GPS buying question

08/05/08 | me

[Phantom Lord]

Question for those who know. I drive around for work a good amount and am tired of using Mapquest and Google for directions. Especially since half the time they are not the best way to get somewhere, or even correct in how to get there. So I want an entry level GPS.

Being that the "evil Bush" has destroyed the economy and I am only a pay check away from being homeless according to the libs, I don't want to spend a lot.

So $150 to $200 is my range. Not a tremendous amount. But then I don't a fancy one. No real need for a gazillion points of interest, maps of Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Europe, etc...

So I am basically looking at two units right now. The Magellan 3225 at BJs for $150 and the Garmin Nuvi 200. Also for $150.

Looking at what comes and does not come with the units I see that there is no USB cable or AC adaptor included. The car charger is included if memory serves me right. And I would hope so.

So my first question is, regardless of which one I get, do I need to purchase a USB cable for the unit and an AC adaptor? If yes, why. If not, why not.

2nd, of those two, which would be preferable? Why?

Is there another unit or two I should consider in that price range?

[Keith in Iowa]

Go Garmin. And I’d go with one of the 6xx series Nuvis.

And for how to make your own custom “point of information” files, the best place on the net: http://www.poi-factory.com

[JHL]

Go with the Garmin Nuvi — I bought one recently and love it. Spend the extra few dollars for the sand bag dashboard mount. It’s worth it. I didn’t get a USB cable and don’t really know why I’d ever need one.

[Phantom Lord]

I have driven all over Western NY with it from Cooperstown, Binghamton, Rochester, and Buffalo.

Yet it didn't help you escape.

[Vinnie]

I recently had my Nuvi in my carry on bag . Was tempted to drag it out and see how it worked in the plane.

Anyone try that?

[Dutch Boy]

LOL

[js1138]

I’m rather fond of my Tom Tom.

http://www.epinions.com/TOMTOM_ONE_XL_GB_Hard_Drive

Currently selling for under $170.

[ThomasThomas]

I have a tomtom XL I like how it works and I like it’s name.

Before you buy a USB cable make sure you don’t already have one from something else you already have that uses one. My external harddrive, cell phone and SD card reader all use the same USB cable as my tomtom.

[SomeCallMeTim]

I’d recommend the Garmin Nuvee 350.. available on Walmart.com for $195. And, the bean bag mount..

I just bought two for use by my group at work. We’ve all loved them SOOO much, I bought one for myself. Used it on a recent vacation trip.. and, seriously.... this has to be the best investment we EVER made. It’s SO easy to use.. It can locate stores, restaraunts, airports.. anything.

On our trip, we marked the hotel location... then, we drove anywhere we wanted, without caring about where we were. Cause, all we had to do was tell Garmin to “take us home”. It as awesome!

[SomeCallMeTim]

Oh yea... the 350 comes with everything you need.... except the bean bag... which, you don’t HAVE To have... but, it’s nice.

It also comes with 1 free map update. That took about 2 hours to download.. but, it’s VERY current.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

That was the main selling point to get Mrs B.S. Roberts on board with buying a GPS system.

We look for attractions and things to do in places we've never been. Like browsing the 'net for something to do on vacation.

Did you register with Garmin to get your free download of the 2009 map set yet?

[RckyRaCoCo]

This deal is legit. Took about a week to get the card and 6 weeks from use of the card to delivery of the GPS. The Garmin Nuvi 200 is a basic unit, but it's nice...the one I got came with 2009 maps already loaded.

[Dutch Boy]

I have unlocked it if that’s what you mean. The My Garmin said

City Navigator North America NT 2009 Deluxe Unlock
Region: City Navigator North America NT 2009, Deluxe All Regions, Apr 08

I am very pleased so far. There are some quirky things about routes it maps but it has never gotten me lost. It has gotten me out of several travel problems. I can’t believe how quickly I came to rely on it. I have even brought this along when I was riding with other people just to play.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Yours probably came with thge new maps. i had the 2008 maps and had to download the North America NT 2009. but it was free when I registered with Garmin.

There are two settings that will give you different routes. One is "Shortest Distance" and the other is "Fastest Time".

I think the neatest thing is when you want to add a place to your favorites, you don't need to find an address in the library. Just go to My Current Location and save it as....whatever you want to name it.