GPS Devices - Good, Bad or Indifferent?

After years of using fold-up maps in general and print-out google maps for specific addresses, I finally broke down and purchased a GPS unit, primarily for business travel. I did my research and decided on a Magellan model, namely the RoadMate 1430, which I purchased at BestBuy for $199.

I've noticed two things in the short time I've had it. First, it sometimes picks the route that's neither "most direct" nor "fastest". Second, if you miss a turn, my Magellan instructs you to make the "first available legal u-turn" rather than immediately recalculate a new route. It eventually recalculates the new route, but doesn't give any verbal indication that it's done so! I understand the Garmin's announce "recalculating" or something of the sort.

Anybody have any GPS tips, preferences or words of advice?

Just that from what I have read review wise that Garmin is the best. But don't own one myself.

My dad has a Garmin, he loves it.

Ever since I was a kid, I have LOVED reading maps when we travel. Can't see myself ever buying a GPS just because of this quirky little passion that I have. I guess it's part of having a great "sense" of direction wherever I am. But to each his own. I know a lot of people w/ GPS systems, they all seem to like whichever ones they own.

I got a Garmen also and just love it some are better than others so do your resurch !!

My Garmin 255 is farking awesome. Route recalculation is sweet.....I can turn away from heavy traffic (or if I just want to take another route) and it will instantly recalculate. Gives the estimated arrival time, current speed, and will zoom in when I approach complex intersections where I need to make a turn.

The voice is annoying, but what computerized voice isn't? The menus for finding restaurants and entertainment are sweet. I wasn't expecting those listings to be as in-depth as they are.

Does anybody know why some models are so much more expensive than others? I've seen some models for about $100, and others for several hundred bucks, and I can't figure out what sort of features would be worth such a huge price difference.

Whatever you do don't get the VZ Navigator gps that you can download onto a Verizon phone if you have one. The thing hardly can figure out your gps location, cannot discern between upper and lower streets or in my case rivers in Chicago and generally is a waste of money. I most likely will be getting a garmin as well although I have also heard good things about TomToms.

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Originally Posted by AIT

Does anybody know why some models are so much more expensive than others? I've seen some models for about $100, and others for several hundred bucks, and I can't figure out what sort of features would be worth such a huge price difference.

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The ones that are more expensive usually don't require monthly usage fees. The cheaper ones do.

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Originally Posted by AIT

Does anybody know why some models are so much more expensive than others? I've seen some models for about $100, and others for several hundred bucks, and I can't figure out what sort of features would be worth such a huge price difference.

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I think there are a number of different features that can account for that. My Magellan voice instructions announce the "street name" rather than just "turn left"; that's an upgrade. My model also has "traffic tracker" to let you know of traffic problems before you get there. It's free for 12 months and a $30 / year after that. There are different numbers of channels (more is better), better signal acquistion hardware / software, expandability, increased map areas, etc. The obvious difference is "wide screen" versus 3.5".

I looked at the Garmin 260W & 255W, but they were more expensive and had features I simply don't need in a GPS device (mp3, bluetooth compatible, etc.). Even so, I've never spoken with anybody who bought Garmin and was disappointed!

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Originally Posted by ISUAlum2002

The ones that are more expensive usually don't require monthly usage fees. The cheaper ones do.

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????? I don't know for sure what monthly fees you're talking about but most of the fees I've seen have actually been on the more expensive ones.

I like the Garmin software the best

As far as the price differences:

Bigger screen= more expensive

Some cheap ones don't announce the street name. They just say turn left in 400 feet. This is a big negative IMO. I have an old one that doesn't speak the name and I wish it did.

Then there are other things like MSN, traffic, mp3 player, bluetooth, etc. I'm not interested in paying for those extras.

I think you can get a good garmin for $200.

If I was in the market I would look for a Garmin Nuvi 260w for less than $200.

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Originally Posted by dmclone

If I was in the market I would look for a Garmin Nuvi 260w for less than $200.

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Garmin has discontinued manufacture of this model and has replaced it with the nuvi 255w in their product line. Even so, you're hard pressed to buy a "refurbished" 260w on eBay for less than $175. They were $249 at BestBuy this week...

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Originally Posted by iccyfan

Garmin has discontinued manufacture of this model and has replaced it with the nuvi 255w in their product line. Even so, you're hard pressed to buy a "refurbished" 260w on eBay for less than $175. They were $249 at BestBuy this week...

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$180 brand new.

Amazon.com: Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator: Electronics

Or like you say, go for the 255w for around $200.

Amazon.com: Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator: Electronics

Another thing about these GPS units. They seem to be very reliable compared to other electronics. It seems like I'm always hearing about people having troubles with their TV's, MP3 players, etc but I rarely hear about problems with these things. I actually wish mine would break so I could justify a new one. I have an old Garmin C320. It works fine but it's so thick compared to the others.

I have a Grarmin Nuvi. I think its a 200 or something like that. No complaints.

I bought the $100 garmin that was on sale after Thanksgivings at Walmart, and I have been pretty happy with it. The information it gives you when driving is pretty limited, but you are driving, so too much info might be dangerous. One thing I don't like about mine is it doesn't tell you how many miles it is to the destination, just how far to the next turn. I does give an eta, so that is cool. Took it on a trip to Orlando this winter, and it really helped finding places. Food, gas, grocery stores... I am sure the $500 is much cooler, but for $100, well worth it.