went gps shopping with dad

F

fire-n-ice

Veteran
 GA
...and I got these quotes. Tell me what y'all think guys, these are the ones we looked at:

Garmin nuvi 350, 660, 750 (piano black- yum! :D ), and the Tom Tom 720. Prices: 300, 350, 400 (at Sams), 350 (at Sams)

So which is best for someone who doesn't like a whole lot of bells and whistles? Or, if y'all have other ones in mind throw them out there.

Thanks guys :kiss:
 
I have had the Nuvi 660 since last May. I love it. All of my buddies that have TomTom's switched to Garmin units. Better mapping software and data base.
That being said, TomTom knows this and is pushing (hard) on its software maker to make the database better.

I like being able to put the 660 in my shirt pocket and take it where ever I go, if need be.... The internal battery lasts about four hours...
 
Shipkiller said:
I have had the Nuvi 660 since last May. I love it. All of my buddies that have TomTom's switched to Garmin units. Better mapping software and data base.
That being said, TomTom knows this and is pushing (hard) on its software maker to make the database better.

I like being able to put the 660 in my shirt pocket and take it where ever I go, if need be.... The internal battery lasts about four hours...
Click to expand...
+1 for Garmin
You also get free updates :thumbsup:
 
+2 for Garmin, have the Nuvi 360 in the jeep and had the Nuvi 200 series in the Zed....... excellent! Have had 5 Garmins so far and all been faultless.
 
fire-n-ice said:
Guess dad still knows what he's talking about, that's what he's advising I get :roll:
Click to expand...
If you go to the Garmin web site, you can select the models you're considering & get a features comparison.
I found it very helpful.
 
My fav - Sony NV-U83T http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665313870

sony-nav-u.jpg
 
I have a Garmin StreetPilot 2720 that has been wonderful. I esp. like the fact that the screen automatically adjusts to the sunlight (or lack thereof) to give you a readable display. Very nice to be able to plot out routes on your PC and then dump them into the GPS unit along with interesting waypoints before heading out the door. I wish I could do that with my built in NAV unit (are you listening BMW?).

Garmin does want me to pay for new newest series of maps for the device but most small updates have been free to date. This is a whole new DVD full of data with updated points of interest and the likes so I decided to pony up the $59 and get it.
 
Yes. I routinely hook my Nuvi 660 up to the computer and update the OS.

I did spend the $60.00 for the updated City Navigator software for 2008. Worth it in my opinion.


I do like the Bluetooth hands free mode for my cell phone. It even goes up to my cell phone, grabs my address list so I can use the GPS to dial the phone.

I also load audiobooks into it, so on long drives, I can listen to a book when I get tired of listening to music.
 
I helped pick out the Garmin 350 for my Dad last year. He loves it, and if he can use it and not get frustrated by it, I'd recommend it to anyone. I also got a Garmin 350 for my wife. Has a lot of nice options and it's very easy to use. One button (for the power) and the rest is the touch screen. It picks up satellites fast even if your view is obstructed, and the price is very reasonable. I've seen them go for as low as 250 in the past few weeks.

I've used Garmin units for years and have always been satisfied.
 
Yeah, the Nuvi will let you put in several en route waypoints which is pretty nice. I say go with the Garmin although I am a biased shareholder. They also have the Nuviphone coming out in a few months which is going to compete with the iphone. It will offer pretty much the same functionality as the Nuvi but with the added phone/internet connectivity.
 
creedence623 said:
Yeah, the Nuvi will let you put in several en route waypoints which is pretty nice.
Click to expand...

Ironically, I sank the Garmin as an option because no-one could tell me if it supported itineraries. I use my TomTom for cruises and since everyone in the UK seems to have a TomTom, it's easy to ship the route to people so they don't get lost.

It is apparently true that in some geographies Garmin has better maps and in others TomTom has better maps. Allegedly.
 
spokey said:
Does the Garmin allow you to do multi-point itineraries?
Click to expand...

Yes - routes are defined by what Garmin calls waypoints and you can add in as many as you want to force the path to take the roads you desire. The way point list can be edited to your heart's desire and dumping it into the unit via a USB cable is pretty simple. I carry along my laptop on trips anyway so I can tweak my road trips on the fly and/or you can download the actual trip log if you want to preserve the GPS's data.
 
AlanL said:
spokey said:
Does the Garmin allow you to do multi-point itineraries?
Click to expand...

I carry along my laptop on trips anyway so I can tweak my road trips on the fly
Click to expand...

I think the police would have me for that!

AlanL said:
and/or you can download the actual trip log if you want to preserve the GPS's data.
Click to expand...

Now that IS cool. 8)
 
spokey said:
AlanL said:
spokey said:
Does the Garmin allow you to do multi-point itineraries?
Click to expand...

I carry along my laptop on trips anyway so I can tweak my road trips on the fly
Click to expand...

I think the police would have me for that!

AlanL said:
and/or you can download the actual trip log if you want to preserve the GPS's data.
Click to expand...

Now that IS cool. 8)
Click to expand...

I should point out that I do NOT have my laptop out while I am driving and the route tweaking is done at night in the hotel rooms. Our local Police do have laptops in their cars now and ironically I have seen them tapping away on theirs while driving down the streets. Not a good example for sure....
 
AlanL said:
and/or you can download the actual trip log if you want to preserve the GPS's data.
Click to expand...

I've discovered some software for the TomTom, called Eventlogger, which does the same thing, if anyone is interested. I haven't tested it, but hope to this weekend...
 
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