Anyone have any tips on buying a GPS unit?

[ManBearPig]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/P...partial&Nty=1&Sp=S&s=1


I think tomorrow is the last day its on sale at our local costco, but i wouldnt mind going up to $300 for whatever you guys recommend if that is necessary. I have nooo idea what to get....any tips would be appreciated!

thanks!

 

[nickbits]

That's the one I have. Recommended.

 

[Brutus04]

Garmin good!

 

[Winterpool]

Garmin is probably the most highly regarded brand.

Otherwise, it's a matter of features and size. Some drivers like the larger, widescreen units; I got the 760 for the pater, and I must admit it's a bit easier on the eyes than the smaller units (especially depending on where you might be compelled to mount the unit in your car).

Do you need Bluetooth, mp3s, instructions with street names (rather than simply 'turn right in 10 metres')? Look over a unit's specs, and see if it's missing anything you feel might be necessary (or awfully convenient). I got the 760 rather than the 750, for example, because you can use it as a speakerphone via Bluetooth.

 

[0roo0roo]

that seems rather expensive for a dinky 3.5"

that pricing should bag you atleast a 4.3"

and yes width and screen size matters, esp because of the resolution. it helps big time to be clear and big as possible so you don't have to waste time squinting or trying to make things out while driving. the more of a map you can see at a glance, the better. otherwise its like viewing things through a straw.

search fatwallet slickdeals for gps deals. 3.5" are effectly obsolete models, no buy unless they hit 70~ dollar mark or lower. and many have esp during xmas and the time after when such models were being dumped. that price is ridiculous. sales for 4.3" units go for around the 100 dollar mark these days. for a 300 dollar budget you can do even nicer.

but yes, garmin is a good brand to go with in general

 

[ManBearPig]

thanks a ton guys, decided to not get it...you are right, 3.5 is WAY too small. im getting the 760 btw, hope it is good! i think i'll like the speakerphone via bluetooth feature, and its gotten good reviews.

 

[zerocool84]

Please make sure you either take out your GPS unit or hide it when not in use cus too many people get their cars broken into cus of a GPS unit sitting out in the open.

 

[0roo0roo]

yea sadly u gotta lock it in the trunk or the glove compartment..along with the mount

 

[ManBearPig]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
yea sadly u gotta lock it in the trunk or the glove compartment..along with the mount

i wouldnt mind taking it inside even, but ill probably just put it in the center console. im going to get the friction mount or whatever (the bean bag one that they make for the nuvis) so no one can tell i have a GPS by the little suction cup circles. my bro in law has one and it works amazingly well...i kept on thinking it would fall but it didnt