Goodbye PCmiler...hello Garmin

Having read all the issues in another thread the guys with the TND units are having, I to am thinking of going with the Garmin. Not that much more money and a lot less issues from the way it looks.

 

OK,I usually despise these GPS threads,(cause there are) so many,but in one,not long ago,I was reading the praises of the Rand McNally,in fact,almost bought one,now;I have been reading they are NOT so good? I have a Garmin 465T by the way,no real complaints,still,always on the look-out for something better..

 

I have a TND and they got issues for sure I think they basically push stuff out to fast then your unit is basically trash until you get a new update

I'm going to garmin in about a month or 2

 

I have the 465t. After my last update it seemed to get worse. I only use it to get back to interstate if I get turned around in a city and for those many times during a trip where I am daydreaming and miss an exit. I'm not really thrilled with any GPS I have used. How does it not regonize a road that is 30+ years old?!

 

The DEZL560LT is the upgraded version of the 465. There is a lot of stuff changed ( for the better) from the 465 to the 560. Several different ways to find POIs, changing the front screen, upgraded IFTA logging-just to name a few. However, in my ever so humble opinion, the routing routines havn't been greatly improved. A good example of this was when the device tried to route me through downtown Atlanta. However, if you like the 465, you'll definatly like the 560 better.

 

I too have the Garmin DEZL and did own the 465 T. The DEZL is much improved over the 465T. The DEZL behaves better than the 465T did. Especially with the Blue-tooth connection to my cell phone. The DEZL will at the touch of the screen call the delivery location I have on my memory card from the poi file and the 465 I had wouldn't. Garmin is the one to beat in my opinion, but it's not perfect either... no GPS is yet and maybe never will be.

JoeyJunk, they both use the same map data however. So if one doesn't recognize a road the other won't either. Map data is provided by a third party company called Nav-tech. So I wouldn't go blaming the GPS manufacturer for map issues.

GPS mapping data is the real culprit to why GPS navigation still leaves much to be desired. The GPS units themselves just read what's on the map installed in it. So keep the map updated!!!! Now if the govt would step in and mandate that the states and municipalities submit correct road info then the maps in them might be more accurate, but until that happens....

K7TKR glad to meet you I am N1SJK. About the routing through downtown Atlanta, how did you have it set up in the routing section of the GPS? Was it set up for picking the shortest route or the fastest route? I use mine where I have 24 years experience and it does try to get me to do stupid stuff from time to time where I know better than it. But it does get me out when I dive off the interstate because it's backed up and I want to find a way around rather than sit in a parking lot scratchin' my butt waiting for it to open up and move again. All of us need to keep in mind that GPS units will re-route if you miss a turn so just keep driving by when it wants you to do something dumb and it will catch on eventually. Someday the map data will catch up with the technology... 'bout time we retire right? LOL

I also write custom poi files for the company I drive for. I pre-program memory cards to install into Garmin GPS units (truck and non-truck alike) and the drivers can purchase a card from me install it in their Garmin and have over 2,050 locations searchable by customer #'s etc. Once you guys catch on to how handy a GPS really is and use it to the point of tossing out paper maps then you'll understand much better the ins and outs of GPS navigation. It is the way of the future so getting on board instead of being left behind is advisable!

 

FYI - my testing concurs with this statement so far. Nice hardware, nice features, seems to be stable (very few crashes / reboots necessary) but Garmin's truck routing algorithm inside of the city streets is still not mature. Keep a close eye on what it decides to do especially when you have to divert from the original route and it recalculates.

 

Can I have more info on this Customer PIO file thing??