So I want to add to my cars toys, and get a gps to go along with my V1, just wondering peoples opinions, or questions I want to ask myself when in search of the perfect GPS match.
As always, thanks! I love the advice on this forum.
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First time GPS buyer needs advice
So I want to add to my cars toys, and get a gps to go along with my V1, just wondering peoples opinions, or questions I want to ask myself when in search of the perfect GPS match.
As always, thanks! I love the advice on this forum.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
I have had good luck with garmins My c330 is a beast. and My c550 is a great unit unit the power cord broke into 3 piecesOriginally Posted by StealthRex
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
GARMIN NUVI.
My opinion: 255W
I'm in love with mine. The other day I was showing my girlfriend how the small Speed Limit sign appears while on the highway showing you the posted limit where you are. As Im pointing to the GPS saying "Speed Limit 65" we're approaching an ACTUAL Speed Limit sign on the road that says "Speed Limit 55"......Before I could get the words out of my mouth that the GPS was inaccurate, it updated to "Speed Limit 55" at the EXACT moment we passed the new sign. We were amazed.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
Ok, I was starting to look at the garmin page today, but it looks like gibberish, what are the functions that I need to ask myself if I want (in english). I can bet that you'll be happy with most garmins after you buy them, but why do you like them? Besides the posted speed limit sign, sounds like another thing a cop can tell you if you get pulled over, "Your thingy on the dash even says what the speed limit is" lol.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
I use the Tom Tom one 3rd addition. It is pre programmed for all of North America, and is updateable for free. I love the thing. Very easy to use and does what I need it to do. I can recommend it without any reservations for an entry level GPS.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
There's a TON to love about the Garmins. First of all its pure simplicity. It's got a lot of great features, but within a day or so of using it; you'll be a pro.
My 255W connects within seconds, while (even with all the latest updates) my 260 would take up to 5min at times. Way longer than it took for my 9500i to connect. The refresh rate smokes the 260 as well, so theres NO herky jerky movement of your vehicle on the map, all turns are smooth and you pass intersections dead on. The full QWERTY keyboard is a must have for me after coming from a non-W model. The non-QWERTY's are just a jumbled line with no ryhme or reason to it, which makes putting text in a MAJOR PITA. Most of the W models have the QWERTY, if not all. It has a great "Points of Interest" database for searching out restaurants, shops, etc. You can zoom into the maps and it'll show you actual contour maps of the elevation as well.
While in the map mode, you can tap the screen and toggle between an overhead flat map, or back into the 3D at any time. The top left corner shows your next move and how far off it is, and a tap of the icon in that corner allows you to scroll through each additional turn you'll be making. In the map mode, bottom left of the map always shows your current speed as well. You can pull up a sub menu by tapping the speed icon; which gives you your current speed, heading (N-E-S-W), as well as your past top speed, average speed, trip time, and more. Bottom right you'll also have a ETA. I love this as well, knowing what time you'll arrive is great (and very accurate). Traffic updates are available as well.
You can add your own "Points of Interest" like schools, speed cams, etc. as well. Not of much importance to me, but it does also have a card slot for pictures etc. It comes stocked with North America maps, and Canada, yet more can be purchased.
I have text to speech, so it says the street names instead of just "turn left." The speed limit icons are great, and dead on accurate in my experience (no cop is going to see the icon unless he has the same unit himself, its not that obvious). The "Where Am I" feature is awesome, where at any given time you can select it, and it'll come up with the nearest address (#, Street, City/Town, and State), exact lat/long as well as buttons to pull up the nearest Police Stations, Hospitals, etc. I like how at night it changes the screen over to dark blue for the surround area instead of the bright tan color during the day that could be harsh on the eyes. I'm sure I'm forgetting things...this was just a stream of thoughts that came to mind.
Not a fan of the TomToms. Weaker UI's, slower updates, and they use less satellites for acquisition. I spent months researching them in depth before I made my purchase.
Last edited by RadarKid; 10-31-2008 at 06:33 AM.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
I have the Garmin 330, one yr old, and just got the Tom Tom One 3rd edition. The are both good units. I am swayed a little more toward the Garmin.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
I have the Garmin 330, one yr old, and just got the Tom Tom One 3rd edition. They are both good units. I am swayed a little more toward the Garmin.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
There's no comparison.
TomTom spends their dough on ads, and GARMIN spends it on their product; and it shows. If you want to go the cheap way, grab a TomTom to sit beside your Cobra detector. If you want electronics for GPS that ranks at the same level as ESCORT and VALENTINE for detectors, pick up a GARMIN or MAGELLAN.
Re: First time GPS buyer needs advice
Both do the same thing, and the tomtom works. What more do you want? You’re not trying to save yourself with a GPS, so what’s the point of spending more money for getting the same thing…directions to where you want to go? The tomtom can be plugged into the computer and kept up to date with all current everything. Mine does everything I need it to do and more…perfect! It aint always about having the best, but just getting the job done.
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