Garmin?

[Allen K. Littlefield]

This may have been discussed before but do any of you have a preference for the Garmin or any other navigation device? I am thinking a getting one and would like to get some knowledgeable feedback. If there is a thread that has covered this please head me in the right direction (no pun intended)! Thanks,

AKL

[JFP in PA]

I have a Garmin 1390T which I have been using for about a year. The "T" means it has lifetime traffic warnings, which has proven to be top notch in avoiding big traffic delays. Excellent product, sound is crystal clear, constant map and software updates, so it is always current. I'd highly recommend it, but be sure to also get the "life time map updates" with the unit; it is cheaper than adding later.

[blue2000s]

MY wife and I have been using a Garmin 330 for years. We decided to upgrade to the 1300LMT. Lifetime traffic and map upgrades. Best buy was running a deal on them a couple of weeks ago for around $130. Once you get used to the menu structure of one manufacturer, it seems to be faster to stick with them on the next upgrsde.

The free traffic service does come with advertisements when it's routing, but it's a small banner at the top. The screen is a nice, convenient size.

I don't think it's superior to the other manufacturers, but it's a great little unit.

[Gforrest2]

I think the most important thing to look for is free map updates. I have Garmin which works fine, but it's about 3 year old now. It needs a map update, but last time I checked, the update was $70. You can buy new GSP for a few bucks more. JMHO

[mikefocke]

I waited to buy till prices dropped from $600 to below $200. Now the same unit might be less than $100. Used it in perhaps a dozen states, everywhere from very very rural (WY, UT, ID, etc) to very big city (Atlanta, DC, etc). Updated it perhaps 3 times with firmware updates, perhaps 4 times with maps. Used telephone support once...best I've had in 40+ years. There is a user contributed maps updates that is free in between perhaps quarterly updates. Updates were free for the first year IIRC, then cost in either one time update price or yearly subscriptions. I tend to update only if I know I'm taking a trip and going to be somewhere there is new construction.

Mine is one of the low end ones, without all the real time updates, gas prices, etc.. I haven't missed them, I figure they might be information overload. But the ability of the unit to let me detour around obvious traffic tie-ups has been invaluable. Find the nearest hospital in rural Idaho. Yes they are nice.

They have an easy enough interface so my wife, definitely interface challenged, can use it with no coaching and a little patience. I never send her anywhere new without it. Even if we don't turn it on, it is so nice to have. Shuttles between 3 cars.

Never used a Garmin. They have a good reputation.

I think your feeling towards these two brands might well depend on which you had experience with and which generation it was as they all catch up with each other in features on the next update.

Agree that any life time update might be worth lots. But how long these companies will be in business is questionable. Cell phone GPSs and in-car units have driven prices through the ground. They have to maintain their data bases of map info so their costs remain high. Higher costs plus lower prices means struggles.

[Allen K. Littlefield]

Thank you all who have responded to date. This is what I was looking for in insight and user stories. Since this will be my first device I need all the help I can get. Interesting take Mike has on costs and JFP on Garmin device. Others all have helped too. I cannot believe all the choices of Garmin and they run the gamete in price and features. I do not have Blue Tooth so I guess I need one that doesn't feature it? Best Buy has some good deals going now and I don't think I want to spend over $200 on one. Loads of testimonials on some of the seller sites. Thanks again to all who responded.

AKL

[JFP in PA]

Don't be concerned about having one with Bluetooth; while you may not have need for it now, you may in the future, and then it would be a plus. Focus on screen size and layout, features you will use (traffic, sound clarity, map updates, support, etc.), and if the model that meets those items also has a couple you do not currently need, so what? You cannot custom order one with just what you want.................

By-the-by, Consumer's Reports also like the Garmins...........

[d18mike]

I love the Navigon Ap ($79?) that I downloaded for my iPhone -- not only am I always carrying it with me, the updates are automatic. The real bonus for me has been moving it onto my iPad. If I have a long haul, viewing on that huge screen is unbeatable; it's looks like a Fischer-Price nav system.

Garmin may have more options. No doubt. But for basic here-to-there vacation travel, a Navagon works just great.