Garmin GPS 10 Deluxe with Bluetooth Technology Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using a Garmin StreetPilot III for 3 years now, for those unfamilar with it, its a all-in-one GPS unit with auto-routing feature and voice prompt.Its a good trusty device, highly rugged and I credit much of my career success in Silicon Valley to it.

What prompted me to start sourcing for another GPS device is due to the airport hassle we experience these days.I work for the Sales department of a security company and that means frequent travel these days.The StreetPilot III is an excellent device but its a little bulky to fit into my notebook bag.

Hence enter the Garmin GPS 10.I got mine for $209 from Digitally Unique, they're slow on shipping but the price was good.Get the Deluxe package and not the receiver only one, the Garmin software and maps are worth the money.

In comparison with the older StreetPilot, advantages are:
1.Small, light and easily fit into your pocket or laptop bag, easier when passing through airport security.

2.Integrated magnetic mount allows for mounting outside the rental car, a good solution in case you rented a car with heatsheild on the windscreen that can block GPS signal.

3.Waterproof, so you can still mount the device outside the car in adverse weather condition.

4.Software provided for both PocketPC and Windows OS (Mac / Linux users are out of luck here).Most business travellers like myself typically carry a PDA and for sure has a notebook.In case your PDA fails, you'll still have GPS capability using your notebook.

5.Enhanced software features includes:
- More customization options
- Cool transparent setting for indicators and prompts
- Elevation indicator, nice feature when travelling
- Easier filter for Waypoints and POI (Points of Interest)

6.Uses standard SD or Compact flash memory cards supported by your PDA instead of the proprietary flash memory cards from Garmin.Get the Viking 512mb SD card available from Amazon here with rebate, goes nicely if your PDA has a SD slot.

7.The GPS 10 turns on automatically if it detects power from the 12v cigarette lighter adaptor.Disadvantages compared to StreetPilot III:
1.This could be related to my choice of PDA, I'm using a Dell Axim X5 PocketPC 2003. This PDA does not have an integrated Bluetooth so I use a Anycom Bluetooth CF card.Whenever I turn off the PDA and back on again, I need to re-connect the Bluetooth serial connection.Then I have to stop the Garmin nRoute software from searching the serial port, then reconnect again.A bit of a hassle compared to the StreetPilot III where you simply turn it on.

2.Routing algorithm not as good as StreetPilot III.The Pocket PC based routing logic seems to be slightly inferior to the one based on SP III (Palm OS based).

3.Depending on your PDA, the screen could be very difficult to read in the car.The Dell Axim X5 does not do well despite its transreflective LCD.The SP 3 on the other hand is clearly visible under all sorts of condition.Recommend you buy a PDA with a very bright screen.

4.PDA dependent.The SP 3 is a integrated device and is very rugged, sitting in direct sunlight for 2 years before I finally managed to buy a townhouse with a garage last year.The PDA however, is flimsy in comparison.I would not thing the Dell Axim will hold up being in sunlight all the time for 2 years.

5.Mounting a hassle.For a semi permanent mount in a car, you'll have to buy a mount either from Seidio or Arkon.However, those mounts are mainly for the PDA and you'll have to mount the GPS 10 seperately.Recommendation:
1.If you do not travel by air frequently but is looking for a GPS device for use in your car, go with one of those all-in-one devices such as the older Garmin 2610/2620 or the newer Garmin c320/c330.They're much easier to use and mount, and are easier to see in your car.

2.For frequent travellers by air, get this Garmin GPS 10 and a good PDA.This combo is a lot more portable and works even if you end up renting a car with heatshield on the windscreen.Also, in case the PDA fails, you'll have your notebook to fall back on.

3.If you decide on the Garmin GPS 10, get a PDA that has the fastest possible processor. The latest Intel XScale running at 624Mhz is a good choice.My Axim X5 running 416Mhz though usable, I sometimes felt a faster processor would be nice when I'm planning a trip and markign waypoints on the PDA.

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Product Description:
Garmin jumps on the wireless bandwagon with its GPS 10 Deluxe, a GPS receiver that communicates with Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PCs and PC laptops to allow easy, intuitive navigating. Unlike GPS devices with built-in screens, the GPS 10 Deluxe displays its mapping and navigational data on your mobile computer's monitor, ensuring superior close-up detail, more memory storage, and faster operation than with traditional navigators. And because it's wireless, users won't have to futz with cumbersome cables that get in the way each time they need to move the laptop or reposition the receiver. The cable-free solution is ideal for cars and trucks, as the device installs via the included magnetic or Velcro mounts, or even outside the vehicle should users need a clear path to the satellites. It's also waterproof, so it can withstand nasty weather and poor conditions.
The GPS 10 Deluxe comes with a fully unlocked MapSource City Select North America CD, which includes detailed maps of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with more than five million points of interest and intensive street-level map data. In addition, the package boasts two easy-to-use navigation applications: nRoute, which installs on a Bluetooth-enabled laptop, and Que, a Pocket PC program. The applications turn both mobile devices into fully functioning navigators. Users can easily look up addresses, restaurants, and services, or they can select a destination and receive automatic routing, turn-by-turn directions, off-route recalculation, and voice promptsas they drive.
The Bluetooth communication works at distances of up to 30 feet, adding to the unit's versatility. Additional features include rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power your GPS receiver for up to a dozen hours at a time and a 12-volt power adapter that connects to your cigarette lighter. The GPS 10 Deluxe measures 1.77 by 3.46 by 0.75 inches (W x H x D) and is covered by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
GPS 10 wireless receiver, Mapsource City Select North America CD-ROM, nRoute PC laptop software, Que Pocket PC software, integrated magnetic mount, Velcro mounting patch, 12-volt adapter cable, setup guide, user's manual.