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Post by Emerald Midi on Aug 12, 2006 16:24:19 GMT
As some of you will already know I am a gigging musician here in Ireland and as such I get to play in places where some people may never have been to or even heard of. Anyway, after getting lost for more times than I‘d care to admit I decided to treat myself to a satellite navigational system.
Someone suggested Garmin as a way to go as apparently they are better for those of us who live in Ireland.
I took out a Garmin 310 Deluxe for a trial period and although it did have its short comings - V8 mapping was not as good for rural Ireland as I was led to believe, and I would learn later that it had occasionally sent me on longer journeys to gigs, etc, it did prove incredibly accurate 99.99% of the time and was a great companion on those roads back home late at night from gigs.
Unfortunately I did return my Garmin - but only because I learned that V 9, giving 100% [or almost 100%] mapping for Ireland would be available by next September and I wanted to wait for the new version.
NB: At the moment Garmin use V 8 [version 8] for their mapping of Ireland.
However I now know that I could have simply downloaded the V 9 up-grade when it becomes available.
We live and learn.
I have to confess that whereas I originally had misgiving about buying a GPS system I am convinced they are an invaluable item for any driver, musician or otherwise who has to travel to places they are not too sure about.
What, if any, are your experience with GPS systems? Are they something you have considered, or are you still sceptical about their usefulness?
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midimart
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Post by midimart on Aug 14, 2006 8:55:35 GMT
As you know Pat, I am a coach driver going all over Britain and many times to Ireland, Europe and even the Ukraine. I myself use a Tom Tom, and could not live without it. How did I ever find places before these little marvels came to light. Driving in a coach is not like driving your car.... try to do a 3 point turn up a very tight farmers track.... (36 ft in a 12 ft driveway...). I don't get any of this now (it used to be fun getting lost)  On a serious note though, I find them invaluable to my work. Large towns are not so much of a problem but, I can tel the Tom Tom what kind of vehicle I drive and it will not send me on narrow roads or farmers tracks. I can download updates every day from the Tom Tom mapping center at no extra cost. It updates with any roadworks or road closures too. And you can play games on it too when I have a 4 or 5 hour break. ;D |
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Post by Emerald Midi on Aug 14, 2006 18:49:47 GMT
That is wonderful Glenn. It is clearly an ideal tool for someone in your position. I can't wait to try my new one [when I get it] next time we're in France or Germany. The arguments it will save between me and the missus is worth the price alone ;D Another friend told me he uses his tomtom driving around London as a mini-cab driver! How handy is that  Wonderful to learn that you can get your up-dates for free as often as you wish: Does this include latest maps? I ask this as I hear that V6 for tomtom is due out shortly and I'm wondering will you be able to get this free also? That is a bit special. To my knowledge the Garmin does not do this. If the mapping for Ireland [here in the south] was any better I would consider going for the Tom tom |
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Post by Tone_Deff (Musicmaker) on Aug 14, 2006 21:42:15 GMT
Hi again Guys,
I too work as a Pro Driver - on Agency work driving Artics - I do Agency, so that I can just do odd days between Gigs as and when I please. Mostly I drive for ASDA, delivering high value items to stores all over UK. I have found Tom Tom to be indispensible in finding locations, and as said above, when in London, I go by all the routes that only Taxi drivers would know - occasionally, I get sent up streets or even farm tracks that are totally unsuitable for an 18 wheeler, but it is rare - last week I ran right up to a 9ft high bridge in Hull!!!
Mine is an HP Pocket Computer, with an added antenna, and I think that this is possibly the way to go, rather than a totally dedicated Tom Tom, or Gamin - OK, they are in one piece, but with mine, I can perform loads of extra stuff like playing Mp3's, Games, etc while waiting to load or unload, a diary, notebook, etc - in fact a cut down version of a PC (It runs XP Mobile). In my case I now know the locations of my 'drops' and only need it occasionally, so if it were a dedicated job, it would now be almost redundant. Just an extra thought for you.
I have driven coaches too, in the past - National Express, and used to do overseas trips - mainly Austria. I loved the job, and possibly enjoyed it more than the passengers!!!, But hey Ho - a Gig turns up for a good 'residency', or a tour, and I pack it in to chase the golden rainbow of ambition, and as ever fall flat on my face again!!! Back to the trucking!!
Regards
Tony
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Post by Emerald Midi on Aug 15, 2006 8:40:36 GMT
To be honest this is not an approach I have considered but having read the above I can see many advantages to having a pocket computer type. I love gadgets - typical man, according to my wife - and such a thing would certainly be worth having, especially if it can also give you the same navigational power as the more dedicated machines, and you are able to mount it on the windscreen, etc. Thanks for that suggestion. |
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Post by Tone_Deff (Musicmaker) on Aug 15, 2006 17:35:17 GMT
Pat, Ebay is the place to look - possibly a good 2nd user one - even new will be much cheaper. Loads of 'em in there !!! Gadgets !  - I have just about every one invented!!! Regards Tony |
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Post by Emerald Midi on Aug 15, 2006 18:06:13 GMT
Thank you Tony. I have only ever bought two things from eBay. In one transaction the product that was delivered to me was incomplete and faulty, not at all as described. But the other transaction went without any complications and helped to restore my faith.
I will check them out.
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- I have just about every one invented!!!