Portable GPS. Any favorites?

[noone986s]

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.

[NickCats]

This might help :

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11227&highlight=garmin

Nick

[Peer]

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

[FrayAdjacent]

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!

[rick3000]

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.

[Topless]

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!

[der Geist]

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!

Originally Posted by Topless

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!

[zackwatt]

TomTom, FTW!

[ozspearo]

Originally Posted by der Geist

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!

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

[Soetekouw]

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.

[OldBlevins]

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.

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