GPS units

[gorevs9]

I'm looking to get my daughter one of "them thar G-P-S units".
The brands that I hear the most are Garmin and Magellan. She wouldn't need anything fancy like real-time traffic updates, just something to help her abysmal sense of direction
What are the pros and cons of each unit? Is there a particular model number to avoid?
Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Luanne]

The only experience we've had has been with Garmin. Very satisfied. Depending on where all she's going to be using it you can get one where you load the maps (less expensive) or one where the entire U.S. (and Canada) is already pre-loaded.

 

[Jbart74]

Our $120 (Pre-Loaded Entire US) Magellan has worked wonders for us. Not sure of the model# but it was one of the cheaper ones on the market a year ago. I have no experience with Garmins, but everybody I know who does says they are great too. I guess my point is, they are all just great little doodads!

 

[Blues]

Got my Magellan from http://www.tigerdirect.com They always seem to have closeouts. Mine has a 4.2" screen (many of the older ones are 3.5"), and was only $99. The catch is that the map data is from 2006, and updating it costs $70. But I figure, how often do the roads change, anyway? Unless you're in an area where there has been major roadbuilding lately, I suggest you look for one of these ~2 year old closeout deals.

-Bob

 

[Kozman]

I recently bought a Magellan 3225 refurbished unit for $90 and free shipping from Buy.com. It has proven easy and straightforward to use. The down side is the built in POI's (points of interest) are only 1.3 million where many other newer units have 6 million. However, you can download the 6 million database and load it on an optional SD memory card.

 

[Sea Six]

I suggest one of the Garmin units. Do some research on the Garmin.com website to decide what features you want. The models all have the same base maps, but don't all speak the street names where you are to turn. The low end models tell you when to turn in advance, just don't say the street names. From there, the models do text to speech and speak the names, and include features like picture viewers, mp3 audio file players, FM modulators to play your mp3 files thru your stereo system, and blue tooth connections for cell phones. There are some clearance models at very cheap rates right now if you check the net. The most basic model is the NUVI 200, which sells for about $110 right now. Do a search for NUVI and do some homework.

 

[socal4me]

love garmin nuvi 350

my DH had to have the nuvi 350 when it first came out.
i have to say that I still love her. I say her, because we programmed 'Karen' the Australian accent to give the directions. besides directions, it is very smart, it knows just by the name of the destination...highly recommended!!

 

[stonebroke]

Garmin 350

I see Costco has limited time offer (online) for the Garmin 350 for $149 plus shipping.

 

[donnaval]

Make sure you pick a unit that speaks out the street names. We really love our low-end Magellan that we received as a gift, but after traveling with my friend who has a Garmin that calls out the actual street name, I know our next unit will speak the street names! It's amazing how many streets are clustered together sometimes, and it is a big help to hear "in 300 feet turn right on Smith Lane" when there's a Jones, Smith and Main within a few feet of each other.

 

[Jbart74]

I have posted previously about the Magellan that we have, however, I would like to point out that I spent 2 or 3 years learning how to read roadmaps and geographical maps in Elementary School. It was one of my more favorite subjects. It's a shame (I know... Hypocritical!!!!) that we need these things to get around. I just think its pretty funny!

For the record, I rarely use it. My other half relies on it.

 

[Htoo0]

JMHO, but I would highly recommend one which speaks the street names. We had one in a rental car which did not and I about tossed it. Even our (early)Garmin 350 is often many 10's of feet off in it's estimation of the turn's location. It does tell you the street name however so you just ignore it when it says to turn on "street" in 30 feet when you clearly see "street" is actually right there or perhaps another 100 feet away.

 

[Autoeng]

I just picked up the Sanyo 4370 on sale at walmart.com for $199. It is loaded with every feature imaginable and Sanyo is the brand of choice in Japan.

 

[TheDuke]

GPS Experience

I have had a Magellan Roadmate 760(?) for about two years. I do find it quite useful, though it occasionally wants me to take some rather odd routings. Despite this, iot is fun to use and has been quite a help at times. I find it difficult to use in a rental car because it isn't practical for me to fly with the rather heavy tripod base tha I place on the dash of my own car. My esteemed wife has ended up serving as the device's base rest. During a recent trp into the Southwest mountains and desert canyons I lost signal much of the time because the machine just couldn't see the satellites.Overall, I am quite pleased with the device, and I especially like its 'Find" featute that displays where I am and shows the altitude and geographic coordinates on command. It's a fun tow indeed.

TheDuke