Re: Garmin i5

On Mon, 19 Dec 2005 16:41:57 +0000, Mr. R wrote
(in article <rpBpf.39251$L7.12595@xxxxxxxx>):

> New to this NG.
> About to purchase my first nav system.
> I have done some research and the i5 appears to be a good deal. I can
> purchase it online for a shipped price of $393.
> A few questions for you experts, please:
>
> 1. I hesitate slightly because of the screen size. Is this such an
> important factor, being that it's the audible directions which appear to be
> the most important aspect?
>
> 2. No problem with loading my route(s) from my PC before leaving the house,
> but what's the device like at entering an address directly on the unit while
> out driving?
>
> 3. Any other feedback, including suggested alternatives, would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
>

I recently bought an i3 for my daughter and have been trying it out before I
hand it over.

Basically I'm very impressed. Entering information is no problem at all. The
device is so small you can unplug it from its mount and use it like a
calculator or mobile phone (if you are not driving at the time of course).

It's obviously more limited than more expensive Garmin units (like the 2610
etc) but what it does is basically get you from A to B (where A is your
current position), which it does very well. I don't find the small screen any
problem at all (I haven't got particularly good eyesight and wear varifocals
for driving). The voice instructions are good and clear.

You can't easily examine routes, or change them, or save them, or anything
like that. If you want that you have to buy a more expensive unit.

The only slight problem I have with these units is the power supply. You can
power it from the car's cigarette lighter, but the lead plugs into a mini USB
socket which looks a bit flimsy, and I don't think would last for long if
used constantly. It's obviously intended that you use AA batteries which can
either be alkaline (lasting about 6 hours) or rechargeable NIMh. This is a
bit tedious as either way you have to keep swapping batteries.

--
Mike Lane (UK North Yorkshire)
To contact me replace invalid with mike underscore lane

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