GPS: What to look for?

[bsi]

I thought there was a thread on this but a search on GPS did not turn up anything useful.

If someone can point me to that thread that would be great. Otherwise, what should I look for? I see they sell between $150 and about $700. I would like to spend about $350 the best way I can. This will be primarily for the wife but I might use it occasionally.

Ideally, I would like feedback from actual owners who either like their unit or can say "I wished I had bought unit xxxx" for some extra feature that their current unit does not have.

Am buying *something* tomorrow (Wednesday) for the wife.

 

[l69norm]

Look for the words Garmin nuvi on the box! You will NOT go wrong with it. Lots of others promising lots but all seem to have snags of some sort or another. Except Garmin.

Nuvi350 for $390 or Nuvi 250 for $300
http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/p...Online&category=AutomotiveGPS&product=1917044
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1784291&Sku=G145-0048

http://radioworld.ca/index.php?cPath=4_90

There needs to be 3 things for a GPS:
1. User interface is easy to use while driving
2. Maps need to be up to date
3. Unit needs to work well - fast lock/bright screen/ good routing &results.

Theres lots of units with 1 or 2 out of 3. All that will happen is you'll save a bit, but you won't use it if you aren't happy with it.

Garmin seems to be able to do all 3, but you pay the price.

 

[Mack Bolan]

Some PDA come with GPS and if you have one, then get the TOM TOM software. It works great and the maps are up to date. They even have CannonBall listed as a place of intrest.

 

[islandman4567]

garmin street pilot c320, very easy to use , has voice prompt and its not that expensive . I think i paid $299 for it or around there.

can't say much about the others, but this one's pretty good.

 

[bsi]

Garmin it will be!

Thanks for the feedback guys. I actually had my eye on a MIO because it had a pretty display in Staples but I am glad that I checked here before buying.

 

[Mack Bolan]

I had the Tom Tom setup on my Palm Treo and it was a POS! Canadian streets were NOT up to date, and lots of incorrect info like Indian Reserves where there was not one!

How new was your software & what version were you using?

 

[fcukhrd]

garmin is the leader. You can get the 250W. It has wide screen and twice as bright in sunlight at least than 350..
But then if you want the cadillac of all get garmin nuvi 760 coming out in about a month. I have a JVC and a garmin and the 760 will be the one to have

 

[PDSAjax]

I always used Garmin in the past. But I always maintain that GPS is a tool meant to complement - not replace the ability to navigate without technology

 

[bigapple]

TomTom gets my nod. Bought a TomTom One not too long ago, easy to use, very clear screen, intuitive controls. The turn-by-turn navigation is crisp, clear and precise.

The less bells and whistles, the better off you probably are. Let's face it, who really needs bluetooth apps on a GPS??

Ebay is your friend!

 

[travlinman]

Count me in as a Garmin Nuvi fan. Got the 350 (no bluetooth) and have had zero issues. Quick disconnect from the mount and 4 hour battery means it can go in your pocket if you are on foot or whatever in the city! Where was this when I was driving the big truck?

 

[jimace]

I had the Tom Tom setup on my Palm Treo and it was a POS! Canadian streets were NOT up to date, and lots of incorrect info like Indian Reserves where there was not one!

I purchased the TomTom GPS kit (version 5 software) for my Treo 650 and I've only had 2 issues with it.

1) When going to to airport in Montreal, I don't know where it took me. I believe that it took me to the back of the airport but can't be certain.

2) It will sometimes tell me to turn left/right when the traffic signs indicate that turning left/right is not an option.

 

[l69norm]

garmin is the leader. You can get the 250W. It has wide screen and twice as bright in sunlight at least than 350..
But then if you want the cadillac of all get garmin nuvi 760 coming out in about a month. I have a JVC and a garmin and the 760 will be the one to have

The Nuvi250W is $429.99 at the source
http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/p...AC259DCF8B01330B49887FA2E59BA1574749B00E9C44D

It's $379 at Radioworld
http://radioworld.ca/product_info.php?cPath=4_90&products_id=4086