GPS Tips and Info for new users

6. To find out more, go to www.poi-factory.com.

that prolly should be #1.

But im looking for more of general use and common sense tips for 1st time users as opposed to how to do something in particular, which is what is in the faq for garmins on this site

Ok, here is one...seriously...

The typical battery last only about 1/2 of what the manufacturer states, for the 650 it states 7 hours, expect 3.5 hours. In short, always keep the power cord close at hand.

Check Visual Earth. It is far more up to date than Garmin or Google Earth.

Do not let the bsttery completely discharge. If you do, the 12v charger will not work and you will have to charge via usb or AC adapter.

One of the most important things I think is to look at the "Show Route" so you can see where you are going before you start. Just at a glance will tell you if the route is way off base or not.

Daniel

sales reps with the "simulate" (as noted in prior post) feature if the unit has one. It may help in the navigation to the next stop if they see where they are going prior to the actual drive! Show them how to turn it off after also!

good shot.

How about to NOT mount the GPS so that it blocks your view through the windshield?

PT

This kinda links in with the co-pilot one..but just like anything that is part of technology..

You have to be smarter than the machine.

For example if you are taking a trip from DC to Florida..you know the main route is I-95 and nothing else..so if the machine has you on and off the main route check you navigation settings as most likely you have set up the unit to a specific specification such as avoid highways.

Carry a paper or printed map for backup.

I'm not sure but I think that in CA, it is illegal to have the GPS mounted on the windsheild. You way want to state that to avoid your staff complaning about getting ticketed and also offer alternative mounting solutions.

Carry the unit with you at all times even if you know where you are going.

This past weekend coming back from Miami on Alligator Alley I noticed at one of my many rest stops that one of the tires was low on air, punched in gas stations on route and got the problem taken care without going crazy looking for a gas station.

Another case scenario, you are driving on a super-highway or just around town and either you or someone in the vehicle starts feeling sick, maybe chest pain, you have two options get your location from the GPS and dial 911 and wait, or search for nearest fire station or hospital and drive yourself in.

Just tought of something else,

Remove any visible signs of GPS use to avoid getting the car broken into. (i.e. so suction cup or mount easilly visible and take the GPS unit with you)

Tell the employees they just need to get out and play with it, thats the best way to become familar and comfortable with the units.

1. This is true specially about the turn. If you have streets that are near together. @ 200 ft the next turn is your turn.

2. Base from my experience the best display is the track up. I used the 3d but I sometimes pass my turn.

Where did you see that routing is only 75% accurate? Mine has been right on with an exception or two in the past two years. I think you will find there much more accurate than 75%.
Why not have a training session, and go over the owners guide? Do a Q&A with them. There won't be any problems. After all, you learned didn't you?

Hi Robert660,
75% is just a ruff guestimate on my personal observations of my c530, c580 and now my nuvi 680.
I figure about 25% of the time the routing will route me in circles, ie take me miles off the route, literally tell me to get off the freeway and tell me to get back on the next ramp, confuses roads close to the freeway, etc, the list goes on and on.

Ive tried the most possible combinations of various options on the garmins, ie, shortest route, quickest time, no u-turns, how address's are input'd, etc, etc, etc. Im a sys-admin by profession and gadget person by nature, so Im very comfortable playing with these toys.

The garmins will always get you out of a jam though, 100% of the time - guarantee'd. It may not be the best route, but it will get you there. Ive played with the Alpines, A couple of Magellans, and a couple of bmw gps's. Garmin has consistantly given better routing with side by side comparisons Ive done. These are my routes that I travel on a normal basis, which is the SF, Bay Area, San Diego, and Sacramento areas. I travel about 1700 miles a month.

I dont think routing will be perfect until the government creates a bureau that will mandate and enforce road changes to be inputed into some sort of national database. Of course that costs money and will never happen. oh well...

Im glad your gps routing is spot-on. What area do you live in?

Havin a training session is too much effort. Id prefer to hand them the instructions and a tip cheat sheet to ease the learning curve, thus this post. Like you said, they will learn.