The Perfect GPS for me would be:

Max · 12-30-2006, 2:36 PM

Just dreaming a bit here I guess, but mine would be alot like the present 2xxx models, just with a few more features...

For the record I really like the Zumo, but there are a few things that are eh eh about it for me. Here is what I'd really want

A form factor/screen like a 26/27/28xx series but a little thinner OAL depth, about .75-.85" thick.
Waterproof/resistant case, as well as a case design that would allow a hardcover to 'seal' the touchscreen over to allow for being thrown into a bag, but also a soft neoprene case option should you just want to leave it in a dash pocket.
External power switch like the 530, but in a protected location, maybe in a place that the mounting hardware would cover?
Touchscreen, but a few 'smartkeys' on left of the screenlike the Zumo 550.
Full UI just like the present 2830, no changes there except for the additional functions below.
10,000 to infinity track point recording.
Dual commodity based memory cards, one of which is somewhat 'internal' and stores (licensing?), poi, favorites, phone pref/profile info, pairing info for BT, the second card would store routing, additional maps or details, mp3, and tracklog info only. There would have to be a few that existed on either/or...but contact me if you want a schema.
SiRFstar III a given, but with a better filter for bouncing signals so the unit isn't 'wandering' once I get to my destination and leave the GPS on.
Bluetooth 2.0 functionality with:
- A2DP - to allow audio directions to other devices, as well as playing all those MP3's or whatever out to BT headphones like the Motorola HS830, or even use of a remote speaker setup like the Motorola T305.
- Handsfree profile adaptation - to allow for one-key dialing to destination/POI's.
- OBEX - or whatever services are needed to allow for graphics file, poi, mp3, routing, etc. information to be transferred to the device from a phone or a laptop or any BT2.0 commissioned device.
Small onboard (shop serviceable) battery that gives you maybe 2-3 hours of (full brightness) usage. Enough for wandering up a hill or around a town once you get to your destination.
Ambient light sensor to adjust brightness levels automatically.
Ball mount system like the present Nuvi/5xx series but with a set of tangs or detent to accept a vibration free mount w/ 'claw-style' grip like the 2xxx series has from RAM.
TTN (FM Traffic Network) functionality. (I am a fan of XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, but its just too pricey so I can't say I support it.)

Thats it for now...I'm sure I will come back with some other stuff later. But Garmin whenever you are ready to release this...just let me know and I will beta it whenever you want

Andy · 12-30-2006, 5:50 PM

That's a good list. I think the perfect GPS depends on what it's used for. Right now, for my needs, the Zumo 660 is just about perfect for in car use. If they had a line out on the base and no the unit itself that would be more convenient. It's really simple to use, fast to find things and recalculate. For day to day travels, I don't need a track log. It gets me from place to place easily.

On the bike, I don't need a touch screen, voice directions, mp3s or traffic. I think the tracklog is a big feature. Some of Garmin's line allow you to save the tracklog to a memory card. This eliminates the 10,000 point (mine stopped after 9999 points) limit. Only the card size will limit the tracklog. I am happy I picked the 76CSx over the Zumo. Zumo just has too many things missing.
If I commuted on the bike, traffic and touchscreen would be good ideas.

Andy · 01-02-2007, 12:56 AM

One more thing, a remote air temp sensor would be cool. With the tracklog containing the air temp in addition to the elevation and other data. Many units like the 76CSx will display water temp, but not log it.

12-30-2006, 2:36 PM	#1
Max 'tis the season for seat time Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 876 Blog Entries: 2	The Perfect GPS for me would be: Just dreaming a bit here I guess, but mine would be alot like the present 2xxx models, just with a few more features... For the record I really like the Zumo, but there are a few things that are eh eh about it for me. Here is what I'd really want A form factor/screen like a 26/27/28xx series but a little thinner OAL depth, about .75-.85" thick. Waterproof/resistant case, as well as a case design that would allow a hardcover to 'seal' the touchscreen over to allow for being thrown into a bag, but also a soft neoprene case option should you just want to leave it in a dash pocket. External power switch like the 530, but in a protected location, maybe in a place that the mounting hardware would cover? Touchscreen, but a few 'smartkeys' on left of the screenlike the Zumo 550. Full UI just like the present 2830, no changes there except for the additional functions below. 10,000 to infinity track point recording. Dual commodity based memory cards, one of which is somewhat 'internal' and stores (licensing?), poi, favorites, phone pref/profile info, pairing info for BT, the second card would store routing, additional maps or details, mp3, and tracklog info only. There would have to be a few that existed on either/or...but contact me if you want a schema. SiRFstar III a given, but with a better filter for bouncing signals so the unit isn't 'wandering' once I get to my destination and leave the GPS on. Bluetooth 2.0 functionality with: A2DP - to allow audio directions to other devices, as well as playing all those MP3's or whatever out to BT headphones like the Motorola HS830, or even use of a remote speaker setup like the Motorola T305. Handsfree profile adaptation - to allow for one-key dialing to destination/POI's. OBEX - or whatever services are needed to allow for graphics file, poi, mp3, routing, etc. information to be transferred to the device from a phone or a laptop or any BT2.0 commissioned device. Small onboard (shop serviceable) battery that gives you maybe 2-3 hours of (full brightness) usage. Enough for wandering up a hill or around a town once you get to your destination. Ambient light sensor to adjust brightness levels automatically. Ball mount system like the present Nuvi/5xx series but with a set of tangs or detent to accept a vibration free mount w/ 'claw-style' grip like the 2xxx series has from RAM. TTN (FM Traffic Network) functionality. (I am a fan of XM NavTraffic and NavWeather, but its just too pricey so I can't say I support it.) Thats it for now...I'm sure I will come back with some other stuff later. But Garmin whenever you are ready to release this...just let me know and I will beta it whenever you want

12-30-2006, 5:50 PM	#2
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 679	Re: The Perfect GPS for me would be: That's a good list. I think the perfect GPS depends on what it's used for. Right now, for my needs, the Zumo 660 is just about perfect for in car use. If they had a line out on the base and no the unit itself that would be more convenient. It's really simple to use, fast to find things and recalculate. For day to day travels, I don't need a track log. It gets me from place to place easily. On the bike, I don't need a touch screen, voice directions, mp3s or traffic. I think the tracklog is a big feature. Some of Garmin's line allow you to save the tracklog to a memory card. This eliminates the 10,000 point (mine stopped after 9999 points) limit. Only the card size will limit the tracklog. I am happy I picked the 76CSx over the Zumo. Zumo just has too many things missing. If I commuted on the bike, traffic and touchscreen would be good ideas.

01-02-2007, 12:56 AM	#3
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 679	Re: The Perfect GPS for me would be: One more thing, a remote air temp sensor would be cool. With the tracklog containing the air temp in addition to the elevation and other data. Many units like the 76CSx will display water temp, but not log it.