Garmin?

[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...........

[tonycarreon]

personally i dislike having the wires dangling or trying to figure out the best way to route them. since i have an iphone i use google maps most of the time, but for an actual gps solution there are quite a few apps available ( or if you're on an android phone, etc. ) that do a good job.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by tonycarreon

personally i dislike having the wires dangling or trying to figure out the best way to route them. since i have an iphone i use google maps most of the time, but for an actual gps solution there are quite a few apps available ( or if you're on an android phone, etc. ) that do a good job.

The Garmins, and probably other brands, have internal batteries. They will go for a very long time without needing to be plugged in. I've relaced the batteries on my 7 year old Garmin, the replacements are easy to find and easy to replace.

[Flavor 987S]

I have 2 Garmins. Excellent products and great tech & customer support. I have a Nuvi 780 that"s about 4 years old, and running strong. And a newer unit that's even better (thinner and larger screen). Accurate and intuitive.

Use a web site like www.pricescan, to search prices, and buy online. Much cheaper and no sales tax.