I bought a Garmin V, today, but not very impressed. I mounted it on dash top closest to driver right of instrument cluster. Does anyone else think the display is too small? I have no vision problems, but I'm darned if I can make out the displays, text, etc. I'll probably take it back to Best Buy unless I get some positive feedback on the unit. ($475)

GeneB

 

I love mine. I've had it for about 6 months and while the display is small, I can read it fine. Mine is mounted on the dash to the left of the instrument panel. I believe the map fonts were changed in the latest firmware upgrade and that might help you. They are constantly coming out with upgrades, and make them available on their site. I've found it to be a perfect size for the S2k and while it doesn't have voice commands and a color screen, it works great. The auto-route calculation and off-route recalculation are terrific. Are you possibly zoomed out too far? I'm at work and can't look, but I think mine is in auto-zoom. Normally it shows the whole route and the print can be small, but as it approaches a turn or your destination, it should Zoom in and of course give it's warning beep about a mile before the turn and again at the turn. I would try it for awhile and see if it doesn't start looking better to you.

 

I also have the Garmin V. It's a compromise solution for those who want turn-by-turn street directions for city driving but want a package small/powerful enough for taking hiking/backpacking. It works well for me in both scenarios, but I am willing to compromise a little. If street directions are your primary concern, I would look at another solution like the Garmin StreetPilot series (larger screen, color display, etc). You could also check the s2ki Electronics forum for suggestions on DVD based solutions (similar to OEM nav systems available from car manufacturers).

 

I/m about to buy this one tonight. Best deal I could find is here: http://www.cartserver.com/sc/cart.cgi $407 including shipping

Be sure to get the latest model with the "full unlock" CDs.

 

Oops, looks like this link isn't working. Try this one.

 

Well, let's try again.

http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?p=648

 

I've owned a GPS V for about 2 weeks and love it. I was having trouble reading it until I figured how to make the back-light / contrast work right (who need to read the manual?)

I'v already mounted a bracket in my truck, and one on my boat. I too was thinking about putting it on top of the dash just left of the instrument panel. Your opinions are appreciated (especially since I use the PERMANENT adhesive).

Regards,

Al

 

All that I've used so far is the semi-permanent adhesive, because I didn't want to take any chances with my dash. Just clean the spot with some alcohol first and the semi will hold like a champ. At least mine has stuck for six months and shows no signs of weakening. That left position has worked out well for me, but it's just a matter of personal preference. I've used mine so much that I can set it while driving and seldom need to look at the screen. Isn't it great knowing that by simply having your home as a waypoint, you can drive "anyplace" and never be lost. Sorry if I sound like a salesman (I'm not), but this thing has made my weekend drives out on the rural roads a heck of a lot more fun.

 

You guys should buy and IPAQ or other pocket PC, not palm powered crap, and get a GPS map finding program for it. They are great, great screen, voice directions, and you get a pocket PC to boot, only cost you maybe $100-$200 more than the smaller garmin and less that the big color garmin. Pocket PC $350-$700, GPS adaptor $200-$400.


Sam

check these out

 

i bought the garmin v a couple of weeks ago but the damn thing has me really confused. i'm usually pretty techno but this thing has 3 different user manuals. can't even mess with it inside - the demo doesn't seem to work & can't locate satellites for real. Any ideas where to start?