Looking for a GPS

[RadiclDreamer]

Looking for a GPS since I suck at directions. Looking at a Garmin StreetPilot c550 and a Garmin nuvi 200w. Open to other suggestions as well. I want something with spoken directions, bluetooth while nice isnt a requirement. Want to spend less than $300 total.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
Looking for a GPS since I suck at directions. Looking at a Garmin StreetPilot c550 and a Garmin nuvi 200w. Open to other suggestions as well. I want something with spoken directions, bluetooth while nice isnt a requirement. Want to spend less than $300 total.

When you said " something w/ spoken direction " do you mean TTS (text to speech)?
Because all GPS nowadays all come w/ spoken direction.

TTS is just added feature, instead just announce "turn right in 300 feet", it will prompt you "In 300 feet, turn right on Main street"

C550 has TTS, Nuvi 200W has no TTS.
W/ $300, you will have more choices then you can imagine.

As of today, if you don't need TTS, nor Canadian map, then Nuvi 205 will be a good choice.
Compare to older Nuvi 200, It has faster cpu, new UI, Quickfix, ability to POI-photo-Sync and add TMC.

 

[Matilda]

i prefer tomtoms. they run off of tele atlas maps (more accurate, IMO). the 130S/330S both have text-to-speech. they just came out with new models a little bit ago. the GO 930 is pretty sweet too.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Matilda
i prefer tomtoms. they run off of tele atlas maps (more accurate, IMO). the 130S/330S both have text-to-speech. they just came out with new models a little bit ago. the GO 930 is pretty sweet too.

It really depends on what version of map each GPS manufacture obtained.

Take Garmin NT navigator 2009. It is actually Navteq 4Q 2007 version.
Take Magellan version 31+. It is Navteq 1Q 2008 version.
TomTom V8 is suppose to be 2Q 2008 TeleAtlas map.

Most of time, we confuse between POI vs actual Address, therefore, when choosing a GPS, I will suggest look into its routing engine. ( how fast and efficient your gps guide you from point A to point B )

Why some people think Navteq is better?
In general, Navteq equipped GPS such as Garmin and Magellan provide better routing than TeleAtlas equipped TomTom or Mio. ( there are enough article doing side by side comparision on the web ) So if you are daily driver, I actually would suggest Navteq.

But then, if you are looking for great POI database, then you really should go w/ TeleAtlas.

Everyone has it own preferences, such as... (take nuvi 2xx vs tomtom 1xx series - all real life testing not manufacture spec )
1. better screen. ( Nuvi is much better )
2. battery life. ( Nuvi 5 hours, TT less than 100 min )
3. UI ( hmm......... my wife found nuvi is easier, but again, this is hard to rate )
4. customization. ( TT is better )
5. portability ( similar to battery life per charge )
6. accuracy ( Sirf/Bravo/MTK vs Hammerhead - I have to said Hammerhead is better )
7. Satallite acqusistion speed. ( Nuvi MTK is faster )
8. Signal strength. ( MTK kick SiRF's behind )
9. via point. ( TT is better )
10. other functions... ( TT has more functions )

bare in mind, there is no such things as "perfect" gps.

 

[Muadib]

Have you tried the Dash, TimeKeeper?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Muadib
Have you tried the Dash, TimeKeeper?

No. I haven't get my hands on it. (sorry, can't comment on it since I never test it before)