GPS with Truck Stop Finder?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by OnTheGo, May 21, 2007.

  1. Varmit

    Varmit Light Load Member

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    Jun 13, 2007
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    Does anyone have an opinion out there on the best Smart Phone or PDA for use with the new Co-Pilot software?

    Getting ready to hit the road again,

    The Varmit
     
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  3. Steve & Lo

    Steve & Lo Medium Load Member

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    I like my Dell Axim X-51V. Bad thing is you can only get it on e-bay now. Dell discontinued it. I would look at one of the HP models. They seem to be the next best thing.
     
  4. Varmit

    Varmit Light Load Member

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    Jun 13, 2007
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    Yep. It appears even your beloved Dell axim is a no show on Ebay these days. Can't find it refurbed either.

    I am considering a samsung pda that goes by an obscure name. Its offered by Sprint, Altell, and Verizon. Of all the carriers that offer "Unlimited" Data plans, (which if you read the contract is not Unlimited) Sprint and Verizon have the highest data per month/day. NO MORE than 5 GIGs in a month billing cycle and no more than 200 Megs in a 24 period billing cycle. Of course they reserve the right to shut you down without notice for sneezing too.:biggrin_25523:


    But as I figured it, 5 gigs of data a month works out to about 160megs a day.

    Now how would you gage your usage? Got to get a program that monitors your usage. I haven't found one yet.

    Another issue is roaming. If you roam on to another carriers Data network you will be charged for their data at their rates which are ambiguous and probably obscene.

    If they determine that you are downloading video or uploading video (MOVIES) primarily, the data will show the highend usage and you'll lose the contract.

    If they determine that you are using P2P file sharing like Isohunt.com, yes, you will be terminated.

    But between all the big five carriers that offer Data plans for PDA's and laptops Sprint and Verizon are the most forthcoming with their terms and offer a decent amount of surfing via your device.

    I want link my device with Copilot and their GPS via bluetooth. Hoping to add a data plan via verizon with calling plan.

    Anybody have any other suggestions for PDA's or laptop use with Trip Planning software?

    Varmit
     
  5. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Garmin 350 allows you to check for rest areas truck stops. BUT it does not reflect truck routes. Use the Rand McNally Truckers atlas to confirm routing.
     
  6. zipsayain

    zipsayain Bobtail Member

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    I'am not a driver yet. But does some companies provide it or have you guys tried any brand at any store. Are they any good
     
  7. roadhog

    roadhog Medium Load Member

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    No man's land, Ohio
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    My husband has a Magellan - he loves it! It really helps with his ETA's and mileage - he has to be careful though, really watches signs when he gets into cities because of NO Trucks sign. I know there are more expensive ones out there, but this one works.
     
  8. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Check with the company you choose. The newer upgrades of QualComm will be including it as an option.
     
  9. ChevyTrucks

    ChevyTrucks Light Load Member

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    I run a Megallan RoadMate in the city because I do about 20 stops a day in different cities and its hardly the same each day. Its a good "aide" as you really need a few maps to find a better route sometimes and of course keep your eyes open for anywhere you aren't supposed to be.

    The GPS will try to send you on a parkway so you have to "exlude" that route from the list but sometimes it'll keep trying to send you, thats when you need to pull out a map and find the right direction to head in, and than the GPS will update with a way to get there. If you can afford it run one built for trucks but if you can't for $200 now you can grab a decent one made for cars and just use some common sense. Keep in mind these things can get stolen or break, it is a computer afterall so always have a backup.
     
  10. petesout

    petesout Bobtail Member

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    Mar 24, 2007
    Sioux City, Iowa
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    I just want to know which GPS system is the best. Tomorrw I plan on looking at them but I would like to know which on is the most user freindly. Reliability is also important so has anyone had a problems with the gps they are using? How much should a person spend to get started? I don't want to buy a cheapie only to find I need to upgrade to another. I have a hand held but it's about 8 or so yr's old and good for hunting. Thanks to those that reply. petesout
     
  11. MGASSEL

    MGASSEL Road Train Member

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    Mar 27, 2007
    Co
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    look for more info in the eletronic area on this forum there is alot of info aboth gps there.
     
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