by mcoleman10 - 11/1/07 11:51 AM
Featuring CNET Editor
Bonnie Cha
Portable GPS devices Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editor Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: Thanks!
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 12:03 PMOnce again, time has gone by too fast and I have to go. Thanks to all of you who submitted questions. I hope they were helpful, and for those couple that I didn't get to, I'll try to get back to you later today.
And be sure to tune in next week's Ask the Editors Live session, when digital audio editor Jasmine France will give you her expert advice on headphones and MP3 accessories. It all goes down here next week:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=270159
Thanks again and bye!
Q: Traffic updates
by aapollonsky - 11/1/07 11:50 AMI have Nuvi 660 - great device. One thing I'm not happy about though - the traffic updates are not accurate (I live in NY metro). Do you know if there are any services and/or devices with better traffic precision on a market?
Thanks much
A: XM Nav Traffic
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 12:01 PMHi ya. I'm not sure if you're using the Traffic Message Channel to get updates on the Nuvi 660, but have you tried subscribing to the XM NavTraffic service (also usable on the 660)? This service seems to be more popular among our readers.
Q: Car manufacturer navigation option
by af_waterwalker - 11/1/07 11:45 AMWhy are navigation options from car manufacturers so much more expensive than navigation options being produced by Garmin, Tom Tom, etc.? Is one better than the other?
A: Better screens and integration
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:53 AMI don't know all the factors that make the price higher on factory-installed systems, but part of it is that they feature larger screens, integrate with other electronics in the vehicle (e.g., multimedia), whereas the portable devices are just a simple plug-and-go solution.
Q: ireland
by shae2liberty - 11/1/07 11:39 AMI am in ireland and am looking for a good gps device, can you point me to one with a good database of irish maps
A: TomTom and Garmin
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:48 AMHello Ireland! Thanks for popping in to chat ... I've always wanted to visit. Perhaps next year.
Anyway, I'm not too familiar with the different GPS models overseas, so it's hard for me to recommend a certain product. However, I do know that TomTom and Garmin offer regional models, so you make might want to check their Web sites for some ideas. Sorry, I couldn't offer any specific devices.
Q: Fast signal acquisition
by panlion - 11/1/07 11:37 AMI've had GPS in the past that takes upto 5 min to aquire initial signal. Is there a budget GPS that can aquire initial signal fast?
A: So many variables
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:43 AMLet's see. Of the budget units that I've recently reviewed, the Mio DigiWalker C230 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/mio-digiwalker-c230/4505-3430_7-32627128.html) and Garmin Nuvi 200 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/garmin-nuvi-200/4505-3430_7-32370612.html) were pretty swift in getting a signal from a cold start. The strength of the GPS receiver is a factor here but you also have to remember that there are a lot of variables that affect satellite acquisition time--the weather, your location. So for the best results, you'll always want to be somewhere where you have an unobstructed view of the sky. Hope that helps!
Q: Performance gained from external antennas?
by lahall_us - 11/1/07 11:28 AMHi, I'm really enjoying Dialed In.
I've had Compact Flash GPS devices that can be inserted into a PDA, but the built in antenna lost the signal all the time.
Are the new bluetooth pucks better at keeping the signal while driving?
Do you really need an external antenna on the car to use GPS while driving?
I'm thinking of using a Sprint Mogul.
Thanks!
A: So far so good
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:37 AMHi there,
I've tested several GPS Bluetooth receivers over the past year or so, and in my experience, they've done a fine job of holding onto a GPS fix. I've used them with various smartphones here in San Francisco, and I don't really recall a time when the signal just dropped, so I think you'd be OK without an external antenna.
Q: Bonnie this came in from my inbox
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 11/1/07 11:23 AMHi CNET!
I love your company and site (but I still miss our friend James Kim). James and I developed an email friendship (like many I'm sure) and I used to ask him advice and even talked a few times on the phone. I was wondering what is your best recommendation for a GPS device (that's a question I would have asked him )? I'm looking for a portable device. Any Editor's Choice awards in the GPS category?
Thanks so much for your help,
David C.
A: I miss him too
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:33 AMHi David,
Thanks so much for your post. I miss James too, and think of him everyday. I was very, very lucky to have known him personally, and I'm glad you got to correspond with him too!
That said, I have a couple of recommendations. I'm a big fan of the Mio C520 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/mio-c520-navigation-receiver/4505-3430_7-32461192.html). I'll admit the interface isn't as slick or user-friendly as a Garmin or TomTom, but it's an incredible value and solid performer. Plus, it looks really slick. I'd also recommend any of the Garmin Nuvi series models or the TomTom GO 720. These two companies have been in the industry for years and know what they're doing, and I think you'll get a good user experience from either devices.
Q: Garmin streetpilot c 330
by mcoleman10 - 11/1/07 11:23 AMHi Bonni,
I have a garmin streetpilot c330 and was wondering if I could display poi's on my view map screen?
Thanks
A: Sure can!
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:29 AMYep. In fact, most, if not all, portable navigation systems can show POI on the map screen. There's often an option in the Settings menu where you can turn this feature on and get more specific about which POI you want displayed, such as gas stations, restaurants, and so forth.
Q: GArmin NUvi 660
by michaelclark82 - 11/1/07 11:18 AMJust last night someone broke into my car and stole my nuvi 660. Smashed my window and everything. Usually I take it down at night but I was in a nice neighborhood and nothing has ever happened. Anyways. I want to get a new one but I am thinking about changing. I need one with good bluetooth functionality and one that has traffic updates. The nuvi had it but only for 6 months and then you had to pay. What is your recommendation? I don't want to spend more than 500 bucks. Thanks.
A: I feel your pain
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:26 AMArgh! I'm sorry to hear about the break-in. Though I feel your pain, since I just had my car stereo stolen for the SECOND time, but that's neither here nor there.
Your question is a bit of a tough one. There are systems out there that offer what you need. In fact, I just looked at the Alpine Blackbird II (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/alpine-pmd-b200-blackbird/4505-3430_7-32656572.html), which has really good Bluetooth integration and traffic services. It's expensive at $750 and for that money, I also want text-to-speech and better route recalculations, which it didn't provide. The Delphi NAV300 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/delphi-nav300/4505-3430_7-32566753.html)is the same way. It offers free traffic and Bluetooth, but performance wasn't the greatest, so I have a hard time recommending those.
I think your best bet might be to go with another Garmin Nuvi model or perhaps the TomTom GO 720 (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/tomtom-go-720/4505-3430_7-32576169.html), though you'll have to pay for the traffic service.
Q: Price differences for portable GPS
by sbaxter - 11/1/07 11:15 AMThe pricing for portable GPS range from fairly inexpensive to expensive. Can you give me an idea what makes them vary so much in prices? Don't they all basically do the same?
A: Advanced features
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:18 AMHi there,
At their core, yes, portable GPS pretty much do the same thing. With every model, you're going to get text- and voice-guided directions and points of interest database. However, when you start adding more advanced features like Bluetooth, text-to-speech functionality, multimedia, and larger screens that's when the prices start to go up. If you don't need all those features though, you can find a system nowadays around the $250 range, which is pretty darn good.
A: Bueller? Bueller?
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:14 AMCome on folks ... no more questions? Don't be shy now. Talk to me before I start talking to myself. 
Q: UMPC for GPS
by alanhickey - 11/1/07 10:54 AMHi Bonnie,
I recently misplaced my Garmin StreetPilot c550, so I'm in the market for a new GPS. I was wondering if you would recommend a ultra mobile PC handheld in connection with Garmin's GPS 18 for laptops (which I already own)?
PS I wish I could connect with my misplaced GPS to see where in the world it is. Since its a positioning device, that would be a nice feather to add. Though it would be nicer if I didn't misplace it!
A: Hmm ...
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 11:03 AMHi Alan,
I'm sorry you misplace your c550. GPS is great for tracking your location, but I always wonder if there's a way to track your GPS. Anyway, unfortunately, I haven't had much opportunity to check out any UMPCs first hand. Our lucky laptop editors Dan Ackerman and Michelle Thatcher get to that. But I just did a quick search, and here are a couple of UMPCs that got some good ratings:
Sony VAIO UX390
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/sony-vaio-ux390/4505-3121_7-32306444.html
OQO Model O2
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/oqo-model-02/4505-3121_7-32416630.html
Hope that helps.
A: Hi everyone and welcome!
by bonnie.cha - 11/1/07 10:45 AMHi guys,
I'm here and ready for your questions about GPS, so bring 'em on. Just one quick note: We're having some technical difficulties today, so if you don't see your question or my answers posted on the page, just hit the refresh button. Sorry for the inconvenience. But let's get on with the show and have some fun.
Incoming questions
(NT) Garmin c330 part 2
Traffic updates
I have Nuvi 660 - great device. One thing I'm not happy about though - the traffic updates are not accurate (I live in NY metro). Do you know if there are any services and/or devices with better traffic precision on a market?
Thanks much
Thanks much
by aapollonsky - 11/1/07 11:50 AM
Which GPS should I choose?
These are the variable features that are really important to me:
auto sort multiple destinations, route avoidance, and dead reckoning
Any GPS suggestions?
auto sort multiple destinations, route avoidance, and dead reckoning
Any GPS suggestions?
by pacvol - 11/1/07 11:49 AM
Car manufacturer navigation option
Why are navigation options from car manufacturers so much more expensive than navigation options being produced by Garmin, Tom Tom, etc.? Is one better than the other?
by af_waterwalker - 11/1/07 11:45 AM
Please refresh your browser
Hi folks,
We are experiencing some technical difficulties in this live chat event. In order to see your questions that you have submitted during this event and also see the questions answered by Bonnie you will have to refresh your browser.
We do apologize for the inconvenience.
-Lee
CNET Community
We are experiencing some technical difficulties in this live chat event. In order to see your questions that you have submitted during this event and also see the questions answered by Bonnie you will have to refresh your browser.
We do apologize for the inconvenience.
-Lee
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 11/1/07 11:42 AM
ireland
I am in ireland and am looking for a good gps device, can you point me to one with a good database of irish maps
by shae2liberty - 11/1/07 11:39 AM
Fast signal acquisition
I've had GPS in the past that takes upto 5 min to aquire initial signal. Is there a budget GPS that can aquire initial signal fast?
by panlion - 11/1/07 11:37 AM
Performance gained from external antennas?
Hi, I'm really enjoying Dialed In.
I've had Compact Flash GPS devices that can be inserted into a PDA, but the built in antenna lost the signal all the time.
Are the new bluetooth pucks better at keeping the signal while driving?
Do you really need an external antenna on the car to use GPS while driving?
I'm thinking of using a Sprint Mogul.
Thanks!
I've had Compact Flash GPS devices that can be inserted into a PDA, but the built in antenna lost the signal all the time.
Are the new bluetooth pucks better at keeping the signal while driving?
Do you really need an external antenna on the car to use GPS while driving?
I'm thinking of using a Sprint Mogul.
Thanks!
by lahall_us - 11/1/07 11:28 AM
Bonnie this came in from my inbox
Hi CNET!
I love your company and site (but I still miss our friend James Kim). James and I developed an email friendship (like many I'm sure) and I used to ask him advice and even talked a few times on the phone. I was wondering what is your best recommendation for a GPS device (that's a question I would have asked him )? I'm looking for a portable device. Any Editor's Choice awards in the GPS category?
Thanks so much for your help,
David C.
I love your company and site (but I still miss our friend James Kim). James and I developed an email friendship (like many I'm sure) and I used to ask him advice and even talked a few times on the phone. I was wondering what is your best recommendation for a GPS device (that's a question I would have asked him )? I'm looking for a portable device. Any Editor's Choice awards in the GPS category?
Thanks so much for your help,
David C.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 11/1/07 11:23 AM
Garmin streetpilot c 330
Hi Bonni,
I have a garmin streetpilot c330 and was wondering if I could display poi's on my view map screen?
Thanks
I have a garmin streetpilot c330 and was wondering if I could display poi's on my view map screen?
Thanks
by mcoleman10 - 11/1/07 11:23 AM
Please refresh your browser folks
Hi folks,
We are experiencing some technical difficulties in this live chat event. In order to see your questions that you have submitted during this event and also see the questions answered by Bonnie you will have to refresh your browser.
We do apologize for the inconvenience.
-Lee
CNET Community
We are experiencing some technical difficulties in this live chat event. In order to see your questions that you have submitted during this event and also see the questions answered by Bonnie you will have to refresh your browser.
We do apologize for the inconvenience.
-Lee
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 11/1/07 11:18 AM
GArmin NUvi 660
Just last night someone broke into my car and stole my nuvi 660. Smashed my window and everything. Usually I take it down at night but I was in a nice neighborhood and nothing has ever happened. Anyways. I want to get a new one but I am thinking about changing. I need one with good bluetooth functionality and one that has traffic updates. The nuvi had it but only for 6 months and then you had to pay. What is your recommendation? I don't want to spend more than 500 bucks. Thanks.
by michaelclark82 - 11/1/07 11:18 AM
hi bonnie
i recently upgraded from a tmobile sidekick to an iphone, how do i transfer all of my contacts over without doing it manually? i have over 500 contacts cause im so popular. can you help? with tips, not with actually transfering them.
thanks
ps- your first looks look great!
thanks
ps- your first looks look great!
by narlyREL - 11/1/07 11:16 AM
Price differences for portable GPS
The pricing for portable GPS range from fairly inexpensive to expensive. Can you give me an idea what makes them vary so much in prices? Don't they all basically do the same?
by sbaxter - 11/1/07 11:15 AM
UMPC for GPS
Hi Bonnie,
I recently misplaced my Garmin StreetPilot c550, so I'm in the market for a new GPS. I was wondering if you would recommend a ultra mobile PC handheld in connection with Garmin's GPS 18 for laptops (which I already own)?
PS I wish I could connect with my misplaced GPS to see where in the world it is. Since its a positioning device, that would be a nice feather to add. Though it would be nicer if I didn't misplace it!
I recently misplaced my Garmin StreetPilot c550, so I'm in the market for a new GPS. I was wondering if you would recommend a ultra mobile PC handheld in connection with Garmin's GPS 18 for laptops (which I already own)?
PS I wish I could connect with my misplaced GPS to see where in the world it is. Since its a positioning device, that would be a nice feather to add. Though it would be nicer if I didn't misplace it!
by alanhickey - 11/1/07 10:54 AM
Please refresh your browser
Hi folks,
We are experiencing some technical difficulties in this live chat event. In order to see your questions that you have submitted during this event and also see the questions answered by Bonnie you will have to refresh your browser.
We do apologize for the inconvenience.
-Lee
CNET Community
We are experiencing some technical difficulties in this live chat event. In order to see your questions that you have submitted during this event and also see the questions answered by Bonnie you will have to refresh your browser.
We do apologize for the inconvenience.
-Lee
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 11/1/07 10:48 AM
Bonnie Cha, CNET mobile tech editor LIVE!
Ask the Editors Live! topic: GPS devices
Are you feeling lost when it comes to picking out a GPS device? Well, never fear, Bonnie is here! Our host for this upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat event will be with CNET mobile tech editor Bonnie Cha, who will be here to answer all your questions about those super popular portable navigation devices--ranging from buying advice to post-purchase issues! So join us on Thursday, November 1, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern) and hit up Bonnie with your GPS questions. I'm sure she'll get you going in the right direction. Don't miss out!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
Are you feeling lost when it comes to picking out a GPS device? Well, never fear, Bonnie is here! Our host for this upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat event will be with CNET mobile tech editor Bonnie Cha, who will be here to answer all your questions about those super popular portable navigation devices--ranging from buying advice to post-purchase issues! So join us on Thursday, November 1, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern) and hit up Bonnie with your GPS questions. I'm sure she'll get you going in the right direction. Don't miss out!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 10/31/07 11:55 PM
