Help selecting GPS NAV...

[TaePo]

Well, I got a green light to look into the GPS Navs. I am a good map reader, but it could save me some time in the future so I am game. (I usually print maps from the internet)

I think my wife wants as cheap as possible, but I am aware of some of the pitfalls there. I feel that my breakpoint will be $200 (or less).

Now, I have not been keeping up that well with the GPS industry.

I know there are differing services using more or less satellites etc.
Then there is the memory and how much mapping you get, how detailed it is and if you can update or add to it.

I guess ease to mount and dismount without leaving a trace is important, too, unless that is purchased seperately.

Further, there are screen sizes, color, contrast (sunlight vs. dark) and pixelations. Then there is the button vs. touch screen aspects, too.

Lastly, I guess there is voice and processor speed in updating the map more fluidly etc. (Forgot but I guess there is the subscription option which is not for me, though, if it were a pittance, however...)

So, what do some of the people here who experimented or researched GPS Navs before buying determine were the front runners? (Please remember I am trying to remain under $200.)

Thanks in Advance.

[cigarmanpa]

i've had good luck with garmin and walmart has the 205 on sale right now for $99.

[ScaredOnce]

Garmin Nuvi... That's what you want. Make sure it's a Widescreen model.

If you want something really decent, you might be more in the $300-$400 range. I have a New In Box, never opened Garmin Nuvi 750W w/ 2008 maps, if you're interested. But, I'll be honest and mention that I have others willing to pay $350ish for it, which is more than one would pay on eBay.

PM if interested, since this thread isn't the place for sales.

[Michele]

I started this thread a while back about GPS:
http://forum.pafoa.org/lounge-108/33...nces-them.html
Maybe you can find some answers.

[Perkascene]

I plan on buying a TomTom's XL 340S when funds permit. Has a lot of nice features, and the mounting system folds into the back of the unit so you don't have to buy a seperate mount.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16858194079

They have it for $200 shipped.

[JCWohlschlag]

Another aspect of GPS devices is the ability to update the maps it uses. TomToms kick pretty good butt in that regard.

[D-FENS]

I bought a Garmin Nuvi 760 about 6 months ago and I really like it. I don't drive much but it's gotten me where I needed to go every time I used it.

I like it because it has bluetooth and an FM transmitter. So, I can take calls through the unit or through my cars stereo with the phone in my pocket. I can also put .mp3s on the memory card and play them through my stereo.

There are better models out there but for under $250, I thought this was a great deal and am very happy with it. Widescreen is sweet, too.

Here's one similiar minus the bluetooth.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ct_id=11073069

[son of the revolution]

Nother vote for a Garmin Nuvi Widescreen ! Just remember , Garmin's been in the biz the longest , they supplied the first GPS systems to the Military in the 80's . If its good enough for our troops , its good enough for me .


Whatever you do stay the hell away from Magellan . I have a Magellan Roadmate 360 and its the biggest POS ! Cant search by zip code , more often then not you have to know the EXACT address , it doesnt recognize ALOT of local places , or you have to give VERY specific wording inputs

Example ........................


Over here in the PSRNJ , West Deptford and Paulsboro are neighboring municpalities . Addresses that are on the border may be physically located in one town , but use the post office /zip code of the other . The Magellan unit will simply say " address not found " or " location non existant " rather then list possible close matches .

Or in my own town , the town name is Williamstown , located in Monroe Twp . If I punch in my home address as Williamstown , I get " not found " , if I put in the same exact address under Monroe Twp , it comes right up !

What fucking good is a GPS system , if I have to know the formal township /municpality names of every possible destination I might need guidance to ??!?! I might as well buy a map !

Oh yea , Magellan is also made in China !

[ham385]

Whatever you get, make sure it comes with at least some maps. I just got a Garmin for my B-day, one of the hand held ones, i think it was pretty pricey. The damn thing didn't come with any maps. What good is a fucking GPS with no topo maps? It doesn't even have street maps on it, just major highways. That's bull, for $400+ you ought to get some friggin maps. And they're expensive too, like $100.
Rant over, just make sure you get the city navigator maps if it's for the car.

[Philbert]

I have the TomTom 125. It has nice maps and features. Because it's the cheapest model it does not speak street names (just says "turn left"), which is a bit of a problem.

The biggest problem is that it I can not get the damn thing to stick to any surface in the car for more than about five minutes, so I end up sticking it somewhere stable (like in the cup holder between the seats) and just listening to the directions rather than looking at the screen.