need me a GPS unit for student/first time driver

[T2urtle]

My younger brother is off to college this fall. This will also be his first time driving on his own in a new area.

So i would love to get him a GPS unit as a gift, i heard about these new built-in traffic GPS units that roam on FM freq or something for free. So you dont have to pay a $9 month or year service for it. sounds nice and i want that in it.

I had a 3 year old tomtom unit and it worked but it wasn't the best in terms of SIMPLE usage. But hopefully 3 years technology has changed. I was going to buy him an android phone and use google maps since i love it but he doesn't want to leave his iphone. THe iphone apps are the best.

I need a standalone GPS unit in the ball park of $150 or less. I guess as many extras would be nice but main goals are.

1. VERY EASILY to use and ACCURATE/ easy to upgrade/update.
2. TRAFFIC info
3. screen size


i'm looking at 265WT and 755T from garmin. I'm not that into the names but like to stick with bigger names as they most likely will update more often.

 

[akugami]

What model is his iPhone? Later models come with GPS's. You'll still need to get him appropriate software. If he's adamant about sticking with his iPhone how about an iPhone upgrade (new models supposedly being introduced tomorrow June 7th) along with some Tom Tom, Garmin, or other GPS software.

One plus about having your phone as the GPS is the fact that you'll rarely leave the phone/GPS in the car. There have been numerous reports of GPS's being stolen out of cars. Not only are you out the cost of the GPS but you also have to deal with the hassle of cleaning glass out of your car from a busted window and replacing the car window itself.

 

[metalmania]

well, they not only update more often, but also charge a lot for the updates.

 

[metalmania]

A stand-alone GPS is better than an iphone with GPS. GPS function on iphone sucks. Period.
I went to a meeting with some clients and other consultants, some guys used iphone as the GPS and got lost big time so they managed to arrive late.

 

[Fingolfin269]

You may want to consider this one. It looks like Traffic is an optional add-on. If you are leery of refurbs there is a link to the new version a few posts down and the $25 coupon works on it as well.

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=2064432&highlight=gps

 

[T2urtle]

thanks will look later. traffic is a nice extra not needed but i saw a refurb off slickdeals on the 765 unit for $160 as well.

i'll check them out more when i'm at home...

upgrade iphone is not an option, we are one those hacked/jailbroken, only the NEWEST has it and there is no unlock out for that as of yet. I've used it and didn't like it. Google maps > anything else mainly due to its FREE and constant updates. I was thinking of getting him a budget one so its not a big deal if its broken or lost. I'm in college as well and i know how things go.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

A stand-alone GPS is better than an iphone with GPS. GPS function on iphone sucks. Period.
I went to a meeting with some clients and other consultants, some guys used iphone as the GPS and got lost big time so they managed to arrive late.

not familiar with the iphone but google navigation on android is top notch.