I currently have a tv in the car and was wondering what i needed to connect a gps system to it. Im looking for something inexpensive. Probably around 3-5 hundred dollars. I see the garmin units some owners have put in the car in the cup holder but since I had a tv already installed, would this be possible. What systems can I get that our out there.

Thanks

 

a dvd unit, like the kenwood will give you gps to a monitor. it runs about $1200

 

Does your screen have VGA input or just composite video (RCA-style jack)?

If it only has composite video there really isn't a good GPS solution as the resolution will never be very good. It will be okay for "big picture" GPS: arrows, and streets, etc., but not for reading text like street names, businesses, and other points of interest.

If it has VGA input then you have two choices:

1) PocketPC with VGA-out capability. Best possibility is a Dell Axim X50V or X51V with a generic presentation cable. Axims go for $300-400 and every now and then there are killer deals on them. You will need to add $60 to $150 for a GPS receiver, preferably Bluetooth. The accessory video cable is around $25. Software will run you from $30 to $200 depending on what you choose. If you go this route you might think about getting a GPS + Software package. The great thing about this setup is you can use the GPS and PPC outside the car as well. I use mine for movies/music/games/work on plane trips, etc.

2) Dedicated carPC. Build a micro form-factor computer dedicated to your car. You could easily put one together for less than $500. Go to the mp3car website for info and ideas.

 

All of the above options are very overpriced for what you get.

Here is the solution I have in my S:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16858108901

Mio 168RS - Costs $400, is a full featured PocketPC, built in GPS antenna (no extra cord and antenna to fall on the ground), comes with memory card, software, maps, charger for home and car, and suction cup mount. It does everything standalone units do - touch screen, 2 million POIs, voice guided directions - for less money and is a PDA as well, honestly I don't know why anyone would buy anything else.

I think the GPS pricing structure is insane right now, I see a market for standalone products, but it seems like they should cost less than the more fully featured product I bought, not more. I have had my Mio for about 8 months, and have used it to travel to places I have never been before in Texas, the Florida Keys, and downtown Atlanta, and it was worked beautifully.

 

How exactly would he hook that up to his screen?

 

He wouldn't. I assume rikhemi wasn't aware of my pick, since although I'm sure his screen is nice, it probably isn't worth the extra cost to simply use his existing equipment. In an ideal world he would have an even cheaper solution available, since he has already bought a screen, but to the best of my knowledge, so such option exists. Your (edit: DELL) pick is $415-775 depending on where the parts fall in the range you gave. Not only does he still have to carry the (edit: DELL) in his S, but he also has to carry the separate GPS receiver, and run most likely two power wires and a VGA wire.

 

I use a Navman 4500 and Ipaq 3630, works perfect. You can probably pick that package up for about 250 on ebay.

 

LOL, I think you have me confused with someone else. I didn't even mention Garmin, much less suggest it.

Given a VGA capable screen, I think the best solution is to use a VGA output-capable Pocket PC with bluetooth. I know the Axim is one of the few PPCs with this capability and is often available at bargain prices.

It is essentially what you use, but with higher quality graphics, more memory, wifi connectivity, faster processor, much better audio processing and much more expansion capability.

And yes, it can also be removed from the car and used anywhere.

The only wire that needs to be run is a VGA cable, and maybe power for longer trips. The GPS is wireless and can go anywhere including under a seat, in the secret compartment, on the dash, under the dash, whatever.