GPS recommendation

I plan to use some of my Christmas money on a GPS, and could use some recommendations. I don't need the absolute top of the line, but a good one with Lane Assist would be nice. The only two brands that seem to consistently come out on top in the reviews are Garmin and Tom Tom. Let the information flow begin!

Why don't you spend your money on a good smart phone and use gps navigation on that?

I used TomTom on a previous phone and liked it. One fun thing was that I could change the voice giving directions. I tried fake George Bush for a while but quickly grew tired of him.

I have never tried Garmin.

Now I use an Android phone and use Google Navigation. The only thing that bothers me is that it doesn't cover Canada.

The screen size on my original Motorola Droid phone was no problem. I am about to get a Galaxy Nexus phone with a 4.65" screen, much bigger than an iPhone.

Do you really expect it to have a special feature to assist you, Mr. Lane?

I've used both Garmin and Magellan, both are GREAT units. I just purchased another Magellanunit to replace the Garmin that was in my coach. It has lane assist and a huge variety of things, locations and also provides traffic summaries. Garmin offers a lifetime update for around $80.00 and Magellan offers updates but at an individual rate... Phones are nice in a pinch but a true navigation GPS is absolutely great and many have bluetooth features, video etc

Had Garmin for years. No problems. geographic updates always available.

Mike: Nyuk nyuk ;->

I used Magellan, tried Tom Tom when the first Magellan became outdated (Tom Tom was a few dollars more than updating the Magellan). I should have updated the Magellan, the Tom Tom crapped out while we were in the mountains of North Carolina and us nearly 4 hours to find our way back to our hotel. Now I have a portable Magellan that I can use outside the car as it has a rechargeable battery.

I've had a series of Garmins and love them. They are very intuitive to use. The one I have now pops up a diagram just before the free way interchange occurs to show which lanes go where. VERY nice feature.

One thing to warn you about... Do not buy them at Walmart. I was on a road trip and the alternator was pumping out quite a bit of voltage - friend my Garmin. My fault. Fixed that issue, grabbed a replacement of the exact same model from Walmart. When I went to travel to Alaska, I found that it did not have Alaska maps. Pretty common on the less expensive ones. So I contacted Garmin to get the Alaska maps as I had also done this with the previous unit.

The problem was, even though the units appeared identical, the Walmart version had less memory and was not capable of taking the down loaded maps. They had to send me a chip for it. Apparently, Walmart gets these at a cheaper price, but the spec is lower than what you get elsewhere - in this case reduced memory.

So whatever you buy, buy it from Garmin/MAgellin, or Best Buy, etc. The Walmart version is different and not in a good way. Same thing applies to printer cartridges FYI.

angela

I had a TomTom for a couple weeks until it was stolen out of my car. gotta love Baltimore. My father has a Garmin. I prefered the tom tom for two reasons. The graphics display was much better. On the TOmTom I was able to choose which keyboard i wanted. I always used the QWERTY layout. My fathers Garmin had no option. you were stuck using the ABCD. It took me forever to type an adress on that thing. At may not be an issue now. this was a year or two ago.

Lane,
If you are interested, I have a new(still wrapped and in the box) GPS unit. It is a Magellan "Roadmate 2035". Key features are a 4.3" screen,spoken street names(text-to-speech),lifetime traffic alerts,multi-destination routing, 6 million points of interest,highway exit POI search,quick spell with smart city search,one touch favorites menu. Contact me if interested.

Lane, I bought the least expensive Tom-Tom I could find.I wanted Canadian maps and perpetual updates , it updates when it is charged on the laptop.
I can use it for up to 8 hours without the cord so I can put it in my pocket or under the seat , no security issues that way. When not plugged in the screen goes dark , but just a tap brings it up. The optional key pad is v v handy.
So far it has been durable , reliable and accurate but there are many options on it that I never use.
The volume can easily be heard over engine /road noise.
tw

Grabbed a Tom Tom XXL 540S a couple months back from ebay. It was like $100 delivered. Absolutely a low-end machine and the model is a couple years old. Huge screen and good maps. Brightens noticeably on highway interchanges to show you the route through--this may be "lane assist." It also updates automatically when plugged into the computer, and has reminded me to do that. It also has a voice command function but I've not bothered with that yet.

The stock voice isn't as good as my wife's four-year-old Garmin Nuvi, but otherwise the Tom Tom is better, especially considering that the nuvi's power button has got funky, so it won't turn on anymore unless plugged in.

Good route options--goes around tolls, avoids highways, etc., when requested.

Only drawback so far is that the screen is so big I don't think it will be usable in Bridget.

Before I got this I used my iphone to good effect. May get a dash mount for the phone yet--it's really all you need to make it function as well as a normal gps.

I've ridden with people using Garmin and Magellan and even tried my hand at data input with them (searches and such). Found them both to be more difficult to use for searches and data entry than my Tom Tom 720 (now it's been updated a bit, too). I've also been cautioned by people that I've visited that "Garmin won't get you to the house, so when it says you're at your destination, then do this for the next half mile or so:" Whassup with THAT?

Mine has lane assist, but something specific for you might not be available. It also supports real-time traffic updates and some other stuff, although I don't have that option.

I plug my 720 into the truck stereo and then plug the iPod and/or XM head into the GPS and connect it to my phone with Bluetooth, so everything goes through the GPS. If you're tripping to Sgt. Pepper and the GPS wants to tell you something, it mutes everything, tells you whatever and then resumes the music - does the same with the phone, and the phone can be dialed by voice. Outgoing phone audio is average, but incoming is very decent.

Just updated my USA maps - first time in 4 years - for something like $60 bucks.

gn

I have been using a NAVIGON GPS using it daily for three years, it's 99% accurate

I just memorize the Thomas Guide for the area I'm going to!

One reason I want it is so I don't have to do speed conversions in my head all the time. My car has a metric speedo and lower profile tires, so it's a bit of a guessing game. The speed display would be an extra convenience.

Lane, just bring Pamela Anderson (your wife) and a Rand Mcnally road map:-)

Bwaaahahahahahhaa

Tom Tom offers a low cost XL 300 that shows your speed and compares it to the posted limited, a continues running app. My on screen location/direction device is a Porsche 911. Updates quarterly at no cost. Lots of hidden application menus. You have to look hard for them.

Ain't bad for $69.95 including shipping from a NBC Today Show sale!

I also use an early Garmin. All updates are costly! The Tom Tom is more cost effect for my use!

Looks like Lane can't multiply in his head. A simple conversion... speedo reading (KPH) x 0.6 = MPH. Maybe Lane needs one of the new Escort Live or Valentine One radar/laser detectors. I know I'll need one...The 911 Carrera with a published speed of 160 MPH will get one in trouble very quickly!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get the 0.6 multiplier. It's the difference thrown in by the low profile tires that makes it tough. If not for that I could just double the tach reading for MPH. Happens to work pretty well as it is, with my gearing.

Lane,
This is how to work the TOMTOM XL300 series. Many screens to choose from and use. As I indicated above,the best bet is to purchase a radar/laser detector.
http://download.tomtom.com/open/manuals/go5/refman/Main_menu_usa.html

Late to this party but I use my Droid with Google maps. Cost is zero, as I already pay an unlimited data fee. Maps are constantly updated, and traffic(alerts) is updated also. If you turn the GPS on, it can wear your battery down quickly, so you need a 12v charger. I have a suction cup windshield dock, works great in any vehicle. If you hit the "My location" button, your current speed is displayed in the corner, just what you need, Lane. I like the time to arrival countdown also. As far as address entry, a full qwerty keyboard pops up on the touch screen or you can use the slide-out keyboard.

Danny, I suggested the same thing in the first response to Lane.

You can also enter you destination by voice. That works most times and I find it easier that typing in the information.

Usually Google navigation shows you a picture as you approach your destination. Sometimes that is helpful.

The smartphone idea is good, but I have a work-sponsored crackberry, so a Droid or iPhone is not justifiable. The GPS idea may get supplanted by other stuff to spend $$$ on, but I still would like one.

Mike, I downloaded the Tom Tom app to my Iphone. $39.00 clams. I have to play with it some more but so far thumbs up. The screen clarity is superb and I especially like the maps, and the zoom in/out on the IPhone works great. I plug into the 3.5mm jack on my head unit and it lowers the stereo when giving directions.

Marty, I'm glad it is working for you. It has been more than 2 years since I used it. I used it When I had Palm phones. When I switched to Android I started using Google Navigation. I miss some of the TomTom features.

Lane, I'll give you a killer deal on a Reyn Spooner Speedster Shirt and Magellan GPS unit. Just acquired the Spooner Shirt, and the GPS is new still in unopened box. Contact me. I will not sell separately, unless Lane turns down the deal of the century! If Lane doesn't take the deal, then the shirt is fair game to anyone looking for an XL Spooner Speedster Shirt! It takes months to source these very rare shirts. Lane,you have first right of refusal!!

I'll send you an email shortly.

Not trying to steal your thunder Mike, I was trying to reinforce what you said. Droid works awesome for me, doesn't sound like the right plan for Lane. Nothing like streaming Pandora(or mp3s) to the radio via Bluetooth(vocal directions can come through the stereo that way), navigating, and taking a phone call, all at the same time, with one device that you always have with you anyway....for me. To each his own.

Danny, I never thought you were trying to steal my thunder. It looked like maybe you hadn't noticed my post.

It sounds like we have had similar experience with our Droids. I just switched to a Galaxy Nexus on 12/30 and need to get a car mount for it.

GERD GPS..."a little funky, but it gets you where you need to be"
GERD GPS..." dont leave home without it"