The other thing that you have to be careful of when ordering over the internet is that fact that not all manufacturers support internet purchasing. In fact, with some manufacturers, JL Audio being the one that springs to mind, if you actually purchase something over the internet, it voids the warranty.

 

Re: GPS, I understand some new cell phones are coming bundled with GPS and driving guidance, like I run on my PDA phone. It doesn't / won't add much to the cost of the phone, plus you can move it from vehicle to vehicle with no install...

 

The only problem with that is you need a cell signal. I know when I had Nextel, I had their GPS software and it was based on that and not sattelite signal.

 

I ck'd these phones out but the screen is small and the voice seemed too low and I am afraid I cann't hear directions with the noise of the car.

MD GP 0142
MD STREGA2

 

Garmin c330, thats what I use. It has a suction mount to mount it to the windshield, and is easliy removable/movable. Its loud, and if you want to, can plug it into your cigarette lighter

 

I'm sorta looking at doing the PDA/GPS thing. Specifically looking at a Dell Axim X51V and CoPilot Live w/Bluetooth GPS receiver. Portable and flexible. And if I needed to hear the audio better I could just tap into my AUX port.

 

The CoPilot Live software is what I've been using. Mark M. has it too. While I love it, and I think Mark does too, there have been a lot of complaints about it that I've been reading. My main (but not a deal-breaker for me) complaint is that the POI database is crap. For example, it lists Zaire's as a store on Rt. 1. All Zaire's were changed over to Ames about 15 or so years ago, and the Ames chain has been closed for about 5!

Anyway, if you want to try-before-you-buy, feel free to pester me.


-Paul!

 

I would not disagree with this. I have bought stuff from them but heisitate now. Way to overpriced.

For example, would never buy a TV or Stereo because you can do better just down at Best Buy (NM mail order).

Car stereos ... I would just go to a local, high end shop (and tweeters is mostly good stuff) or Audio Connection. Buy the stuff cheap at a "reputable" online dealer, save $100s. Done it for lots of stuff (e.g., GPS, home audio components, TVs, cameras (I would never buy a camera from a local store .... rip off prices... nothing better than working with the NYC discount houses ... etc.) Even go Amazon. Amazon WILL stand behind what they sell.