GPS Dilemma!? In dash or portable?

[pindropsound]

So, I have a new Versa SL Hatchback and have trying to figure out what to do about a GPS unit. I've been doing a lot of research and I think that the Garmin Nuvi 750 looks good but I'm curious if any versa owners have ever had an in dash GPS unit installed. Is it a good idea, a bad idea? Does it work well, or should I stick with a portable one?

[VersaMG08]

So, I have a new Versa SL Hatchback and have trying to figure out what to do about a GPS unit. I've been doing a lot of research and I think that the Garmin Nuvi 750 looks good but I'm curious if any versa owners have ever had an in dash GPS unit installed. Is it a good idea, a bad idea? Does it work well, or should I stick with a portable one?

I have the Garmin Nuvi 260w, it's a portable unit. Personally, I'd go with a portable one it's easier to install and disassemble from the vehicle. It will stay on securely.

Mine is mounted right above the storage big on the dashboard, I used velcor and just slapped it right on there. They sell dashboard mounting kits you can buy at like Best Buy or something. I think Circuit City has a bunch of them on sale, you might want to check it out.

[pindropsound]

How long does it stay charged for? Does the cable ever get in the way?

[VersaMG08]

How long does it stay charged for? Does the cable ever get in the way?

It's a matter of where you mount the cables at, mine don't get in the way. Usually, I leave the GPS plugged in when I'm operating it while driving. You don't need to though. It takes a about 6 hours or so to fully charge, not sure exactly.

[matt_a]

I like the portable ones because you can use it in different vehicles whenever you want. You also have more options for where to mount it. Here's what I did with my wife's Versa and a Garmin Nuvi 350:zerothread?id=339371

[Mubbly]

zerothread?id=388538

I went for the in-dash option. I like it muchly!

[pindropsound]

Nice install! I like the placement a lot, it seems really convenient. Thanks for the info!

[Knightro2]

I have a TomTom One and love it. It's portable. My fiance' got it for me for Xmas a couple of years ago. She uses it too every now and then so it being portable is good. My only complaint about it is the suction cup leaves residue on the inside of my windshield that I have to keep cleaning off after use.

[pindropsound]

I too am very interested in the in-dash install, but my thing is I already have the ipod connection in my SL...this is stupid I know, but it's one of the reasons I went for the SL Versa, oh and also mine has the bluetooth option on the steering wheel. If the in-dash option has ipod and bluetooth is it a little pointless to go for that option?

[Knightro2]

Depending on the unit, you can get an adapter that will still allow your wheel controls to work.

[iluvmyVersa08]

I have a TomTom One and love it. It's portable. My fiance' got it for me for Xmas a couple of years ago. She uses it too every now and then so it being portable is good. My only complaint about it is the suction cup leaves residue on the inside of my windshield that I have to keep cleaning off after use.

Hey, I too have a TomTom One and like it. It works fairly well. I however bought a seperate suction cup/mounting kit for $20 at Wal-Mart. I found that the one that came with the unit was super small. I had to keep extending my arm just to touch the screen of the GPS. So I bought a kit, actually from a Wal-Mart in the US and it has an extendable arm and it is flexible. It sucks right onto the windshield and is very durable. You have to tighten it into place so it very rarely ever falls off. I like it When I have a chance I'll take a picture and post it.

[feloniousmonk]

I would go portable. In-dash just screams to the drug addicts "steal me to pawn for drugs". Plus, when you travel, you can use it in your rental car.

[Mubbly]

I would go portable. In-dash just screams to the drug addicts "steal me to pawn for drugs". Plus, when you travel, you can use it in your rental car.

True. It sucks thinking about that every time I walk away from my car..

[pindropsound]

I would go portable. In-dash just screams to the drug addicts "steal me to pawn for drugs". Plus, when you travel, you can use it in your rental car.

you make a very valid point, which is why last night I actually went out and bought a Garmin Nuvi. I've only played around with it for a little bit, but so far, so good!

[VersaMG08]

you make a very valid point, which is why last night I actually went out and bought a Garmin Nuvi. I've only played around with it for a little bit, but so far, so good!

What model Garmin Nuvi did you get?

BTW, check out the pics I uploaded in the interior accent light thread.

[pindropsound]

What model Garmin Nuvi did you get?.

I got the Garmin Nuvi 260W. Still sorta figuring it out, but it's proved useful already! Now I just need to find a place to mount it. I want to get it so the cables are out of the way.

[VersaMG08]

Yeah, that's the same model I have. It has all the features I want on it without costing too much. I paid $189 for it minus taxes at Best Buy.

[Urq]

I picked my Nuvi 260w up at costco for $159 last week

[feloniousmonk]

Another option...

http://www.al-eds.com/Azentek-...video

[tyler_ofspain]

Or you could go for the best of both... This eclipse in-dash unit has a detachable tomtom unit

http://www.eclipse-web.com/us/....html

[VersaMG08]

I picked my Nuvi 260w up at costco for $159 last week

I don't have a Costco membership and the closest one is 6.6 miles from here.

[pindropsound]

I picked my Nuvi 260w up at costco for $159 last week

Yeah, I got mine at costco too, but it was $169. Must range in price by state.

[pindropsound]

Another option...]

Is it true that suction cup mounts are illegal in CA? Cause if so, I need to find another mounting option before I go move down there.

[VersaMG08]

Is it true that suction cup mounts are illegal in CA? Cause if so, I need to find another mounting option before I go move down there.

The dash mount that came with the Nuvi has a little disc that mounts on the dashboard. I tried that, and it's wasn't sticky enough to stay on the Versa's textured dash.

You can try this dash mount. There are some other websites you can check out to compare prices and verify which ones are cheaper.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1370

Another link off Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-D...r=1-5

[feloniousmonk]

Is it true that suction cup mounts are illegal in CA? Cause if so, I need to find another mounting option before I go move down there.

It was illegal, but not enforced. It is no longer illegal. The law's been revised or overturned. Why would you leave Oregon? I wish I had never left...

[VersaMG08]

Pindrop, if you have the chance, you should check out Colorado too when you make your move to CA. There are some CA businesses that are relocating here, and in the Denver area.

I'd like to go to CA, I'm growing tired of four seasons, especially winter. I'll see what happens when I graduate college and apply for jobs in July. When I make the move, I shall let you guys know where abouts.

[VersaMG08]

Here is the link:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/...iness

Basically, it's a campaign to lure CA business into CO.

[feloniousmonk]

Basically, it's a campaign to lure CA business into CO.

LOL. Good luck with that.

[pindropsound]

It was illegal, but not enforced. It is no longer illegal. The law's been revised or overturned. Why would you leave Oregon? I wish I had never left...

I do love Oregon, born and raised! But this is more of a networking move to LA. It might not be permanent. Just going down to scope out some job options. If it doesn't work out, then back to the trees I will go! Where about in did you live in Oregon?

[pindropsound]

Pindrop, if you have the chance, you should check out Colorado too when you make your move to CA. There are some CA businesses that are relocating here, and in the Denver area.I'd like to go to CA, I'm growing tired of four seasons, especially winter. I'll see what happens when I graduate college and apply for jobs in July. When I make the move, I shall let you guys know where abouts.

Hey, thanks for the links for the Garmin mount. I think even though you're against it, I might go for the air vent mount, Simply because I don't know if I like the dashboard mount...but I'm still in the exploratory placement phase. Interesting about the businesses going to Colorado. Hey I'm not against any state really, but you should love the fact that you have four seasons. I hear that after a while people get tired of just the one down there, well maybe two, lol.