Edumacate me on GPS's

[scottmandue]

I know this has been discussed here before but I did a search on "GPS" and came up with a bazillion threads...

Looking for something small to use handheld and/or in the car, in North America, cheap and reliable.

Just need something to help me find my way when visiting cities unbeknowst to me.

Around a 4" (or larger screen).

Did I mention cheap? (Under $200 closer to $100 the better).

You shall be greatly rewarded for your assistance...

[javadog]

I use a Garmin Nuvi 650. Cost around $250. I have no idea how it works when walking around, as that's not my bag, but it's great in the car. My advice would be to look at their website and pick the features that are important to you, then seek a suitable model. There are things on mine that I would not want to do without, such as the thing telling me in advance if I am in the correct lane on a bazillion lane LA freeway, for an upcoming exit.

JR

[Joeaksa]

Go to Costco and get their Garmin that they have on sale.

Costco - $129.99 After $40 OFF Garmin nüvi® 265T GPS

Above for $129 or so

Costco - $149.99 after $70 OFF Garmin nüvi® 255 3.5" GPS & Lifetime Map Updates Card

About $149 or so. Both with lifetime maps and the as usual excellent Costco guarantee.

[scottmandue]

Thanks guys, guess Garmin is the way to go... I know last time the subject came up one brand was preferred... just wanted to make sure before I drop some coin.

[scottmandue]

Also how fast are these things? Wife tries to use the GPS on her cell phone and it won't tell us if it is a right or left until we are five feet from the intersection... drives me bats!

[Joeaksa]

My Garmin 265 gives me a 2 mile call, .8th call then 2-300 feet call.

Its a pretty new one and spools up from dead within less than 30 seconds. The older versions sometimes took several minutes to boot, then grab enough satellites to work.

[porsche4life]

I like Garmin and Magellan.... TOMTOM sucks....

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Wife tries to use the GPS on her cell phone and it won't tell us if it is a right or left until we are five feet from the intersection... drives me bats!

Cellphones use a digital link to provider to satellite. All maps have to be downloaded to the phone. A stand-alone GPS uses a direct link to the sats & has the maps onboard.

I really like my TomTom fwiw. But I bought a good one . . . Many Hertz Magellan rentals were fine too. And my colleague's Garmins work well. Buy one with the features you want & update your maps as soon as you get the unit regardless of brand.

Ian

[Oh Haha]

Best tool I have purchased. We have a Garmin 265. I need it more for work when I travel to new accounts/locations but I like to take it when we go on family drives.

One benefit is that I can drive just about anywhere and I know that I can find my way back to an area that I know.

[LakeCleElum]

I've had 5 or 6 GPS' over the years - All Garmin....Have friends coming from Australia that wanted me to get them one.....Got a 255W off Ebay for $88......Been using it until they arrive...........Can't beat what it is for the price........

[m21sniper]

I have a magellan, never fails, very easy to use.

[krystar]

1 Sale A Day, Daily Deal

get it before it's sold out.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've used both a Tom Tom and Garmin, the Garmin was better hands down. Much more intuitive, better notifications, and it didn't tell me incorrect directions like the Tom Tom.

[ruf-porsche]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Also how fast are these things? Wife tries to use the GPS on her cell phone and it won't tell us if it is a right or left until we are five feet from the intersection... drives me bats!

Get a real GPS not a cell phone. Love all five of my Gamins. I carry a spare when we do any type of long distance traveling for a backup since we don't carry maps in the car.

[Rot 911]

The best deal out there right now is the Garmin 255W. In fact I just bought one yesterday from Amazon.com for $136.00 and had it delivered today. You get one free map update from Garmin which I am doing right now. Takes a few hours to download all the updated maps. The 255W is the highest customer reviewed rated GPS on Amazon. Does everything well. I got this particular one because it has a 5 hour lithium battery and you can use it in the car, walking around or in a tankbag (in the map case) on the motorcycle. Only thing it doesn't come with is the USB cord which you need to charge at home or download the updates. My Canon USB camera USB cord works. I got the package of the 255W, friction dash pad and leather case for $176.00

[scottmandue]

Definitely NOT going with a GPS cellphone... I now understand why my wifes is so slow...

Now on her cellphone she can look up stuff, like if we are out walking around we can put in "pizza" of "coffee shop" and it will give us a list and map with the closest ones.

Will a Garmin do that?

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Now on her cellphone she can look up stuff, like if we are out walking around we can put in "pizza" of "coffee shop" and it will give us a list and map with the closest ones.

Will a Garmin do that?

Yes sir....When I'm traveling and want a motel, I just pull in a parking lot, bring up several and the phone # is there for me to call about rates and vacancy. Once I find what I want, it guides me to the door.......Wouldn't be without one...

[krystar]

yea i believe garmin has the AAA directory.

why so anti-cellphone gps? motorola droid from verizon is blazing fast (hehe i work for motorola)

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by krystar

yea i believe garmin has the AAA directory.

why so anti-cellphone gps? motorola droid from verizon is blazing fast (hehe i work for motorola)

Mostly because I would have to change phones and the phone Nazis have me in a contract and would charge me to change blah, blah, blah... seems stupid to me, I want to upgrade and spend MORE money... and they want to penalize me for that... but that is another thread.

[ruf-porsche]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Definitely NOT going with a GPS cellphone... I now understand why my wifes is so slow...

Now on her cellphone she can look up stuff, like if we are out walking around we can put in "pizza" of "coffee shop" and it will give us a list and map with the closest ones.

Will a Garmin do that?

Yep it will also do that. you can also buy Faddor travel and use it with the garmin, this way you can get a review of restaurants and hotels and attractions. If you buy the bluetooth garmin it will even call the restaurant on your cell phone