The Perfect GPS

 

Aside from the obvious of being able to accurately navigate and assusming (BIG assumption) accurate maps, and the standard add-ons like bluetooth, FM transmitter, pictures, movies and music files; what features do you think would make the "Perfect" GPS?

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Shooter N32 39 W97 25 VIA 1535TM, Lexus built-in, TomTom Go

Most up-to-date and accurate

Most up-to-date and accurate maps + most up-to-date and accurate traffic details.

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http://www.poi-factory.com/node/21626 - red light cameras do not work

A 3d virtual projector to

A 3d virtual projector to show me all my information on the windscreen so I never have to take my eyes off the skyway as I am driving my jet car. Or an auto pilot button that just takes me to work and I can then catch another 2.5hrs of sleep in the morning.

Or the simple ability to chose which data shows up in the two info windows while navigating a route. rolleyes

--
Nuvi 3790LMT, Nuvi 760 Lifetime map, Lifetime NavTraffic, Garmin E-Trex Legend Just because "Everyone" drives badly does not mean you have to.

AM/FM and SAT Radio capable

I really like the way my nuvi mutes the mp3 music it plays while on route whenever guidance is given. But if you're using the FM transmitter or have it plugged into the aux. input, you can't listen to your AM/FM or satellite radio. If you want to listen to your AM/FM or sat. radio, you have to rely on the little speaker in the GPS for instruction. And if your music is very loud that can be difficult to hear at times.

If the GPS had a built in AM/FM tuner and an input for your satellite radio, you could then run your GPS through your car's audio system via FM transmitter or aux. input and still tune into AM/FM or satellite radio or listen to mp3's and the GPS would be able to mute music, talk shows, or whatever you're listening to when instructions need to be given.

All that would be required is the addition of a built in AM/FM tuner and an aux. input jack. The power cord could be used as the antenna or an antenna input could also be added. All auxiliary inputs and outputs should be on a power cradle so you don't have to plug and unplug things every time you remove the unit from the cradle.

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Ernie, - Garmin nuvi 855 / dezl 760

two things

Two things my that I wish my 755T had:
1) replacable battery.
2) specific road segment avoidance on routing.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

The Perfect GPS

A feature where you could add speed cameras locations directly to your GPS as you pass them.
A setting on the GPS where you can set specific routs as you drive them and it would be easy to decided if you didn't or did want to use that route.
A device that goes on our key chain, that tells you how far your car is away from you, so you can easily find where you parked.
If there was some kind of feature that you could turn on or off that would turn the radio down while the GPS is giving a direction.
It would be nice to be able to sync to another GPS and have its location if both GPS allow it. So if your following another car you can keep track of their GPS if you get stopped at a light or didn't see where they turned.

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nüvi® 255W

gps should have tts, live

gps should have tts, live traffic info, some type of online update feature (for new roads, current best route)

I dont know if the bluetooth, video, mp3 is really necessary.. nice to have but i rarely use it.

Re: The Perfect GPS...

I like the functionality of my GPS units, however, what would make it perfect for me, would be the availability of a “TTS Voice Editor” (by Garmin or a third party), that would function on the Mac OS...

Just my 2¢...

Regards,

Tailspin

Nüvi 670 & 880
Mac Pro & OS 10.5.7

--
Sullivan's Law: Murphy was an optimist!

A Camera

A built in camera that attaches your coordinates to the file so you could snap a photo of your location that could be used with the photo navigation system.

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Ernie, - Garmin nuvi 855 / dezl 760

Wish List

Ability to add avoidance's to miss known construction and other issues. Faster processor to handle screen writes and all of the other things that are being done at faster rate.Longer battery life would be nice as well.

--
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty, pristine body but rather to come sliding in sideways, all used up and exclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!" -------- Nuvi 755T and 1350T Jensen NVX225 WorldNavigator PDA based GPS

the prjector WOULD be nice

onestep wrote:

A 3d virtual projector to show me all my information on the windscreen so I never have to take my eyes off the skyway as I am driving my jet car. Or an auto pilot button that just takes me to work and I can then catch another 2.5hrs of sleep in the morning.

Or the simple ability to chose which data shows up in the two info windows while navigating a route. rolleyes

Mind you I havent seen this since the late 80s, so I dont know if they still produce cars that project your speed/check engine/brake guages/etc on the lower part of the wind shield.

it would be nice to see some basic gps fetures projected on the windshield, at least the basic "in 2.3 miles, turn left....." if not the map

couple of things

I'd be ok without the movies personally.

what i WOULD like to see is - better Text to SPeech - and more than anual updates to POI data, of course that last one, if done right, would eliminate the need for this site...

The MP3 functionality on my garmin Nuvi needs some work to be honest. I was in a hurry when I left for vegas last week, forgot to generate the play lists....
and then realized it would only play one song at a time without the playlists....Unlike a typical mp3 player, you cant seem to que up a whole album or artist without having pre-generated a playlist...o well...

perfect...

Perfect for me would be Garmin working on my iPhone.

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Garmin 885T

My wish list

Bluetooth support to use my cell phone data connection for web search, traffic updates, downloading POI, etc. Anonymous data sharing ala TomTom and Navigon to contribute to road conditions, traffic and map adjustments. Web sites like Google Maps and even POI-Factory could send Favorites and POI files wirelessly to the GPS.

Ability to manually adjust and correct my maps, set particular area and/or road avoidances, etc.

A complete overhaul to MapSource to support all GPX fields and actual support for POI files. Garmin needs to look long and hard at MS Streets and Trips and Delorme Street Atlas for the wealth of features included in those competitors. Direct access to Favorites and POI files from within MapSource.

Option when searching to include custom POI's, with some sort of indication in the list to show if it's an internal POI or a custom POI.

ALL car connections should be through the cradle. Nothing to plug in - just drop it in the mount.

An "expert mode" where EVERYTHING is configurable. And I mean EVERYTHING. Should be reasonably well hidden from casusl users so they don't get overwhelmed. Should be able to save/load settings so you can easily jump back and forth between favorite configuration settings.

Data Configuration

johnc wrote:

An "expert mode" where EVERYTHING is configurable. And I mean EVERYTHING. Should be reasonably well hidden from casusl users so they don't get overwhelmed. Should be able to save/load settings so you can easily jump back and forth between favorite configuration settings.

Yep. While my GO930 gives me some options, it is not anywhere near what I would like. Why is it that the auto GPSrs do not have that capability? On my GPSmap60CS, I can select up to four data fields on most of the pages, and I can select any data item on those fields. While I cannot jump back and forth between configuration settings, I usually set up one page with one set of data items and the next page with something different.

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Shooter N32 39 W97 25 VIA 1535TM, Lexus built-in, TomTom Go

routing

GPSs need a more sophisticated routing algorithm. It should be configurable or "learn" from you. I generally do not like to use fastest route, because she wants to always take me to the nearest interstate and add many extra miles to my trips. I don't like shortest, because she would pick a cow path if it saved 5 ft. My optimum route is usually a blend, and it would be great if the GPS would route me better.

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___________________ Garmin 2455, 855, Oregon 550t

Interesting

Charles Patience wrote:

A feature where you could add speed cameras locations directly to your GPS as you pass them.
A setting on the GPS where you can set specific routs as you drive them and it would be easy to decided if you didn't or did want to use that route.
A device that goes on our key chain, that tells you how far your car is away from you, so you can easily find where you parked.
If there was some kind of feature that you could turn on or off that would turn the radio down while the GPS is giving a direction.
It would be nice to be able to sync to another GPS and have its location if both GPS allow it. So if your following another car you can keep track of their GPS if you get stopped at a light or didn't see where they turned.

The GPSMAP 276/376/378/478 all support on-the-fly proximity POI creation. They also have four user programmable data boxes and a large number of datum to choose from, not to mention some of the nicest displays in the business.

Obviously integrated GPS units like the Pioneer support all sorts of I/O while behaving like Garmin Navigatotrs at the same time.

Garmin's Rhino serires does the group display thing you mention.

As to your keychain car finder? Good luck.

So, you CAN get almost everything you want. Just not all in the same box.

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

retracing the route I just drove

I wish there was a way to make use of the tracking feature to allow me to drive a route that I am familiar with instead of going the way Jill wants me to go, and then save that route, or have the GPS reverse the route for the return trip, all without the need for software such as Mapsource.

--
— (Garmin nuvi 765T) — "people who say money can't buy happiness, don't know where to shop"

+1

jim8650 wrote:

I wish there was a way to make use of the tracking feature to allow me to drive a route that I am familiar with instead of going the way Jill wants me to go, and then save that route, or have the GPS reverse the route for the return trip, all without the need for software such as Mapsource.

You can do this sort of thing on the GPSMAP 276 family.

The GPSMAP 276 family is not your 'dumbed down for the general consumer' navigator that Garmin is shoving out the door these days.

No, there's no touchscreen or Bluetooth and no MP3 player (though the 376 and higher supoprt XM), but these are some of THE BEST navigators I have ever used.

Had you owned one and then moved down to the Nuvis and such you would likely be very unhappy with much of what has become the state of the art in consumer navigators.

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

how about a compass?

Many times I have started on a new route only to discover that I need to make an immediate U-turn.

Compass anyone, to assist at the start?

Both of those features are available now on the 885T

alandb wrote:

Two things my that I wish my 755T had:
1) replacable battery.
2) specific road segment avoidance on routing.

Both of those features are available now on the 885T see page 45 of the owner's manual under "Custom Avoids".

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

It would be nice . . .

johnfw07 wrote:

Many times I have started on a new route only to discover that I need to make an immediate U-turn.

Compass anyone, to assist at the start?

Along with that, it would be nice to have the ability to select the data fields that you want displayed similar to the way Garmin does it on their outdoor series and Edge products.

--
JRoz -- DriveSmart 55 & Traffic

a

a good conversationalist, help keep awake during long drives. smile

POI's

When I select a POI (fuel, restaurant, etc) I would like the option to see what's coming up on the route I have plotted. It doesn't do me any good to see stuff that's behind me or 50 miles off route. If no route is programmed in it would be fine to show POI's from closest to farthest.

a gps device with bluetooth

a gps device with bluetooth syncing to computer

?

Vagabond4361 wrote:

When I select a POI (fuel, restaurant, etc) I would like the option to see what's coming up on the route I have plotted. It doesn't do me any good to see stuff that's behind me or 50 miles off route. If no route is programmed in it would be fine to show POI's from closest to farthest.

Garmin navigators already do this.

--
Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

Also...

...and one to pour you a cup of coffee wink

--
Shooter N32 39 W97 25 VIA 1535TM, Lexus built-in, TomTom Go

I agree

Shooter wrote:
johnc wrote:

An "expert mode" where EVERYTHING is configurable. And I mean EVERYTHING. Should be reasonably well hidden from casusl users so they don't get overwhelmed. Should be able to save/load settings so you can easily jump back and forth between favorite configuration settings.

Yep. While my GO930 gives me some options, it is not anywhere near what I would like. Why is it that the auto GPSrs do not have that capability? On my GPSmap60CS, I can select up to four data fields on most of the pages, and I can select any data item on those fields. While I cannot jump back and forth between configuration settings, I usually set up one page with one set of data items and the next page with something different.

If Garmin would only add the customizable features that their outdoor and Edge handhelds include. I like all the features of the 760, but would like to be able to select "heading", "speed", and other fields when on a route or in map mode.

--
JRoz -- DriveSmart 55 & Traffic

Traffic Lights

One that took traffic lights and stop signs into consideration when routing. The main street where I live has 8 traffic lights. Next street over has 2 stop signs. The street with the stop signs is always faster, but nuvi always routes to the main street.

--
=== Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Reactive Compass

How about a reactive directional compass like the ones they have for hiking?

What is a reactive compass?

What is a reactive compass?

--
Nuvi 3790LMT, Nuvi 760 Lifetime map, Lifetime NavTraffic, Garmin E-Trex Legend Just because "Everyone" drives badly does not mean you have to.

...

That's the compass you have on the compass page of many navigators. Those that may not have compass faces at least have direction arrows - same thing, though without the detail by degrees.

'Reactive' means that it responds to and mesures when moved.

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

Games

some games

Realistically

Algorithms that don't fudge the map data that is actually very accurate out of the gate. It's the security and the algorithms that company's put on the maps to make them their own, that mess things up.

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

so then drive it!

jimmykre wrote:

One that took traffic lights and stop signs into consideration when routing. The main street where I live has 8 traffic lights. Next street over has 2 stop signs. The street with the stop signs is always faster, but nuvi always routes to the main street.

But you know the other street is faster, so whats the big deal? just drive the route you like, not necessarily the one your gps suggests. The Key word there was suggests, it is a aid for people that don't know their way around. Not the gospel.

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

Good idea

Vagabond4361 wrote:

When I select a POI (fuel, restaurant, etc) I would like the option to see what's coming up on the route I have plotted. It doesn't do me any good to see stuff that's behind me or 50 miles off route. If no route is programmed in it would be fine to show POI's from closest to farthest.

I like that idea.

The Perfect GPS

As features are added, the GPS becomes more complex, which of course takes more computing power. So in terms of a perfect, but basic, GPS.

1. The ability to see your latitude & longitude real-time. One of the screens on my Garmin shows trip data, this would be a good place to put the lat&lon information.
2. The ability to to "over-ride" the GPS location of an address. I have found that the GPS reports inaccurate locations. When I find the location, I should be able to over-ride the GPS coordinates with the actual coordinates taken at the location.
3. Altitude information.
4. Improved error reporting. This gets complicated since the validity of the GPS data may be suspect since it isn't validated. In theory, when you come across an error, you should be able to store that error. Then when you go to your map download site, the site should read your error file and forward an error report to the mapping company.

For a higher end unit:
4. Topographic information

--
Garmin Nuvi650 - Morehead City, NC

Mine would have..

Shooter wrote:

Aside from the obvious of being able to accurately navigate and assusming (BIG assumption) accurate maps, and the standard add-ons like bluetooth, FM transmitter, pictures, movies and music files; what features do you think would make the "Perfect" GPS?

Mine would have.. In addition to what is already on my 880, abilty to play videos. AVI, FLV or any number of other video formats that are out there.

What I meant

onestep wrote:

What is a reactive compass?

On the GPS that I have, which is a 265WT, I would like a compass that will position as I turn the GPS while standing still, similar to a real compass. The ones designed for trail and hiking do this.

As an example, I took my first trip to NYC last July. The GPS did fine on locating where everything was at, however, it was practically useless when trying to determine NSEW in relationship to which way I was standing.

Re: The Perfect GPS

@All in this discussion

Shooter wrote:

Aside from the obvious of being able to accurately navigate and assusming (BIG assumption) accurate maps, and the standard add-ons like bluetooth, FM transmitter, pictures, movies and music files; what features do you think would make the "Perfect" GPS?

My humble opinion is that, by posing this question, Shooter has thrown a stick of dynamite in a very shallow pond.

My reasoning is that, with the multitude of makes and models on the market, what might be desired as the "perfect feature" for one (individual or group) might be standard for another, depending on the make and model that each (individual or group) has.

I believe that the (theoretically) best way to come up with the "Perfect GPS" would be to prepare a full overview of each and every make and model on the market and then try to pull the perceived best feature(s) of each and every unit together into a list of features that would be thought of as indispensable. However, with the evolution of new models, this list would have to be revised.

Right now, IMHO, back to my analogy of the stick of dynamite in a shallow pond - everything in the pond is now up into the air. See anything good that you would like to have? razz

Just my $0.02, FWIW in today's economy.

PS: I have a nuvi 680 and have thought of features which I would like to have on my unit which is available on another. Would be nice if Garmin could program updates that retrofitted these features to older models. Would they do that? NOT!

To Bad One Couldn't...

huangj wrote:

@All in this discussion

Shooter wrote:

Aside from the obvious of being able to accurately navigate and assusming (BIG assumption) accurate maps, and the standard add-ons like bluetooth, FM transmitter, pictures, movies and music files; what features do you think would make the "Perfect" GPS?

My humble opinion is that, by posing this question, Shooter has thrown a stick of dynamite in a very shallow pond.

My reasoning is that, with the multitude of makes and models on the market, what might be desired as the "perfect feature" for one (individual or group) might be standard for another, depending on the make and model that each (individual or group) has.

I believe that the (theoretically) best way to come up with the "Perfect GPS" would be to prepare a full overview of each and every make and model on the market and then try to pull the perceived best feature(s) of each and every unit together into a list of features that would be thought of as indispensable. However, with the evolution of new models, this list would have to be revised.

Right now, IMHO, back to my analogy of the stick of dynamite in a shallow pond - everything in the pond is now up into the air. See anything good that you would like to have? razz

Just my $0.02, FWIW in today's economy.

PS: I have a nuvi 680 and have thought of features which I would like to have on my unit which is available on another. Would be nice if Garmin could program updates that retrofitted these features to older models. Would they do that? NOT!

To bad one couldn’t follow your thought process a little further in the direction of a personally designed unit.

What I mean is. What if Garmin, or some other forward thinking company, had a base unit that you could then ‘Build’ upon? Like getting a new car you can add features that you want.

This ‘Company’ would provide us with the spec’s on the base unit then the ‘Options’ we could add to it. Then depending on how deep the pockets are, the more you can add. Then you’d have a personalized unit that would suit your specific wants/needs instead on the ‘one glove fits all’

But then I woke up and see that it would not happen

Of course!

BobDee wrote:
jimmykre wrote:

One that took traffic lights and stop signs into consideration when routing. The main street where I live has 8 traffic lights. Next street over has 2 stop signs. The street with the stop signs is always faster, but nuvi always routes to the main street.

But you know the other street is faster, so whats the big deal? just drive the route you like, not necessarily the one your gps suggests. The Key word there was suggests, it is a aid for people that don't know their way around. Not the gospel.

Of course I drive the faster street in my home town. When I'm away from home I don't always know that the GPS isn't really giving me hte fastest route.

I thought this was a wish list for the perfect GPS. That's my wish.

--
=== Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Not as farfetched as it might seem . . .

In the old days you used to buy certain technologies that way.

I can recall when I bought a Centronics brand model 733 line printer - big buckes, in an era when computers weren;t cheap. It had a matrix of options - for example, if you wanted forms control you added (and paid for) the feature. Same deal if you wanted the 'exten=ded character set, and so on.

In the end, the only 'feature' one REALLY needed was the service manual, for with that in hand and a technical bacvkground, one discovered through careful reading that the features were all embedded in the product and were enabled by appropriately programming a small PROM.

Having given my history lesson, I could see how Garmin (or some other enterprising manufacturer) might sell a customizeable device that allowed you to select the additional features, such as MP3 player, photo viewer, Bluetooth support, unction View, Garmin Locate, support for routes, custom POIs, Proximity POIs, the PIN security feature and so on as individual chargeable options.

The wizard would generate a make with the appropriate modules included (or they could just set up a configuration file) and download it to your navigator.

While it would make the base unit cheaper, I suspect that the options would get more expensive.

It COULD be done.

But it won't.

--
Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

Re: Not as farfetched as it might seem . . .

palestar wrote:

To bad one couldn’t follow your thought process a little further in the direction of a personally designed unit.

What I mean is. What if Garmin, or some other forward thinking company, had a base unit that you could then ‘Build’ upon? Like getting a new car you can add features that you want.

This ‘Company’ would provide us with the spec’s on the base unit then the ‘Options’ we could add to it. Then depending on how deep the pockets are, the more you can add. Then you’d have a personalized unit that would suit your specific wants/needs instead on the ‘one glove fits all’

But then I woke up and see that it would not happen

bramfrank wrote:

In the old days you used to buy certain technologies that way.

I can recall when I bought a Centronics brand model 733 line printer - big buckes, in an era when computers weren;t cheap. It had a matrix of options - for example, if you wanted forms control you added (and paid for) the feature. Same deal if you wanted the 'exten=ded character set, and so on.

In the end, the only 'feature' one REALLY needed was the service manual, for with that in hand and a technical bacvkground, one discovered through careful reading that the features were all embedded in the product and were enabled by appropriately programming a small PROM.

Having given my history lesson, I could see how Garmin (or some other enterprising manufacturer) might sell a customizeable device that allowed you to select the additional features, such as MP3 player, photo viewer, Bluetooth support, unction View, Garmin Locate, support for routes, custom POIs, Proximity POIs, the PIN security feature and so on as individual chargeable options.

The wizard would generate a make with the appropriate modules included (or they could just set up a configuration file) and download it to your navigator.

While it would make the base unit cheaper, I suspect that the options would get more expensive.

It COULD be done.

But it won't.

And whats to say that what is described/wished by both "palestar" and "bramfrank" is not available in the "base" units that are on the market now? Could it be that there has not been a rush by consumers to get Garmin to "unlock" the hidden features?

Hey

I didn't say it was a good idea. I just said that it could be done.

--
Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

maybe in the future

jimmykre wrote:
BobDee wrote:
jimmykre wrote:

One that took traffic lights and stop signs into consideration when routing. The main street where I live has 8 traffic lights. Next street over has 2 stop signs. The street with the stop signs is always faster, but nuvi always routes to the main street.

But you know the other street is faster, so whats the big deal? just drive the route you like, not necessarily the one your gps suggests. The Key word there was suggests, it is a aid for people that don't know their way around. Not the gospel.

Of course I drive the faster street in my home town. When I'm away from home I don't always know that the GPS isn't really giving me hte fastest route.

I thought this was a wish list for the perfect GPS. That's my wish.

Maybe the hybrid GPSr's that will use more than one satellite system. but for now, trust what your getting. is all I'm saying

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

maybe in the future

jimmykre wrote:
BobDee wrote:
jimmykre wrote:

One that took traffic lights and stop signs into consideration when routing. The main street where I live has 8 traffic lights. Next street over has 2 stop signs. The street with the stop signs is always faster, but nuvi always routes to the main street.

But you know the other street is faster, so whats the big deal? just drive the route you like, not necessarily the one your gps suggests. The Key word there was suggests, it is a aid for people that don't know their way around. Not the gospel.

Of course I drive the faster street in my home town. When I'm away from home I don't always know that the GPS isn't really giving me hte fastest route.

I thought this was a wish list for the perfect GPS. That's my wish.

Maybe the hybrid GPSr's that will use more than one satellite system. but for now, trust what your getting. is all I'm saying

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

What a fool I is.. I just remembered..

huangj wrote:
palestar wrote:

To bad one couldn’t follow your thought process a little further in the direction of a personally designed unit.

What I mean is. What if Garmin, or some other forward thinking company, had a base unit that you could then ‘Build’ upon? Like getting a new car you can add features that you want.

This ‘Company’ would provide us with the spec’s on the base unit then the ‘Options’ we could add to it. Then depending on how deep the pockets are, the more you can add. Then you’d have a personalized unit that would suit your specific wants/needs instead on the ‘one glove fits all’

But then I woke up and see that it would not happen

bramfrank wrote:

In the old days you used to buy certain technologies that way.

I can recall when I bought a Centronics brand model 733 line printer - big buckes, in an era when computers weren;t cheap. It had a matrix of options - for example, if you wanted forms control you added (and paid for) the feature. Same deal if you wanted the 'exten=ded character set, and so on.

In the end, the only 'feature' one REALLY needed was the service manual, for with that in hand and a technical background, one discovered through careful reading that the features were all embedded in the product and were enabled by appropriately programming a small PROM.

Having given my history lesson, I could see how Garmin (or some other enterprising manufacturer) might sell a customizeable device that allowed you to select the additional features, such as MP3 player, photo viewer, Bluetooth support, unction View, Garmin Locate, support for routes, custom POIs, Proximity POIs, the PIN security feature and so on as individual chargeable options.

The wizard would generate a make with the appropriate modules included (or they could just set up a configuration file) and download it to your navigator.

While it would make the base unit cheaper, I suspect that the options would get more expensive.

It COULD be done.

But it won't.

And whats to say that what is described/wished by both "palestar" and "bramfrank" is not available in the "base" units that are on the market now? Could it be that there has not been a rush by consumers to get Garmin to "unlock" the hidden features?

When I was first looking to purchase a GPS I shopped with the intent to purchase a unit that was flexible and able to provide an array of features that I wanted and was willing to pay for. Just like I had described in my earlier post and as I re-read it and the response it dawned on me that I had just such an opportunity in my sights but passed it up for the Nuvi 880.

I’m talking about the ARCHOS https://store.archos.com/product_info.php

This unit come as a ‘Base’ purchase with some toys but you can add ‘Plugins’ that expand the unit with WiFi Internet, Media player, both music and Videos, with the docking station you could record TV programs and then play them back on your TV or on the ARCHOS while you traveled on the Tram, Plane, Bus or Car Pooled. Loads of other toys including GPS are available. Huge memory options in the base units.

But the units were big and heavy back then. Now there seems to a lighter generation available http://www.archos.com/?country=ca&lang=en

I’ve seen and used an earlier unit that belongs to a relative last year and really liked it. I can only guess that this new generation will blow your socks off and leave nothing but dust in your wallet. The ARCHOS is still on my wish list of gadgets I'd like to have.

Check out the links and have your say.

I think we're getting off topic...

This thread is supposed to be about what you would like to see in a GPS, not to advertise existing units.

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Shooter N32 39 W97 25 VIA 1535TM, Lexus built-in, TomTom Go

most wanted by me

I believe this was mentioned by someone(s) already. But, raising it again just shows how much it is needed.

Hope this is a way to build preferred routes associated with a destination, so I do not have to set via point every time.
In addition, it would be nice if GPSr can analyze track data to the preferred route to minimize manually entries.