Garmin 660 or Laptop gps?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Mywifebeatsme, Apr 24, 2008.

  1. Mywifebeatsme

    Mywifebeatsme Bobtail Member

    2
    1
    Apr 24, 2008
    Philadelphia PA
    0
    I've been sitting at home researching whether to buy a Garmin unit(660, 680, etc...one with traffic alerts) or a laptop gps program. I have a laptop already. But then I'd have to buy the program and the truck stand, so I guess it'd be the same price either way I go.

    Basically, I want:

    1. Easy viewing of map display
    2. Automatic rerouting, in case I miss a turn(which I am a certified expert at)
    3. Voice prompting for turns(text to speech?)
    4. Traffic alerts!
    5. Shows miles driven, miles to go, etc.


    I've seen a friend's Garmin C330 in action. Was simple to use, got the job done, very basic, did everything above except traffic. Map view was very limited though, and I'm thinking a laptop could do this job better?

    What do you guys think?
     
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  3. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    12,905
    12,202
    Sep 17, 2006
    WY
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    My laptop has a far larger screen than any stand alone GPS screen ever hopes to be.
     
  4. beemermcr

    beemermcr Bobtail Member

    23
    1
    Jun 1, 2006
    0
    One issue with a laptop is the harddrive being vibrated (also somewhat of an issue with USB connections) - you will need to ensure your mount isolates the unit from the vibrations. Most (if not all) GPS use flash drives to eliminate the vibration issue - Garmin tried a hard drive several years ago, but the vibration caused them to change.

    FYI -
    Paul
     
  5. dakota63031

    dakota63031 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jan 21, 2011
    loxly alabama
    0
    i used the laptop version and set it in the p/set never had a problem works great !
     
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