Porable GPS Navigation Units?

Robert_Nash · 08-20-2010, 12:29 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, 12:38 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, 12:42 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, 12:46 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.

Red__Zed · 08-20-2010, 03:43 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, 04:22 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, 04:30 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, 01:36 PM

i also do the $100 nuvi, works great.

copycat to modshack dissappearing mount v2:

daleks · 08-20-2010, 01:46 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.

errett · 08-21-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleks

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.

Mine has the lifetime maps, but not the traffic. Bring it in the house, connect the USB to your PC and it will check for new maps automatically.

Nice device.

E

I want a Z · 10-28-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i also do the $100 nuvi, works great.

copycat to modshack dissappearing mount v2:

Where is your radar detector plugged into?

Robert_Nash · 10-28-2010, 02:01 PM

The one I have is plunged into the receptacle that's sort of "under" the glove box.

I want a Z · 10-28-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

The one I have is plunged into the receptacle that's sort of "under" the glove box.

But the cord in his picture is going down the drivers side

Robert_Nash · 10-28-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I want a Z

But the cord in his picture is going down the drivers side

Well...don't know about his unit...my guess would be some sort of hard-wire but difficult to know from a picture.

kenchan · 10-28-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

The one I have is plunged into the receptacle that's sort of "under" the glove box.

U might also notice that the socket is missing on the passenger side.

08-20-2010, 12:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	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, 12:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 42 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, 12:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 977	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, 04:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	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, 01:36 PM	#8 (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 01:43 PM.

08-20-2010, 12:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
errett Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Maumelle, AR Posts: 149 Drives: Z34 10 0111 Rep Power: 16	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, 01:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
daleks Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St. Louis Posts: 424 Drives: 2011 Evo X MR Rep Power: 16	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.

10-28-2010, 02:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	The one I have is plunged into the receptacle that's sort of "under" the glove box. __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

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