GPS Units: Recommendations?

[SERG]

http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=873331&page=0&vc=#Post873331

The link above goes to the PDGA site but here is what I'm asking:
Looking to purchase a GPS unit (pretty much within a day). Looking for suggestions on a unit for around/under $200. Don't need all the extras, just the basics.

Carla's headed to USWDGC and I was hoping to have it for her to use.

Any recommendations I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Jon Brakel]

The TomTom or Magellan's are pretty good. Pretty much every GPS uses the same maps (there's only one company that makes maps for electronic uses) so buy by the features and price. Becky has a Magellan and I have a TomTom.

This is basically the updated version of Becky's: http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=MGRM1212

[ChrisE]

yeah if you want basic and fairly cheap, do not use Garmin.  Use Magellan or TomTom.  Garmins tend to be extremely expensive.  Just look at the websites and decide what you really want and don't want.  You should also check how long the battery would end up lasting and that it can be charged easily.  Decide whether you want a color screen or greyscale.  Make sure that it will get good reception and has a good mount of some sort so that it is easy to use.  There are a lot of good products, and most of the basic ones are all about the same.  It is hard to go wrong for that kind of use. 

[Tom McManus]

Serg, I have a Garmin Nuvi.  I think it is the 260 model.  It works great for me. It wasn't too expensive. We went to the circuit city website, got a price and then got that same price at circuit city.  It has a lot of nice features, and is very easy to use.  The mounting assembley is excellent.

[nickwc]

If you have a costco membership they have a garmin nuvi 250 for 169.99, They have a warehouse in grafton and they just opened one in middleton aside from all of they illinois ones.  also check out gpsreview.net.

[JCthrills]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 360 & love it. The battery lasts a very long time which is good because the 12v outlet in my gf's car doesn't work.  I like the smaller (non wide screen) version because it takes up less space on the dash/window.  I went with the bluetooth option & it's very handy if you like to talk alot while on long trips, I just mount the nuvi on my drivers window (speaker is kinda difficult to hear on the windsheild when in conversation, fine when just listening to directions) & it syncs up with my phone & displays contacts.  My mom has a Tom Tom, step dad has a magellan (sp?) & I dont care for the interface on either of theirs.  My Garmin is really easy to use.

Check Tigerdirect.com for deals on whatever brand you decide to go with. Don't pay for quick shipping, order eaerly in the day & usually you'll get stuff from them within a couple days. 

[Jon Brakel]

I have always found the interface of the Garmin more difficult than the Magellan. Guess that's why they make different kinds. I didn't like the interface on the TomTom when I first got it but once I got used to it I liked it. I think they design the TomTom as something easy to use if you put a little effort into learning the layout.

Garmin's are quality products though. Garmin makes a lot of stuff for the new "glass" cockpits. When you make stuff for air planes the QC bar is set higher!

[tacimala]

TigerDirect.com has the Magellan Maestro 4040 on sale for $99.99 right now. Get on it quick, they will be selling out soon.

[Jon Brakel]

TigerDirect.com has the Magellan Maestro 4040 on sale for $99.99 right now. Get on it quick, they will be selling out soon.

He wants it for Carla at USWDGC so she's probably leaving today or tomorrow. But use the pricing online to help you know if you are getting a good deal in a store. Plus some stores will negotiate price. Some stores do price matching.

[mirth]

Tiger direct also has a store near schaumburg where I work...

[El Mexicano]

Corner of Higgins and Golf.

[mirth]

That's the one!

[JCthrills]

wow, I didn't know they had any retial locations... & I probably would be better off not going there lol

[SERG]

Thanks for all the input/suggestions. I did end up with a Garmin nuvi but I can't remember the numbers after. Best Buy matched their online price with the store price.

All the features I needed and nothing too crazy for me to try and figure out.

Not sure if it's true or not but was told that the Garmin units battery life tend to be a little better than a TomTom or Magellan. Although it will most often be used in a car, plugged in, I thought I would go with the Garmin...and that more people I know use Garmin.

Thanks again. Now let's hope Barrett and Carla can figure out how to use it 

[Jon Brakel]

My friend Mike also says that the Garmin has better battery life. Ours live in the car so it doesn't bother me.