Portable GPS. Any favorites?
 

I am thinking about getting a portable GPS for both street mapping function and performance data logger. I understand that the latest versions are quite good and prices are falling. What do you have that you like?

I have a Tom Tom One... love it. Starts fast, holds lock even with heavy foliage above and even under bridge decks, very intuitive UI, good maps with only a few very minor errors encountered so far (on new roads built in last 18 months). The window mount is excellent... never loses grip.

I've heard good things about the Garmin units, too. I think you can choose your favorite between Tom Tom and Garmin and it will serve you well.

For me the extra bells/whistles of the more expensive units (suce has bluetooth hands-free, spoken street names, multi-media capabilities) weren't worth it, but your needs may be different... definitely consider features you might want/use/need before buying.

BTW, a recent Consumer Reports rated portable GPS units. That may be another good source of (mostly) unbiased opinion.

I have the Navman 520 and it is not very good. I assume they are better now as my unit is 2 years old, but it really struggles to maintain GPS lock.

My friend has the TomTom and it is much better.

Why not take a look at the Becker head units, you can then have a factory look with Sat Nav and bluetooth for your phone too.

This might help :

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/11227-tips-buying-portable-navigation-device.html?highlight=garmin

Nick

I have a Garmin and a TomTom -- it's the TomTom that I decided to install permanently in my Box, and that's the one I also like the most -- it's Linux based (i.e., easy to program & hack yourself). Here's how I've mounted it, hocked up to the ignition and an external antenna:

-- peer

You should probably go check out some GPS discussion sites. There are TONS of nav units out there now. You might start with your price range, and see what is available. Find screenshots and features.

You might want to look for things like:
Touchscreen
Size of screen
SD cardslot for updating maps from your PC
Voice navigation, including reading street names
POI (point of interest) database size
Ability to set waypoints
Statistics tracking


I went with a Bluetooth GPS puck and a PDA, since I could do other things on it... but now I'm wishing I went with a dedicated unit, because it turns out I don't really use the PDA much. Plus some of the dedicated units now have much larger screens, better features and are priced very well!

I really like the Mio C220. There $160 at PepBoys and one of the best GPS available. CNet rates this unit low because they claim that the screen is not bright enough in direct sunlight. But I can confirm that it does just fine in top down driving situations.

Thank you all for your input. I followed your suggested links and found a wealth of up to the minute info. on GPS units. I picked out a Garmin nuvi 350 at $329 online. I think it will fit my needs well without a bunch of stuff I don't need. It should be here in a few days. Thanks again!

I have the same unit and love it. I think you will too. One thing I found really useful was that you can download maps (some free) and load them as points of interest. I just drove a lot of old Route 66 and downloaded the POI map for free. It was a really cool unexpected addition to the unit. Right now I am thinking of buying the map set that shows all the speed and light cameras. THAT should come in really handy. Forget using the bluetooth with your phone though. The speaker is crap and no one can hear you clearly. Everything else is A #1. I had the best Mexican food I have ever had in Tucumcari, NM thanks to my Garmin!

TomTom, FTW!

I bought a Garmin Navi 680 in July and love it. A great web site to price shop is www.pricescan.com.

I have a Magellan 4050 and I like it, but if you decide to get a Magellan, I'd suggest the 4040. The two differences are voice recognition (which pretty much doesn't work when you're moving, which is the only time you need it), and the traffic monitoring capability - which requires a montly subscription and doesn't cover many areas yet.

I believe one of the reviews I read indicated the Garmin was best at finding the best routes between two points, with the Magellan a close second. I don't know about the Garmin and other GPS nav systems, but the Magellan does have an impressive (and mostly accurate) list of thousands of Points of Interest. Want to tour wineries in your Boxster? They're in there. Want to find the nearest chinese restaurant? They're in there. Pretty handy.

question about the 680 experience
 

Do you use the bluetooth for your phone calls while driving? How does it work when you are listening to the radio or cd or Ipod via fm transmitter?

I have the Garmin 2720. It has all the bells and whistles all the other GPSs have. One nice feature that I couldn't find in other GPSs is that it can be mounted on the windshield OR on a beanbag mount on the dash (this is what I use). Very convenient and can be brought out only when needed and moved from car to car. Check e-bay for best prices.

Just a safety tip, I see too many people mount the GPS on their lower console. This may look cool, but it makes you take your eyes off the road while driving. Keep the GPS on the dash (bean mount) or on your windshield at eye level.

To some, this may not be a concern (because the GPS does talk to you), but as normal human behavior , we do look at the person who is talking to us and reverify on visual diplay if that person is correct.......and this takes your eyes off the road.

By the way, the GPS is one of the best things I bought.........I don't get lost anymore.

I want one that will allow me to customize the verbal commands and/or download different voices for them. I always loved the original Star Trek series computer.

Working....

I've got the Nuvi 350 too and love it. Being new to the US it has saved me many times, especially in LA!

I recently bought a Garmin Nuvi 350 to replace my old 2620. The Nuvi is much better than the old StreetPilot 2620. Prices are dropping fast, so check around.

I have been using a 2620 ever since it first was offered. I have done 3 week driving vacations without taking a single map along!

What makes the NUVI better?