raakshasa

Hi,

What kind of external/portable GPS devices are you folks using, ie the ones with the base package ?

Any model device that is better suited for the tsx ?

Also what is the best location to place the GPS ?

thanks

AustinJay

I personally like the Alpine Blackbird if they are still making it. It uses the same software that Acura Navis use. And it's an MP3 player.

TheGoodGuy

i hate the blackbird.. i have one.. and i think alpine short sold itself on some things without testing teh device.. i wrote them a rather nice letter on the issues.. but i still use it when traveling even though one time it did lock up on me in NY. I was on the expressway and it said 'in 1/2 mile make a u turn'.. i am like did i miss that exit (it was late at night).. so got off, paid toll and got back on the other side..sure enough.. at the same point (please turn in 1/2 mile)... grrr so i asked the toll lady for help she guided me to the right place.
Do not get me started on the flaws of our onboard navi's..

But since you asked.. go with tom tom or garmin. .. you cant go wrong.

Craig-D

I'm using a Garmin 250W (since replaced by the 255W). It's an entry level model, but has all the features I needed including widescreen and text-to-speech. They can be had at Amazon for under $250. With the volume at its highest level and the brightness a few notches below max, it'll last 3 hours on battery power. So I rarely use the power cord. In terms of placement, I put it in the center of the windshield and halfway down between the mirror and dashboard. This allows me to look at it without taking my eyes off the road and allows the front seat passenger to fiddle with it if needed while I drive.

thunderbt3

Best buy has the Garmin Nuvi 780 on sale right now for $270. There's a coupon floating around for another $50 off if you're a rewards zone member.

I picked one up for the girlfriend and we tried going to Circuit City (the one by me isn't going out of business) first because of thier 110% price match guarantee. The associate that helped us out told me he couldn't price match and that he'll be going to BB to pick one up.

jlukja

Guys,

This is an off topic thread since portable GPSs aren't specific to the TSX alone. If you want to discuss various GPSs please take it to the Off Topic section. There are GPS related threads there already. Lets limit this thread to where/how to mount the GPS in the TSX.

thunderbt3

I like mounting the GPS on the lower left of the windshield right next to the A-pillar. No view blockage as when its mounted in the center. Also, no huge suction cup marks after you remove it. Its easier to clean up the suction cup marks too. I find its easier to reach and touch the screen too. I'm not a fan of the huge, hefty friction mounts where you plop it on the dash and it wont move.

I've also seen it mounted right next to the rear view mirror but it might be hard to do on the TSX since there's a good amount of fretting (black dots/paint) behind the rear view mirror.

The area where the Acura navigation would display may be a good place also but you would be blocking the radio/climate control display.

jehines3

Our TomTom one 3rd edition sits in the "This is not an ashtray" like it was designed for it. It is the standard not the XL and right next to it is the power port for recharge. I've scouted other spots, but so far this one has prove the easiest since we store it in the center stack right there anyway. It only gets used about 10% of the trips. jh

wackura

I have a quick question; I played with a Garmin at the store but it didn't seem to default to the top-down follow-the-map mode like Acura navs, can the Garmin do that top down view and will it update your position quickly as you move?

The most practical application is suppose you have to turn left in three blocks, I'll watch the nav screen as I'm approaching to see how far I am from the turn. Can the Garmin do that also? It's a l little hard to put to the test in a Best Buy.

raakshasa

jehines3,

Does your GPS manage to get a satellite signal when placed in that area ? I thought the GPS unit needs to have a clear view of the skies.

thanks

jlukja

Anyone mount theirs on the side window, just left and forward of the steering wheel?

jehines3

Works like a charm. I left it in the cupholder in my Toyota Highlander. I hate the round ghost of suction cups on my windshield. The clear view of the sky is for XM/Sirius as they have far too few satellites to work without a clear horizon. jh

LukeaTron

My plan is to go to a sign shop and have a 3 inch circle cut out of black vinyl. I will then put this circle on that curved plastic piece directly in front of the clock so that I can stick my suction cup there. If I lick the suction cup it will stay there for a while but eventually falls off. It's a pretty convenient place to have it as you can easily reach it and the only thing it blocks is the clock (and my GPS has it's own time display). I can't stand having marks or any grime at all on my windshield.