Porable GPS Navigation Units?

Robert_Nash · 08-20-2010, 01:29 PM

I have a new Nismo 370Z coming around February of next year. As I'm sure you all know, the Nismo doesn't offer the navigation package and as every vehicle I've owned for the past 10 years has had navigation; I'm pretty well addicted to them (yes I still know how to use a map but why bother!

)

Anyway...I'm wondering, for those of you who don't have factory navigation systems, do you have any recommendations on what works and what doesn't (the more specific the recommendation such as manufacturer and model number, etc., the better).

Please keep in mind I'm only looking for a portable unit - I'm not interested in an installed unit.

Price...up to $500-600 range...anything much more than that and I probably wouldn't bother.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Matt · 08-20-2010, 01:38 PM

For that price, you can get something like the Clarion NX509 or Kenwood DNX6140 with built-in Navigation AND you get the included benefits of improving your audio system.

I absolutely loved my Clarion NX509's Navigation system. Touch screen, very easy to use, usually spot-on with directions/route planning/etc.

EDIT:

Ahh, I see you're not interested in installed units. That sucks. My wife has a portable GPS unit and it's a PITA. Good luck!

errett · 08-20-2010, 01:42 PM

I bought the TomTom XXL-540 and have really liked it.

TomTom XXL 540*S - All-in-one navigation - TomTom GPS sat nav

Previous vehicles had the built-in nav, so this is my first portable.

E

Modshack · 08-20-2010, 01:46 PM

I've always liked Garmin Nuvi units. All of them from the $100 stuff up to the $600 units run basically the same Nav functionality and maps (Kenwood in-dash units run Garmin software). Higher the price, the more features. Compare and contrast all of them here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

Simple mount design here: Garmin Nav holder.. album | Ttschwing | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

kenchan · 08-20-2010, 02:36 PM

i also do the $100 nuvi, works great.

copycat to modshack dissappearing mount v2:

daleks · 08-20-2010, 02:46 PM

I've been debating between the TomTom XXL 540TM ($179.99 off Amazon) or just installing an AVIC-X920BT ($575 after discounts, tax, etc. on Amazon). I dislike futzing with cables and would like A2DP iPhone functionality, but the portable GPS units seem to be ahead of the in-dash units in terms of bundling lifetime map and traffic updates. Pioneer wants to ding you $120 for updated maps, and their traffic services is going away in a year.

Honestly the TomTom looks to be one of the best at it's price point. You start to get add-on features that don't matter for navigation once you go above that price. The TM at the end of the model means it has lifetime maps and traffic updates too.

Kirkster · 08-20-2010, 03:17 PM

I have factory nav but I also run Tom Tom on my iPhone... best of both worlds.

ZedZed · 08-20-2010, 03:54 PM

TomTom is the best, got one a few years ago and never regretted buying it.

AK370Z · 08-20-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

I've always liked Garmin Nuvi units. All of them from the $100 stuff up to the $600 units run basically the same Nav functionality and maps (Kenwood in-dash units run Garmin software). Higher the price, the more features. Compare and contrast all of them here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

Simple mount design here: Garmin Nav holder.. album | Ttschwing | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

I love garmins. Very easy to use and quick calculating. Even my Kenwood DNX6140 navi is powered by Garmin. Kenwood actually reached out to Garmin to make the nav part of the HU.

Red__Zed · 08-20-2010, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

I've always liked Garmin Nuvi units. All of them from the $100 stuff up to the $600 units run basically the same Nav functionality and maps (Kenwood in-dash units run Garmin software). Higher the price, the more features. Compare and contrast all of them here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

Simple mount design here: Garmin Nav holder.. album | Ttschwing | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

+1. Garmin's are great!

Robert_Nash · 08-20-2010, 05:22 PM

I appreciate the feedback so far...I've known about both Garmin and TomTom for some time but as I've never had a portable unit, I've had no experience with either.

I've thought about just relying on my phone and while that would likely work most of the time, that might be more of a distraction than a help.

Red__Zed · 08-20-2010, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

I appreciate the feedback so far...I've known about both Garmin and TomTom for some time but as I've never had a portable unit, I've had no experience with either.

I've thought about just relying on my phone and while that would likely work most of the time, that might be more of a distraction than a help.

battery and convenience would be the concerns I would have with that...

kenchan · 08-20-2010, 05:36 PM

for the most part my bb can work fine running googlmap but as dan mentioned above, it eats battery power and the bb's screen blacks out if i dont touch the keypad from time to time so it's kinda annoying.

with the nuvi it's hardwired so i start the car and it's ready to go...plus i can type in the addresses at my desk instead of inside the car. also i can have the nuvi and my HU's screens fully functional without having to flip between stereo/nav screens so very convenient. for $100, can't go wrong.

wilsonp · 08-20-2010, 05:42 PM

For that kind of money, I would get an iPad 3G (but I have all three

).

Robert_Nash · 08-20-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsonp

For that kind of money, I would get an iPad 3G (but I have all three

).

Nanh...can't do that...it's against my religion to use Apple products!

08-20-2010, 01:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 17	Porable GPS Navigation Units? I have a new Nismo 370Z coming around February of next year. As I'm sure you all know, the Nismo doesn't offer the navigation package and as every vehicle I've owned for the past 10 years has had navigation; I'm pretty well addicted to them (yes I still know how to use a map but why bother! ) Anyway...I'm wondering, for those of you who don't have factory navigation systems, do you have any recommendations on what works and what doesn't (the more specific the recommendation such as manufacturer and model number, etc., the better). Please keep in mind I'm only looking for a portable unit - I'm not interested in an installed unit. Price...up to $500-600 range...anything much more than that and I probably wouldn't bother. Thanks in advance for your advice! __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

08-20-2010, 01:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 41 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	For that price, you can get something like the Clarion NX509 or Kenwood DNX6140 with built-in Navigation AND you get the included benefits of improving your audio system. I absolutely loved my Clarion NX509's Navigation system. Touch screen, very easy to use, usually spot-on with directions/route planning/etc. EDIT: Ahh, I see you're not interested in installed units. That sucks. My wife has a portable GPS unit and it's a PITA. Good luck! __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

08-20-2010, 01:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 976	I've always liked Garmin Nuvi units. All of them from the $100 stuff up to the $600 units run basically the same Nav functionality and maps (Kenwood in-dash units run Garmin software). Higher the price, the more features. Compare and contrast all of them here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134 Simple mount design here: Garmin Nav holder.. album \| Ttschwing \| Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy. __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

08-20-2010, 02:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i also do the $100 nuvi, works great. copycat to modshack dissappearing mount v2: Last edited by kenchan; 08-20-2010 at 02:43 PM.

08-20-2010, 03:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Kirkster A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Peoples Republic of MD Posts: 1,792 Drives: Roadster of DOOM Rep Power: 20	I have factory nav but I also run Tom Tom on my iPhone... best of both worlds. __________________ Powertrain Warranty voided on 5/14/2011 Mod List:GTM Supercharger,SmartTop module, Oil Cooler, GT-R Start button, Nismo Exhaust, BC Racing ER Coilovers, Backup Camara For eastwest:

08-20-2010, 01:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
errett Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 149 Drives: Z34 10 0111 Rep Power: 15	I bought the TomTom XXL-540 and have really liked it. TomTom XXL 540*S - All-in-one navigation - TomTom GPS sat nav Previous vehicles had the built-in nav, so this is my first portable. E

08-20-2010, 02:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
daleks Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St. Louis Posts: 424 Drives: 2011 Evo X MR Rep Power: 15	I've been debating between the TomTom XXL 540TM ($179.99 off Amazon) or just installing an AVIC-X920BT ($575 after discounts, tax, etc. on Amazon). I dislike futzing with cables and would like A2DP iPhone functionality, but the portable GPS units seem to be ahead of the in-dash units in terms of bundling lifetime map and traffic updates. Pioneer wants to ding you $120 for updated maps, and their traffic services is going away in a year. Honestly the TomTom looks to be one of the best at it's price point. You start to get add-on features that don't matter for navigation once you go above that price. The TM at the end of the model means it has lifetime maps and traffic updates too.

08-20-2010, 03:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
ZedZed Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Belgium, Brussels Posts: 237 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 15	TomTom is the best, got one a few years ago and never regretted buying it.

08-20-2010, 05:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 17	I appreciate the feedback so far...I've known about both Garmin and TomTom for some time but as I've never had a portable unit, I've had no experience with either. I've thought about just relying on my phone and while that would likely work most of the time, that might be more of a distraction than a help. __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

08-20-2010, 05:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	for the most part my bb can work fine running googlmap but as dan mentioned above, it eats battery power and the bb's screen blacks out if i dont touch the keypad from time to time so it's kinda annoying. with the nuvi it's hardwired so i start the car and it's ready to go...plus i can type in the addresses at my desk instead of inside the car. also i can have the nuvi and my HU's screens fully functional without having to flip between stereo/nav screens so very convenient. for $100, can't go wrong.

08-20-2010, 05:42 PM	#14 (permalink)
wilsonp A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,134 Drives: 2009 Touring Sp Nav Rep Power: 17	For that kind of money, I would get an iPad 3G (but I have all three ). __________________ 2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

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