+MaxEntropy Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 I just saw an advertisement on TV for a thing called an Auto Map. It seems to be a GPS with aotorouting. It doesn't have a graphic display, rather it has a simple single-line text display and a keypad. The deal is that you punch in where you are going and it'll route you to the destination with text and voice cues. It also has a database of points of interest similar to my Garmin unit so just tell it you want McDonalds and it'll route you there. The amazing thing was that it cost only $40 and that includes a 'free' car vacuum. I wonder how they made it so cheaply, what did they sacrifice? If this thing is reasonably rugged and reliable, it just might be worth giving out to chronically lost people like my wife. Has anyone seen the ads or seen one of the units? Mickey Max Entropy More than just a name, a lifestyle. Quote Link to comment
+as77 Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 Is that something like the Talking Road Whiz ( http://www.ccireps.com/talking_road_whiz.htm ) ? It has no GPS and its data are limited to interstate highways. [This message was edited by as77 on September 23, 2003 at 10:41 PM.] Quote Link to comment
+as77 Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 Other links for the Talking Road Whiz: www.ultradatasystems.com www.talkingroadwhiz.com This must be it, because Ultradata sells it for $39.90 However, since there is no GPS in it, I don't see the point in it talking The functionality is the same as the $20 non-talking units that you can grab at some Wal-Marts (not in every state, though). Quote Link to comment
+MaxEntropy Posted September 23, 2003 Author Share Posted September 23, 2003 That's what I saw. I see it's pretty limited. It only has 300 cities in it's database. I'll stick with my Legend. Mickey Max Entropy More than just a name, a lifestyle. Quote Link to comment
+apersson850 Posted September 24, 2003 Share Posted September 24, 2003 I checked it out. It seems that it will tell you where you could go for a cup of coffee, provided you inform it about where you are. I don't know about you, but to me it sounds like the same as bringing my wife along, when I drive... Anders Quote Link to comment
+as77 Posted September 24, 2003 Share Posted September 24, 2003 I have the $20 non-talking version of this unit. As I mentioned, it only works for interstate highways. You have to enter on which interstate you are at which mile or exit and which direction you are traveling. Then you can select from several categories (motels, food, gas station, etc.) and it will tell you where the next motel, etc. is along the interstate, including the exit number and the distance of the point of interest from the exit. So, it is essentially an interstate exit guide. It also can recommend routes between cities using interstates (you select two cities and then it outputs a list of interstates along a route connecting the two cities; it doesn't give exit numbers or anything). In addition, it has lists of cities along state highways, but only the city names, no points of interest or anything. It also has the phone numbers of motel chains and emergency phone numbers. If you want a handy, lightweight, portable electronic interstate exit guide, I think this may be a good buy (I mean the non-talking unit for $20). Definitely easier to use than a printed exit guide, it might come in handy for longer road trips. Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.