Comments for GPS Maps http://ltdmaps.com Maps for your world! Sat, 19 May 2012 12:53:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Q&A: is there anyway of prolonging the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 405? by Yeti http://ltdmaps.com/qa-is-there-anyway-of-prolonging-the-battery-life-of-the-garmin-forerunner-405/#comment-98 Yeti Sat, 19 May 2012 12:53:39 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/qa-is-there-anyway-of-prolonging-the-battery-life-of-the-garmin-forerunner-405/#comment-98 It would help to know just how fast it's draining, and if it's meeting the specifications in the manual or not. The 405 does have shorter battery life than the 305, but is supposed to last at least a decent while when kept in standby. Every now and then people do get a Forerunner that doesn't seem to hold the charge, and Garmin does seem to be good about handling related warranty replacements. It would help to know just how fast it’s draining, and if it’s meeting the specifications in the manual or not.

The 405 does have shorter battery life than the 305, but is supposed to last at least a decent while when kept in standby.

Every now and then people do get a Forerunner that doesn’t seem to hold the charge, and Garmin does seem to be good about handling related warranty replacements.

]]> Comment on Q&A: Where can I find tracking devices for household objects? by TV guy http://ltdmaps.com/qa-where-can-i-find-tracking-devices-for-household-objects/#comment-97 TV guy Fri, 18 May 2012 15:22:40 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/qa-where-can-i-find-tracking-devices-for-household-objects/#comment-97 Look under "key finder" There are plenty of options. They use simple RF and work as long as the battery lasts... The problem is the battery does not last very long, so eventually you simply give up. Look under “key finder” There are plenty of options. They use simple RF and work as long as the battery lasts… The problem is the battery does not last very long, so eventually you simply give up.

]]> Comment on Why did GPS systems change from a computer voice to a human voice? by Mr. Smartypants http://ltdmaps.com/why-did-gps-systems-change-from-a-computer-voice-to-a-human-voice/#comment-96 Mr. Smartypants Thu, 17 May 2012 17:43:40 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/why-did-gps-systems-change-from-a-computer-voice-to-a-human-voice/#comment-96 For systems that repeat a certain number of set phrases, a human voice works better because it's easier to understand. An actual human voice can be recorded digitally and stored in a ROM chip, and this is simpler than a voice synthesizer (I was going to say it's cheaper but they probably cost about the same). A voice ROM can only repeat certain words and phrases that were recorded into it, so it has a smaller vocabulary. A voice synthesizer can say -anything-, but GPS's don't need that much vocabulary, just simple directions like 'turn left', 'turn right' ,etc. For systems that repeat a certain number of set phrases, a human voice works better because it’s easier to understand. An actual human voice can be recorded digitally and stored in a ROM chip, and this is simpler than a voice synthesizer (I was going to say it’s cheaper but they probably cost about the same).

A voice ROM can only repeat certain words and phrases that were recorded into it, so it has a smaller vocabulary. A voice synthesizer can say -anything-, but GPS’s don’t need that much vocabulary, just simple directions like ‘turn left’, ‘turn right’ ,etc.

]]> Comment on Why did GPS systems change from a computer voice to a human voice? by ♥Red Panda♥ http://ltdmaps.com/why-did-gps-systems-change-from-a-computer-voice-to-a-human-voice/#comment-95 ♥Red Panda♥ Thu, 17 May 2012 16:44:19 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/why-did-gps-systems-change-from-a-computer-voice-to-a-human-voice/#comment-95 Some of the reasons I have heard were: 1. Easier to understand 2. Less intimidating Much like how many GPS systems have a female voice option; people feel less intimidated by a female voice. Weird huh? It's amazing what we learn about humans over time. Some of the reasons I have heard were:

1. Easier to understand

2. Less intimidating

Much like how many GPS systems have a female voice option; people feel less intimidated by a female voice.

Weird huh? It’s amazing what we learn about humans over time.

]]> Comment on Do gps systems tell you what lane you should be in while driving? by Goldfly252000 http://ltdmaps.com/do-gps-systems-tell-you-what-lane-you-should-be-in-while-driving/#comment-94 Goldfly252000 Tue, 15 May 2012 21:40:20 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/do-gps-systems-tell-you-what-lane-you-should-be-in-while-driving/#comment-94 It will tell you where to turn. It will tell you the roads in the sense of it can tell you the shortest, or quickest route. It won't tell you what lane to be in though. It will tell you where to turn. It will tell you the roads in the sense of it can tell you the shortest, or quickest route. It won’t tell you what lane to be in though.

]]> Comment on Do gps systems tell you what lane you should be in while driving? by Ray http://ltdmaps.com/do-gps-systems-tell-you-what-lane-you-should-be-in-while-driving/#comment-93 Ray Tue, 15 May 2012 21:06:45 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/do-gps-systems-tell-you-what-lane-you-should-be-in-while-driving/#comment-93 No, that's why you need your mother or a husband. No, that’s why you need your mother or a husband.

]]> Comment on Looking for customer reviews for Garmin GPS 76CSX Handheld GPS? by dearment http://ltdmaps.com/looking-for-customer-reviews-for-garmin-gps-76csx-handheld-gps/#comment-91 dearment Fri, 11 May 2012 06:44:43 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/looking-for-customer-reviews-for-garmin-gps-76csx-handheld-gps/#comment-91 Customer Reviews Garmin GPS 76CSX Handheld GPS with Barometric Altimeter and Electronic Compass 103 Reviews 5 star: (62) 4 star: (27) 3 star: (6) 2 star: (3) 1 star: (5) Average Customer Review 4.3 out of 5 stars (103 customer reviews) 127 of 128 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Garmin GPSmap 76CSx, Great GPS!, July 29, 2006 By J. Young "Slithering_Joe" (South East, PA) - See all my reviews UPDATE: September 4, 2008 - Still very impressed with the 76CSx unit. It has come in real handy recently shopping for a house. All my opinions stated previously are still current. One very handy feature the unit doesn't have that I wish it did was the ability to choose an alternate route while your are traveling. This can come in handy in the event there is a detour or you want to calculate a route around a traffic jam. This would create a by-pass route on-the-fly. Many street specific GPS units can do this. Although, this unit can re-route if you go off course which is something different. The '2008 City Navigator Map Update' is not much to be desired. I have not noticed any significant improvement in calculated routes or updated points of interest (POI) data over the 2007 maps release. The same errors that I have encounter initially are still there in the 2008 release(PA, NJ, NY areas). I am hesitant to purchase the 2009 update. I will probably wait until the 2010 Update. The Foarm(R) case is the best protection out there still. I am completely satisfied with this unit I have purchased & recommended other similar units by Garmin. Overall, the 76CSx is still a great unit. UPDATE: August 23, 2007 - After reading reviews about the 2008 release of the Maps I decided to get. One special note: If you buy the update DVD make sure you get the correct release. For instance, if you have previously installed City Navigator North America v8 you need City Navigator North America 2008 UPDATE. If you own City Navigator North America v8 NT you need City Navigator North America 2008 NT. Get it? I found out the hard way but Garmin came through! UPDATE: August 21, 2007 - A year has gone by and I still very much like my GPSmap 76CSx. Top notch!!! Garmin support has been great too. It's been great on on the road, on the trails and even on a plane! Whether I am walking, driving or riding my bike. Actually, there isn't much I would change on this GPS unit. The button placement you get accustomed to very quickly and the menu-page layout is genius. It's been so easy to use this GPS. Once you read what each feature does the book really isn't required anymore. Using the menus to get around to all the features and functions is easy and self-explanatory. Since my initial purchase, I have upgraded the expandable memory to 2GB (SanDisk microSD $ 22 on Amazon) and managed to fit the 48-states and some parts of Canada. I see that there is a 2008 version of the North American maps replacing version 8. I am reluctant to purchasing this newer version since I have found quite a few out of date points-of-interests in the v8 maps. On a positive note, using the maps I have had many successful finds. Battery life using Duracell alkaline batteries while the GPS is set to "Alkaline" will last about 12 hours. I have tried 2500mAh Energizer rechargable batteries with the GPS unit set to "NiMH" but I only seem to get about 3 hours of use out of them. Recently, I have purchased a Garmin Nuvi 350 for my father from Amazon (price was great) and he really likes it but that unit is primarily for the road. Just what he wanted. The GPSmap 76CSx is loaded with so much more for so many other uses. ORIGINAL review July 29, 2006 - Having the Foarm rubber protective case has kept the GPS looking and functioning as new. It's dropped a few times. I highly recommend Garmin GPSmap76CSx unit to anyone looking for a GPS unit for the road, hiking and/or boating. The numerous menus and features are very intuitive and easy to use. The hi-res color screen may be small compared to in-car GPSs but is very clear. The time for the satellite lock is relatively quick. Even while indoors, I can get a lock on at least 3 or 4 satellites. Buildings with metal roofs or concrete floors above may not get any reception. This is expected of any unit. Read more at http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Handheld-Barometric-Altimeter-Electronic/product-reviews/B000CSQRYS/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 Customer Reviews
Garmin GPS 76CSX Handheld GPS with Barometric Altimeter and Electronic Compass

103 Reviews
5 star: (62)
4 star: (27)
3 star: (6)
2 star: (3)
1 star: (5)

Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (103 customer reviews)

127 of 128 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Garmin GPSmap 76CSx, Great GPS!, July 29, 2006
By J. Young “Slithering_Joe” (South East, PA) – See all my reviews
UPDATE: September 4, 2008 – Still very impressed with the 76CSx unit. It has come in real handy recently shopping for a house. All my opinions stated previously are still current. One very handy feature the unit doesn’t have that I wish it did was the ability to choose an alternate route while your are traveling. This can come in handy in the event there is a detour or you want to calculate a route around a traffic jam. This would create a by-pass route on-the-fly. Many street specific GPS units can do this. Although, this unit can re-route if you go off course which is something different.

The ’2008 City Navigator Map Update’ is not much to be desired. I have not noticed any significant improvement in calculated routes or updated points of interest (POI) data over the 2007 maps release. The same errors that I have encounter initially are still there in the 2008 release(PA, NJ, NY areas). I am hesitant to purchase the 2009 update. I will probably wait until the 2010 Update.

The Foarm(R) case is the best protection out there still.

I am completely satisfied with this unit I have purchased & recommended other similar units by Garmin. Overall, the 76CSx is still a great unit.

UPDATE: August 23, 2007 – After reading reviews about the 2008 release of the Maps I decided to get. One special note: If you buy the update DVD make sure you get the correct release. For instance, if you have previously installed City Navigator North America v8 you need City Navigator North America 2008 UPDATE. If you own City Navigator North America v8 NT you need City Navigator North America 2008 NT. Get it? I found out the hard way but Garmin came through!

UPDATE: August 21, 2007 – A year has gone by and I still very much like my GPSmap 76CSx. Top notch!!! Garmin support has been great too. It’s been great on on the road, on the trails and even on a plane! Whether I am walking, driving or riding my bike. Actually, there isn’t much I would change on this GPS unit. The button placement you get accustomed to very quickly and the menu-page layout is genius. It’s been so easy to use this GPS. Once you read what each feature does the book really isn’t required anymore. Using the menus to get around to all the features and functions is easy and self-explanatory. Since my initial purchase, I have upgraded the expandable memory to 2GB (SanDisk microSD $ 22 on Amazon) and managed to fit the 48-states and some parts of Canada.

I see that there is a 2008 version of the North American maps replacing version 8. I am reluctant to purchasing this newer version since I have found quite a few out of date points-of-interests in the v8 maps. On a positive note, using the maps I have had many successful finds.

Battery life using Duracell alkaline batteries while the GPS is set to “Alkaline” will last about 12 hours. I have tried 2500mAh Energizer rechargable batteries with the GPS unit set to “NiMH” but I only seem to get about 3 hours of use out of them.

Recently, I have purchased a Garmin Nuvi 350 for my father from Amazon (price was great) and he really likes it but that unit is primarily for the road. Just what he wanted. The GPSmap 76CSx is loaded with so much more for so many other uses.

ORIGINAL review July 29, 2006 -
Having the Foarm rubber protective case has kept the GPS looking and functioning as new. It’s dropped a few times.
I highly recommend Garmin GPSmap76CSx unit to anyone looking for a GPS unit for the road, hiking and/or boating. The numerous menus and features are very intuitive and easy to use. The hi-res color screen may be small compared to in-car GPSs but is very clear. The time for the satellite lock is relatively quick. Even while indoors, I can get a lock on at least 3 or 4 satellites. Buildings with metal roofs or concrete floors above may not get any reception. This is expected of any unit.

Read more at http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Handheld-Barometric-Altimeter-Electronic/product-reviews/B000CSQRYS/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

]]> Comment on Anyone have the Garmin Forerunner 305 and like it? by whycantigetagoodnickname http://ltdmaps.com/anyone-have-the-garmin-forerunner-305-and-like-it/#comment-90 whycantigetagoodnickname Thu, 10 May 2012 08:42:48 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/anyone-have-the-garmin-forerunner-305-and-like-it/#comment-90 I have the 205 and it works well - done over 1000 miles with it and no real problems. OK sometimes it might take a minute or 2 to get a satelite but generally that is in built up areas - the weather doens't seem to affect it. I have the 205 and it works well – done over 1000 miles with it and no real problems. OK sometimes it might take a minute or 2 to get a satelite but generally that is in built up areas – the weather doens’t seem to affect it.

]]> Comment on Q&A: What garmin handheld gps is suggested? by Brian Cole http://ltdmaps.com/qa-what-garmin-handheld-gps-is-suggested/#comment-89 Brian Cole Sun, 06 May 2012 17:14:05 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/qa-what-garmin-handheld-gps-is-suggested/#comment-89 If you want to make a great investment, then without doubt go for the Garmin GPS 60CSx (check link below). This little device is just great. I think it is recognized by many to be the best handheld gps in the market. This garmin handheld gps is a great travel companion and it is within your budget. I can continue on and mention all the great features, but that would take days. Definately a good investment. If you want to make a great investment, then without doubt go for the Garmin GPS 60CSx (check link below). This little device is just great. I think it is recognized by many to be the best handheld gps in the market.

This garmin handheld gps is a great travel companion and it is within your budget. I can continue on and mention all the great features, but that would take days. Definately a good investment.

]]> Comment on How do you set a new home on your TomTom? by Broderick http://ltdmaps.com/how-do-you-set-a-new-home-on-your-tomtom/#comment-88 Broderick Tue, 01 May 2012 04:40:12 +0000 http://ltdmaps.com/how-do-you-set-a-new-home-on-your-tomtom/#comment-88 Move across the street Move across the street

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