chp5 Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 So I didn't want to spend $2,500 for the navigation option on my new car. However, I am directionally challenged and want a GPS for the car. What are your recommendations? TomTom, Garmin, Lowrance? I've only seen a TomTom - and was impressed. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.Hayden Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Check the whole Gamin 'Nuvi' line.. it's the most common/popular out here. Nuvi 350 - I have this one.. very nice, easy to use, nice features... I think they're all getting to be pretty even.. and price will drive it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CenTX Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I have the Garmin nuvi 750. It has some bells and whistles I don't use, but I had to get a higher end system to get the feature I wanted. Really happy with the unit. I sell real estate and I can enter more than ten addresses (waypoints) and tell it which one I want to vist first. Then tell it to optimize and it will arrangethem in the best driving order and guide me there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chp5 Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 (edited) Do the Garmin's talk to you and tell when to turn like the TomTom's? I have a gift certificate to Cabelas, so I want to buy one there. Here's the selection: Cabels GPS I'm leaning toward the TomTom One XL at $249. Edited April 28, 2008 by chp5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry cazes Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Check out the Magellan's through Costco, if you are a member. I have a 4300 that has been great and costco's price was the best I could find, period. I prefer the Magellan interface to the others but that is all personal preference. Costco also offers the best no questions cash back return policy on electronics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CenTX Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Do the Garmin's talk to you and tell when to turn like the TomTom's?I have a gift certificate to Cabelas, so I want to buy one there. Here's the selection: Cabels GPS I'm leaning toward the TomTom One XL at $249. The Garmin's talk. When looking at the GPS models, some just tell you when and a direction to turn ("turn right") and for more $$$, they will tell you when, which way to turn and the actual street name ("turn right on Main Street"). Some units like my nuvi 750 have a simulation mode and it will take you on the trip as if you were actually driving. If it has a simulstion mode it is a good way to check out the system. I think many retailers have a restocking fee on GPS units if you return it. Bought mine at Sam's Club and they did not have a restocking fee, just in case I wasn't happy with it. Did not have to return since I really like my nuvi 750. When I was doing my research I narrowed it down to Garmin or TomTom before chosing the Garmin, but I think they both make good units. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chp5 Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 It seems that the popular screen sizes are 3.5" and 4.3". Is bigger actually better or just bigger? Does it interfere with your vision out the windsheild? I will be using it on an Infiniti G35 Sport, so my windshield is not as big as an SUV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CenTX Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 It seems that the popular screen sizes are 3.5" and 4.3".Is bigger actually better or just bigger? Does it interfere with your vision out the windsheild? I will be using it on an Infiniti G35 Sport, so my windshield is not as big as an SUV. I have the bigger screen, but my eyes are not that great. I put mine on the left side of the dash behind the inspection sticker, I don't lose any windshield view that way. Also it sort of hides it if I forget to take it off the dash when I park, GPS units are very popular with thieves. I have not driven a G35 in a couple of years, but in my opinion, the difference in size from 3.5 to 4.3 should not make a significant difference in visibily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Norman Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I have a Garmin Nuvi 250W. It works faily well. I also have a laptop stand and DeLorme Mapping program. It works also fairly well. Garmin Pros: Touch screen, heads up display, portable. Con: Only destinationand one via point, can't really map around things, but it has a detour function. Delorme Pros: I can map out a whole day, or a whole week, I can double back for an appointment. storable routes for repeat trips where newly gained local knowledge trumps computer. I can set different speeds for types of road. Provides time to turn, next turn, time to destination and a whole host of other info. Has an address book so you can easily build a route. Cons. Requires a laptop in car. Need to type on keyboard to route. obviously bulky. I have and regualrly use both. Cost, the Stand for the laptop and the Delorme program run about $350. The Garmin is around $250-$350. I think that IF I didn't already have a laptop, I might not have the Delorme. However, i do keep a copy on my sesktop so I can preplan a trip or give directions to one of my crews. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Bell Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I've got the Garmin C530 and have been happy with it. Moving to a city where roads don't run straight made it a life saver. My first few weeks here would have been brutal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamingoddess Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 If you don't mind getting a basic GPS, the Tom Tom One 3rd Edition is a great alternative. I wanted the most basic navigation system that would allow free updates. The Tom Tom has done everything that I've expected it to and I haven't hadn't had any problems driving to ranges that are in the middle of nowhere. For a poor person that would rather spend money on bullets and match fees, this is a great first GPS to buy. I bought mine for $130 dollars new at Radio Shack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NetJunkie Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I've had Garmin units for years and really like them. Right now I have a C550 and like it better than the $2500 option Lexus offered. Easy to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Only one choice Garmin Nuvi 350 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Chitlin Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I travel all over the southeastern US with my work. I decided last spring I wanted a mobile GPS, and it is a lifesaver. After much online study, I purchased the Garmin 360, basically the same as the 350 but with bluetooth (which I don't use anyway). I took a 2 week trip to Dallas/Fort Worth last summer and this thing was worth its weight in gold. I would enter the address I was going to in it and it never missed a beat. It was worth the price paid for just that trip alone. I will say that I haven't used any other brand than the Garmin, so I can't compare them by actual use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kgunz11 Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 I've got the NavAtlas and could not be happier. It does anything and everything you could ask for and it is EXTREMELY easy to use. You can also insert your SD card on the way home from the match and watch your stage videos. When I googled the Dual NavAtlas 3550 I found them on sale for $208.00 which is almost 1/2 what I paid for mine a year ago. It is the talking model too. I can't tell you how many times we have been out of town and was looking for a sushi restaurant and "Constance" told us where to go with turn by turn directions. Here is a review: The new NavAtlas XNAV3550 (SRP: $:499) is designed for any situation where a navigation system is needed, whether it’s a hike in the woods or a family car outing. The sleek, stylish unit features a bright 3.5” TFT LCD touch screen display and a pre-loaded seamless map of the entire U.S. with nearly 2,000,000 points of interest.The easy-to-carry (six ounces) XNAV3550 features an eye-catching aesthetic, in addition to ergonomics designed for hand-held use. An included on-glass suction mount allows the 3550 to be moved from one vehicle to another. Dual’s XNAV3550 is powered by NAVIGON navigation software. NAVIGON is the leading navigation software authority in Germany where it was the first to introduce dynamic GPS navigation in 1996. Its MobileNavigator software is used in a broad range of navigation products by the world’s leaders in consumer electronics devices. Along with its full menu of GPS navigation functions, Dual’s XNAV3550 features an MP3 media player, AVI movie file player, and JPG image viewer. Media can be stored on the included 1 GB SD media that is also used for loading updates, maps, and firmware. All navigation and multimedia functions operate at peak speed thanks to the unit’s 400MHz processor, which runs the Windows CE.Net (4.2) operating system. When used in a moving vehicle, the XNAV3550 offers maximum safety, with red/blue LED turning indicators that are easily seen by the driver. Dual’s XNAV3550 is currently available through national retailers and select independent mobile electronics specialists Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chp5 Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 Only one choiceGarmin Nuvi 350 That's a confident answer! How is it better than, say, a TomTom One XL? TT1 XL Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.Hayden Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Because I hate those stupid commercials for Tom-Tom! lol I wouldn't buy one, just because of those... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Garmin makes the the most user friendly GPS's, period Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R/T Performance Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Garmin makes the the most user friendly GPS's, period I have a Garmin ique Works great it was a discontined pda style internal antanne with the new maps(V7)on egay last year Like my CCW Gun and wallet i never leave home with out it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForrestB Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 I use a Magellan Maestro 4040 and love it. Forrest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singlestack Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 Garmin nuvi 200 user here. You don't need text to speech, Bluetooth or mp3. Bigger screen takes up more windshield. The 200 works as well as the 750 for doing its primary job. The 200 is small enough to drop in your pocket for pedestrian use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineshootah Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 I use a Garmin 550C. It talks to you, bluetooth connection to phone for hands free operation of phone calls, (the number displays right up on the GPS), and you just talk, the mic is in the GPS. It also has a traffic receiver in the power cable which will display traffic situations ahead and offer alternatives around it, as well as predicted "delays" that you will face if you stay with your intended route. Around $350. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pevadijk Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 I have a TomTom 3rd edition an I really like it and I like it that TomTom is a Dutch company ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vlad Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 (edited) Ok, MOST current generation GPS work just fine. Keep in mind that right now they all use same chip set for the GPS receiver part and on the map side there are really only 2 companies providing the maps and they are very similar in quality. Realistically you need to decide what features you want, what features you can live without and then find a unit with that feature set at a price you can live with. Screen size adds to price, but for me it adds nothing to functionality. The two brands you will see most recommended are TomTom and Garmin. There is a reason for that, these two have some of the cleanest interfaces, which I think makes a big difference. Go to a electronics store and play with the units on display, try to you various factions you might care about and see how easy it is. On the low end it is hard to beat the TomTom One and the Garmin Nuvi 200. Both should be under $200 and have most navigation features except text to voice. Text to voice is the difference between "In 100 yards turn right" and "In 100 yards turn right on Smith Street", basically reading out loud the street names. I don't care that much about it. A lot of the extra cost features have nothing to do with navigation. MP3 players, photo albums, bluetooth speakers for your cellphone, etc. If you need those then pay for them but they are not navigation features. For very good reviews and side by side comparisons check out www.gpsreview.net Edited April 30, 2008 by Vlad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swandme Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 I have had several over the years my choice right now is Garmin Nuvi 650 I have been very pleased . Great signal reception and easy to use. Easy Free updates on garmins web site. hope this helps SWandME Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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