Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S 6.95" GPS Navigator - Currently $227 at HN Best Price I have found.
Old tech but some still use it.
The image on the HN site looks to be Garmin Drive™ 61 LMT-S https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/551976
But at the store I ensured that I purchased Garmin DriveSmart™ 61 LMT-S - PART NUMBER: 010-01681-42 https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/552113/pn/010-01681-42#
Apparently so.
I use ma phone for directions
I use my old GPS in my car.
It has lifetime updates.
Reasons:I dont wanna risk my $1000 phone in any way viz overheating,any sort of extra physical wear and tear,Battery wearing out much sooner etc,screen burn in.
Also google maps will not work without loading prior maps etc where no signal is available.
All of the above plus they make good BT handsfree devices, well the Garmins at least. Also of course specialised maps like off-road or marine etc.
I've tried all the various smartphone alternatives but the general navigation I find the Garmins just work better, are easier to use and frankly safer. It's a bit like the Kindle is generally considered to be the best eReader. It's fit for purpose, and does one thing really well.
In all 3 vehicles I just manufacture a permanent dash mount, loom in the power cable and the device then automatically starts up and then connects to my phone for traffic info and calls, txts, emails etc.
Can you describe your permanent mount solution? My biggest peeve is the suction windscreen mount constantly falling off in the summer sun. I am tempted to silicon the suction to the windscreen.
There are various options but generally I've used something like this:-
https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-GA22U
eBay is a good source but there are other local suppliers too. Basically, you mount this onto some kind of bracket, trying to avoid permanent damage to your dashboard and then simply use the existing Garmin receptor. They work well.
Otherwise, vent mounts, dash mats, or the sticky disc option.
@NetPlus: I use this. It minimalistic, looks good and works well. Need to have a phone back protector cover for it to work tho, for the magnetic thing.. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Baseus-Universal-Magnetic-Air-Ve…
Taxi Drivers
what about them?
They talk too much
Bit like Alan Jones
I just bought the DriveSmart 61 LMT-S from Harvey Norman (O'Connor WA). For anyone confused, here's my take on it.
The DriveSmart 70 LMT also has much lower resolution screen - 800x480 - vs 1024 x 600. The higher res looks nice.
Harvey had the Drive 61 LMT which I believe has the radio traffic data and no WiFi. She says that is priced at $229 or $2 more than the above! But the Harvey's in-store prices are all over the place.
The one above - make sure its the DriveSmart 61 LMT-S was a very nice thin bezel, has the high resolution screen, AND it has WiFi. WiFi allows the unit to check the updates everytime you pull into your WiFi network, and will upgrade maps and firmware over the air without having to unplug. You'll just need to keep the unit powered on.
If someone has suggestions on loading offroad map set onto these units, please let me know!
very good price. better than JBHIFI's during the last boxing day. thx.
Do people still actually use these?