No choice, have to go with remote GPS...

[Flashgordon]

It looks as though I have no choice but to get a remote GPS unit. Still waiting...waiting...to hear back from OEMValue.com on whether or not I can install a NAV/GPS system in place of my non-JBL head unit.
According to my dealer, since I have a Toyota head unit, the wiring is not acceptable for NAV/GPS unit. I guess it can be done, but it's quite a project and everything I've seen, one must have a JBL (minimum) unit to convert up to NAV/GPS.

So....does anyone have or played with the Garmin nüvi 660?
Here it is and I was quoted a price of $789;
Garmin GPS World Supply Garmin nüvi 660

Now this is cool but I don't have the kind of $$$$ they want for it;
Garmin GPS World Supply Garmin GPSMAP496
Whats nice is it gives you satellite datalink weather. But not being a pilot or have $2,800 to spend, kinda out of the question.
Would be good for those cross country trips though. Weather that is...

Any thoughts on the 660?
Thanks guys/gals!

[panavision]

First of all hello to everybody on the forum.
Regarding the GPS solution I am using a Fujitsu Siemens N500 and it's working just great.

[dibble9012]

I have used a Garmin iQue m5, great GPS. I have it up for sale for $360, but that price is negotiable. I really want to get as much as I can for it, bought it not too long ago for around $500.
Let me know

[in2blacktail]

I can't answer your question directly but this might help..

I was looking into getting a built in OEM style GPS for my Tundra and it seemed to me the cost of the units were over a grand. Little more than I wanted to invest.
I had been researching GPS (mobile, to switch from one car to another).

I purchased the Garmin 550 with Bluetooth capability.

Just installed the Garmin 550 yesterday and tried it going to work this morning, 19 miles. Worked flawlessly, even went I went purposely out of the way to Starbucks, it quickly recalulated and updated my new route.

Something to think about.

[monolithic]

I use the Garmin Nuvi 350 and highly recommend it (~$490 now). I prefer it over the 660 b/c I like to take it with me and like the smaller form factor.

[smf]

Originally Posted by monolithic

I use the Garmin Nuvi 350 and highly recommend it (~$490 now). I prefer it over the 660 b/c I like to take it with me and like the smaller form factor.

I too have the 350 and absolutely love it. I have it mounted using the suction device on the lower corner of the windshield right above the dash. The beauty of this device is the size and features. I use it sometimes for the mp3 player feature as well as the picture viewer. You can also put in pedestrian mode for walking directions. I get about 4 hours on the battery shorter if using the player. It is quick and precise regarding the directions and I have only found a couple of places it did not know the address but it did find an address close enough to get you there. The only thing I wish it had is longitude/latitude readings but other than that a definite

Good luck in your search

[monolithic]

Originally Posted by smf

The only thing I wish it had is longitude/latitude readings but other than that a definite

At least in software version 4.20 and some of the other recent versions, the lat/longs can be obtained by:

1. Select "Where to?"
2. Down arrow three times
3. Select "Coordinates"

It shows your present position coordinates. You then can touch each part of the coordinate to change it to your desired destination if you like (such as geocaching, etc.) You can change the formatting as well. Coordinates can be saved in your favorites.

[smf]

Originally Posted by monolithic

At least in software version 4.20 and some of the other recent versions, the lat/longs can be obtained by:

1. Select "Where to?"
2. Down arrow three times
3. Select "Coordinates"

It shows your present position coordinates. You then can touch each part of the coordinate to change it to your desired destination if you like (such as geocaching, etc.) You can change the formatting as well. Coordinates can be saved in your favorites.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to check the software version.

[Flashgordon]

I went with the Garmin nüvi 660.
I like the size and the ease of use. The features are all I really need. Many loaded POI, audio turn by turn directions, etc. Can use your SD card and use it as an MP3 player or view your pictures. Bluetooth Technology and has an FM Traffic Transmitter located in the cig. plug. 3 months free on that then a paid subscription which I think is $60 a year.

Here's some pic's of where I installed it. Using the supplied windshield suction mount, on my 4R the very smooth surface to the right of the HVAC controls makes a perfect spot for mounting. And the antenna has a clear view of the sky. I'm acquiring almost all satellites with a accuracy of about 17-34ft.
I ran the wires down the back side (see pic) then under the shift console. Got a female cig. plug from Radio Shack, wired that in to a B+ wire/ground and just plugged the Garmin into that since the FM transmitter is located in the plug I didn't want to cut any wires. Had plenty of room under the console.

[in2blacktail]

Pretty nice install for a portable. Thanks for sharing your pics too. You motivated me to keep playing with installation techniques for a cleaner install of my Garmin C550. I just popped it out of the box and slapped it on the windshield. I think I will keep playing with different ideas similar to yours. since the windshield mount is not even legal in CA.

[Flashgordon]

Originally Posted by in2blacktail

Pretty nice install for a portable. Thanks for sharing your pics too. You motivated me to keep playing with installation techniques for a cleaner install of my Garmin C550. I just popped it out of the box and slapped it on the windshield. I think I will keep playing with different ideas similar to yours. since the windshield mount is not even legal in CA.

Thanks for the comments...
Interesting about the legalities of a windshield mounted GPS in CA. So I take it that anything...even a radar detector isn't legal if mounted on a windshield?

[monolithic]

Originally Posted by Flashgordon

So I take it that anything...even a radar detector isn't legal if mounted on a windshield?

No need for a radar detector in CA.

[Flashgordon]

Originally Posted by monolithic

No need for a radar detector in CA.

Good point...you'll never get up to speed!

[T100_2_TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by Flashgordon

I went with the Garmin nüvi 660.
I like the size and the ease of use. The features are all I really need. Many loaded POI, audio turn by turn directions, etc. Can use your SD card and use it as an MP3 player or view your pictures. Bluetooth Technology and has an FM Traffic Transmitter located in the cig. plug. 3 months free on that then a paid subscription which I think is $60 a year.

Here's some pic's of where I installed it. Using the supplied windshield suction mount, on my 4R the very smooth surface to the right of the HVAC controls makes a perfect spot for mounting. And the antenna has a clear view of the sky. I'm acquiring almost all satellites with a accuracy of about 17-34ft.
I ran the wires down the back side (see pic) then under the shift console. Got a female cig. plug from Radio Shack, wired that in to a B+ wire/ground and just plugged the Garmin into that since the FM transmitter is located in the plug I didn't want to cut any wires. Had plenty of room under the console.

Looks like a nice install, I think I recommended going with an aftermarket unit when you first posted. If you are getting good coverage with the built in antenna, I'm guessing you have a sunroof or something that lets the signal get to it. I have a Lowrance in my tundra and it did ok on the dash but when I mounted it low down, it didnt get nearly enough signal. Fortunately, external antennas are pretty cheap on ebay which allows it to work way better than it ever did sitting on the dash. It also keeps it out of sight which helps reduce theft.