a Garmin Nuvi 750



Thanks Mike

[rank]

I have Streets and Trips on my laptop and I use it alot.

But you cannot take the route it gives you because it thinks you're a car. You must check it against your atlas for low clearances and restricted routes. And then you should route yourself around cities and avoid bad corners and stuff. But when you get the route planned, it's awesome IMO.

I mounted mine on my dash. Took the rubber suction pad off and epoxy to the dash. I also wired the power inside my dash to the fuse box.

It does take 2 to 20 minutes sometimes to get a signal but once it's got them you are all set for the day.

I wouldn't take it back. Once you start to use it you will never be without one.

[flood]

we have Streets and Trips and delorme 2008+ we like delorme better but that's us.
9200IH what you need to do first is see ware you want to put it in the truck with the truck pointed north and see it will get a signal at all.
she did get you a good one but some will not work in trucks. windshields in trucks are not tilted enuff for some gps to SEE the satelites.
most laptop gps take less then 45sec. to get the signal. what ever way you go after you have used one you will love it.

[tracer]

Originally Posted by 9200IH

And I read allot of reviews and most of them said that it takes from 2-20 minutes to acquire the signal.

I have a Garmin C330 and it gets the satellite signal within couple of minutes tops. Of course I have mounted it ON THE WINDOW, in the corner - to the left from. I've been using the gadget for a couple of months and I can't imagine driving without it. Naturally you have to take its recommendations with a grain of salt, but all in all it's a very useful thing. I hardly look into a paper map book anymore...

[BanditsCousin]

I have a Garmin 350 (after the 340 malfunctioned and Garmin upgraded me for free). I mounted mine on the gauge cluster which means you rotate it up 90* how you would on the dash. Its out of the way, but very visible, just below the dashline, so my eyes aren't off the road completely. It talks to you too, finds truckstops, bars, casinos, and post offices. I love it, and so does my Dad (32 yr road veteran).

I don't know how to print maps off it, but if you punch in the dest addy, it will tell you step by step how to get where you're going before you get rolling. This helps keep your focus on the road. It tells you approximate miles 2 ways- faster route and shorter route.

I liked the 340 over the 330 because it told you the street name you were to turn on audibly. The 330 is a good unit too, but for the money the 340 is worth it. The 350 has mp3 player, slot for digi cam memory card, and other features I'll probably never use. But, hey, like i said, it was a free upgrade :lol:

[BanditsCousin]

My 340 and 350 took a while to get satelite reception when you take it out of the box. It takes 10-15 sec to calculate the roate after the info is added. I was told by Garmin tech support the 350 has a different chip like the higher models (4-500 series) that is more sensitive than the 330/340.

Shop around, I've seen stores sell the 350 cheaper than stores selling the 340/330. Look for the rebates, I got mine at Best Buy with 100$ off. And, its tax deductible, even though you may take it in the car with you while off-duty 8) (has battery life)

[Doghouse]

I use the Nuvi 660, its mounted above the visor. hardwired w/remote ant., I have yet to wait more than 30 seconds for sat. signal. I don't really trust it for truck use,..its fun and all and I use the British girl's voice,....she sounds hot!!





It will work great for you. if all you do are major stores like Lowes,..it will work perfectly,...you'll love it.

[9200IH]

Thanks everyone for all the info.

One more question: I also do allot of hay and straw deleveries out in the boonies. The directions I might get will not give the actual street number for the farm I am going to but I will get the town, road and something like the 4th driveway with the 3 silos.

If I enter the town and the road will the GPS at least get me to the road? So I don't pass it by.

What I would really like if I was to keep this unit is knowing where the next road is that I have to turn at.

I know I would still have to do the reseach for restricted routes and clearances.

I like gadgets but I am just having a hard time with the price.

Thanks Mike

Originally Posted by 9200IH

If I enter the town and the road will the GPS at least get me to the road? So I don't pass it by.

YUP!!! Big time. That's one of the best features I like. You can zoom in real tight and see each street as you pass it and the one you need to turn on or use as a reference.