Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Fulmar on July 19, 2008, 12:08:40 AM
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I'm looking for a GPS my wife. A fairly strict $200-$300 price range. I've looked at a few reviews. Kind of leaning either at the Garmin Nuvi 360 or 650. Not sure if the 4.3" screen is a lot better and worth it over the 3.5" models. Bluetooth isn't really a factor.
Easy of use for her would be benefit.
Any members with recommendations?
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I have the Nüvi 750 and I love it.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=garmin+nuvi+750&cid=16948165954376209434&scoring=p
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Well I plan on sticking to online retailers I know and trust. Mainly Newegg. It's sub $300 on no-name retailers and $350 on Newegg.
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Try these:
Provantage (I trust this company)
http://www.provantage.com/garmin-010-00657-20~7GRML021.htm
Sam's Club
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=377706
Your Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858108105&nm_mc=OTC-C173T&cm_mmc=OTC-C173T-_-GPS+Navigation-_-Garmin-_-58108105
I was goin to add Best Buy, but alas... they are not the ""Best Buy""
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And this is a good site as well
TigerDirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=2374
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TomTom :noid
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The TomTom One has had good reviews. I've used TigerDirect in the past. Pro would be ordering form them and it takes 1 day from their chicago store. Otherwise 3 days from Newegg.
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tomtom
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I went with a Garmin Nuvi 660... Seemed like the best for my money. I haven't had any problems with the thing, and have found it less annoying than some other models (unknown) that I've gone on roadtrips with.
Check out this site, I'll link the buyer's guide but do browse the entirety:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/buyers_guide.php (http://www.gpsmagazine.com/buyers_guide.php)
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I use the nuvi in all my company vans... not all the bells and whistles of some GPS's but it works fine for its' main intended purpose.
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best bang for money
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=209106&cm_ven=AFFILIATE%20MARKETING&cm_cat=PERFORMICS&cm_pla=DATAFEED-%3EPRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=388565&om_keycode=388565
got one after my mio C310x was stolen from my car, and don't regret it
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Garmin Nuvi.
The Bluetooth is a superb feature since I hated wearing a headset while driving.
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I'm looking for a GPS my wife. A fairly strict $200-$300 price range. I've looked at a few reviews. Kind of leaning either at the Garmin Nuvi 360 or 650. Not sure if the 4.3" screen is a lot better and worth it over the 3.5" models. Bluetooth isn't really a factor.
Easy of use for her would be benefit.
Any members with recommendations?
garmin. they are the absolute best out there.
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I sell these for a living. Tomtom sucks. They have done one thing well which is to market their product. If they had put half the energy into producing an easy to use GPS that they have in marketing they would have something.
The others who say Garmin are correct. The Nuvi 200w can be found at Radioshack for $199.99. The Nuvi 205w is $249.99. The difference is the 205 shows posted speed limits and has a qwerty keyboard (200 has an abc keyboard). These two units are hands-down the most bang for buck easiest to use units out there. They both come out of the box eligible for one free map update from garmin.com. This unit does not have bluetooth and does not accept voice commands.
Definately spend the extra $50 for the wide screen. Remember, the screen is not only where you look at the maps but also where you interface with the device. It is a touch screen. The keyboard keys on the smaller units are almost small enough to require a stylus.
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Now that I think about it, I'll look at models with bluetooth knowing her. And after I made the TomTom post I did a little more research and it seems their software is their biggest problem.
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Well I plan on sticking to online retailers I know and trust. Mainly Newegg. It's sub $300 on no-name retailers and $350 on Newegg.
I also endorse ProVantage as a supplier. I've bought quite a bit of stuff from them, always great service.
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Now that I think about it, I'll look at models with bluetooth knowing her. And after I made the TomTom post I did a little more research and it seems their software is their biggest problem.
Exactly!
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$70 difference between the Nuvi 650 and the 660 (bluetooth). Not sure if it's worth it. I would think the mic is better on a bluetooth headset than on that GPS unit.
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What is the blue tooth function being used for on these units? Is it to give voice commands to the unit or to interface with some other device?
I'm curious about these gadgets myself and a friend has a nuvi 200 or 300 series. Nice gadget but not always accurate on directions. Seems to really like right turns alot.
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What is the blue tooth function being used for on these units? Is it to give voice commands to the unit or to interface with some other device?
Bluetooth is used to display caller ID info and is also used as a speakerphone.
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I use a MAP
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My wife and i have older Garmins (320) that work great and were very affordable.
Just replaced the Li batteries in each after only two years (helps with a quicker satellite acquisition) but probably not an exclusive Garmin issue. I guess if you leave the units in high heat (a closed car in summer) it can shorten the life. $36 total for both batteries and a simple solder job (but man, my hands now seem to have the shakes for fine motor skill work).
One of the few technologies that really delivered value -- big value -- right out of the box.
Charon
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i got a Garmin Nuvi 260, i like it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858108053
NOT
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Just replaced the Li batteries in each after only two years (helps with a quicker satellite acquisition) but probably not an exclusive Garmin issue. I guess if you leave the units in high heat (a closed car in summer) it can shorten the life. $36 total for both batteries and a simple solder job (but man, my hands now seem to have the shakes for fine motor skill work).
Charon
I used to work at Batteries Plus and the heat can damage the batteries. Excessively leaving it in the heat will shorten the life, but on those Li-Ion packs 2-3 years is average life. I've never done a GPS unit myself but I've done countless Ipods and PDA's and I'm amazed how they assemble those units. Some are 2 minute jobs, others have you sweating and take about an hour when being careful.
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I've never done a GPS unit myself but I've done countless Ipods and PDA's and I'm amazed how they assemble those units. Some are 2 minute jobs, others have you sweating and take about an hour when being careful.
These are fairly simple. There is a plug with 3 battery wires and 2x2 wires for the speakers. All you have to do is resolder the speaker wires and plug it in then reseat the battery and reassemble the shell. It is pretty easy to get to and open. It took me about 15 minutes each but with steadier hands and a little experience it is probably a 5-7 minute job. Saved me about $100 each in service charges to have it done, and didn't manage to ruin anything :)
I had just noticed that it was suddenly taking 3 minutes or so to acquire the initial fix vs 20 seconds previously. The battery keeps track of the time which when combined with the last location allows it to lock in the satellites quickly. I also noticed you could stop in your route and it would no longer resume when you started out. Still functional, just inconvenient.
Charon
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The mic. on my Nuvi is excellent. I can pick up Brianna in the back seat as we are driving.
The touch screen interface is great, the maps are up to date and updates are reasonably priced. The screen is readable in daylight, you can enter you destination as a street address, using the inbuilt database or as coordinates and it has many other functions I have never used.
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I have used Garmin and TomToms, and personally I found the TomTom easier to use and with more capabilities for the money. After using both, including friends and units I have rented with my rental car, I bought a TomTom. Haven't regretted it at all. The XL330 going for $199 with 4.3 monitor is a very good buy for a very capable unit.
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I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 660 for well over a year now, and I'm very impressed with it. The wider screen is definitely worth the additional cost. The unit is accurate and the calculations are very fast. I use it all the time when driving in an unfamiliar area. With a 4 gig memory card, I have something like 50 CD's worth of music stored on it. Last fall my speedometer broke, and I just used the Garmin's display instead until I could get the car repaired.
I like the way you can type in any address, or search a database of various restaurants, airports, hotels, etc. Amazing.
The dashboard mount that has little sandbags on the base, and it stays put on the dash despite my wild driving.
I have to say that this is one thing I own that I would immediately replace if it broke.
They have a voice activated one now, which would be a significant improvement if the voice recognition works well, but I'm not sure how much it costs.
Joker
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The dashboard mount that has little sandbags on the base, and it stays put on the dash despite my wild driving.
Joker
I have used that sandbag dashboard mount with a rental Garmin and loved that mount. Stayed in place, and was easy to stow in center console box when the GPS wasn't needed.
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I also endorse ProVantage as a supplier. I've bought quite a bit of stuff from them, always great service.
I can third or fourth that sentiment.
whichever it is.
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I use a MAP
I thought I was the only one left...
Replacing a $5 map with $500 worth of electronics doesn't make sense to me.
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I imagine in another ten years or so there will be a semi true joke going around that goes something like this.
One day a lady calls her husband at home.
"Honey the GPS stopped working and Im lost I dont know how to get home"
Husband. "Well, Where are you? "
Wife. "The sign says Hastings Street"
Husband. "Hmmm I've never heard of that street. Whats the number on the building your in front of? I'll look it up on Mapquest and get directions"
Wife -"It says #32...PLEASE HURRY I'm Scared"
Husband-...... Ok its says go 0.01 miles then to to make your next right onto Garfeild Rd go 0.2 miles. Then your next right onto Oak Drive. For another 0.03 miles
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I thought I was the only one left...
Replacing a $5 map with $500 worth of electronics doesn't make sense to me.
Maps are great, until you get ( like I do ) in a situation where I'm driving around someplace like DC in rush hour traffic looking for the next turn or exit....then I miss it or take the wrong turn... :cry
With my Garmin...the only downside to this is hearing the Garmin lady saying, in a semi-sarcastic voice, "Recalculating....." :rofl
Joker
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Maps are great, until you get ( like I do ) in a situation where I'm driving around someplace like DC in rush hour traffic looking for the next turn or exit....then I miss it or take the wrong turn... :cry
With my Garmin...the only downside to this is hearing the Garmin lady saying, in a semi-sarcastic voice, "Recalculating....." :rofl
Joker
Plan your route before you get on the road.
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Plan your route before you get on the road.
Well, sure, you can always use common sense, right? What fun is that?
But then, the Garmin provides more than just the map function.
It allows you to find destinations like restaurants, stores, airports, etc quite easily in unfamiliar areas. For example, you can locate, say, the nearest mexican restaurant or type in the name of a business. There are the Bluetooth functions for those that can use them.
One thing I like is the ability to calculate my predicted time of arrival at a destination.
Of course you can get along with a map. Some of my best friends use maps.
I happen to like gadgets, and the Garmin is a gadget extrordinaire
Joker
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But then, the Garmin provides more than just the map function.
It allows you to find destinations like restaurants, stores, airports, etc quite easily in unfamiliar areas. For example, you can locate, say, the nearest mexican restaurant or type in the name of a business. There are the Bluetooth functions for those that can use them.
One thing I like is the ability to calculate my predicted time of arrival at a destination.
Of course you can get along with a map. Some of my best friends use maps.
I happen to like gadgets, and the Garmin is a gadget extrordinaire
So when you get in your car... not only do you not know how to get there, you don't know when you will get there, and you don't even know where you are going?
No wonder we have an energy crisis.
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So when you get in your car... not only do you not know how to get there, you don't know when you will get there, and you don't even know where you are going?
No wonder we have an energy crisis.
Well Sir, this ain't a life or death issue...just, at times when I'm traveling, it's something of a convenience.
If you don't think it would be convenient for you, that's perfectly fine with me. I really don't care.
I've been driving and traveling for many years without it...but I just happen to find it interesting and helpful at times, that's all.
I appreciate your sarcasm.
Joker
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Over the years I've tried and tried and tried to teach my wife the basics of directions. She still has a hard time telling which way is N E S W on where the sun is setting or rising. When it comes to driving in unknown places, you'd think she was driving to her own excorcism.
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cant you just relocate closer to shopping mall?
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Went with the Nuvi 660 from PCNation. Couldn't pass up their price and deal on overnight shipping.
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I too recommend Garman ... if you do not wish to have another hardware trinket this is a option
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=13484
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned Magellan yet. I bought my wife a Magellan from Costco about a year ago because I was tired of her calling me at work asking for directions when she would get lost. We went with Magellan because at the time, Garmin did not speak the street names, which comes in handy in heavy traffic with lots of turns. Garmin now has the same feature. If you're a AAA member it can also give you a lot more information and live traffic updates.
I love maps and still use them to plan an outing and as a backup, but the Magellan GPS is the single best electronic gadget I have ever bought.