Pweez help me pick out a GPS :-)

[slugg]

Consumer/automotive GPS devices have exploded. There are too many out there and I just haven't kept up with what is marketing hype and what is actually important. So, I would appreciate some feedback.

Budget: Less than $200

Features that I need:

1. Text To Speech. I need to hear the street names; that's just how my brain works.
2. Tell me what lane I'm supposed to be in. Sometimes there can be some weird junctions or intersections that can send me in the wrong direction and will force me to turn around.
3. FAST "recalculation" of a new route. If I miss a turn, I'll already be frustrated. I don't need a slow device to further add to my frustration!
4. Support for the whole country (United States). Back in the day, you had to update your map data based on your state. I don't know how it works now, but I'll be driving state-to-state.


Features that I'd like (not need), however I don't know if all of them are available:

1. Free map updates. I remember seeing GPS's for sale on black friday with outdated maps and the updates were something like $80. Forget it - not interested!
2. Some type of intelligent search, like Google Maps. I could always use my iPhone to search for a place, then enter the address. This is just convenient. What if I need a gas station, a store, or some food? I'd rather not waste time...
3. Real-time traffic where the current route is calculated using this traffic data.


Thanks in advance!

 

[compguy786]

Originally posted by: slugg
Consumer/automotive GPS devices have exploded. There are too many out there and I just haven't kept up with what is marketing hype and what is actually important. So, I would appreciate some feedback.

Budget: Less than $200

Features that I need:

1. Text To Speech. I need to hear the street names; that's just how my brain works.
2. Tell me what lane I'm supposed to be in. Sometimes there can be some weird junctions or intersections that can send me in the wrong direction and will force me to turn around.
3. FAST "recalculation" of a new route. If I miss a turn, I'll already be frustrated. I don't need a slow device to further add to my frustration!
4. Support for the whole country (United States). Back in the day, you had to update your map data based on your state. I don't know how it works now, but I'll be driving state-to-state.


Features that I'd like (not need), however I don't know if all of them are available:

1. Free map updates. I remember seeing GPS's for sale on black friday with outdated maps and the updates were something like $80. Forget it - not interested!
2. Some type of intelligent search, like Google Maps. I could always use my iPhone to search for a place, then enter the address. This is just convenient. What if I need a gas station, a store, or some food? I'd rather not waste time...
3. Real-time traffic where the current route is calculated using this traffic data.


Thanks in advance!

The best i saw was $214 i think in costco for a Garmin Nuvi 216wt or something like that.

IF you are a first timer to GPS....I recommend Garmin Nuvi 205 - $115 at sams right now !

 

[slugg]

I think I may spend a bit more than I wanted and get the Garmin Nuvi 755T... What do you guys think?

Edit: Seems like I can get a Garmin 1350T for $295... Might pull on it...

 

[TimeKeeper]

Lane Assist / Junction View, to be honest, you don't really need it unless you live in country where there are many multi-deck road, bridges ramp, or not-so-clear road signs.

Live-time traffic....hmm...... for me, I never get to see any secondary road info during my 3 weeks testing period. ( and I am too familiar w/ traffic pattern of my city, so I don't find it useful at all )

Long story short, I would go w/ the 255w, ( if you must have wide-screen ) or 255. ( since I get used to the TTS and I don't look at the screen anymore )

 

[akugami]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
Long story short, I would go w/ the 255w, ( if you must have wide-screen ) or 255. ( since I get used to the TTS and I don't look at the screen anymore )

:thumbsup:

 

[slugg]

I have an opportunity to get a new 755T for $200... should I go for it?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: slugg
I have an opportunity to get a new 755T for $200... should I go for it?

Yes!
That is if it is new or capable of upgrading to 2010.20 map. ( released on July, 2009 )
2010.10 is known to have "weird" routing behavior.

You could also buy a "refurb" unit off authorized online dealer which also enable you for one free upgrade w/in 60 days of purchase. ( you might have to contact Garmin CSR and fax or email the proof of purchase )

* bare in mind, if you buy a GPS from say.. fleabay, even if it is brand new, 99% chance its first satallite acqusition is more than 60 days ago. - done from the factory testing. (this date can't be reverse ) hence when you are doing web registered, you will NOT able to get free map upgrade.

 

[Synomenon]

Get that 755T! Great deal.

If it doesn't have the 2010.20 map when you get it, you get a free update. Garmin gives you one free map update within 60 days of the unit's first satellite signal acquisition. After that free map update, you pay for the next map updates. It's not necessary to update every time they do release a map update unless the new map update addresses an issue with the previous map update (other than just updating the maps) or unless you have not updated your maps for a couple of years.

 

[slugg]

Yea it's new and sealed, not refurbbed. I pulled on it! Bought it from a family member. Should be here soon!

 

[tjaisv]

How has the navigation performance been on your 755T? I've been reading the reviews and A LOT of people are pissed off about the poor route selection it has. Not sure if all of them had units with outdated maps or what, but some of them actually did have the latest maps/software and it still gave them awfully circuitous routes and whatnot.