GPS System

[dikfor]

Need advise and recommendations. I'm thinking of buying a GPS system for my car.
1. Where to shop
2. Recommended model
3. Price range
4. Installation - how - power source
5. How accurate are the systems
6. Ease of use
7. Do they have to be updated and how
8. Do you pay a subscription charge

Any other information that will help me make a choice.

Thanks

 

[kk56]

1. In the US (why not to buy there) make sure has Canada in
2. updates are nice, but one does not need them every month, unless U are a cabdriver....dont get fooled
3. some eg Navigon late model has live traffic update, for the life of device, ( no need to pay more to subscribe). This maybe very useful, will tell U in advance, eg if on QEW traffic stalls, calculate alternate route....
4. I got some at Staples, in Delaware state,, US
No GST No PST No HST NO salestax
I was able to use a staples 25 dollars off coupon, since buy regularly there
5. make sure device/holder can be easily removed from sight in the car, or face break-in.

I dont use as often, knowing my way, like dog knows it way home, to Canada from US, during day because of the traffic feature have on if on the QEW or similar hi-way.
6. my Navigon will respond also to voice, did not even try.U may like it.
7. also if U travel, my late model Navigon can be very useful, unlike cheaper models, take out US/Canada map, put on South America or Europe...
just buy a map...I dont, but never know...

 

[kk56]

I had 2 separate, a Tomtom I gave to somebody, it was 299USD plus No Tax, and Navigon I think 7 or 8 thousand (latest model) 499 USD plus No Tax minus coupons. (Staples)
No subscription. No need , once in the blue moon buy update.

Both very accurate.

plug in the car power plug.

make sure remove any GPS paraphernalia from site eg holder.

 

[shakenbake]

Need advise and recommendations. I'm thinking of buying a GPS system for my car.
1. Where to shop
2. Recommended model
3. Price range
4. Installation - how - power source
5. How accurate are the systems
6. Ease of use
7. Do they have to be updated and how
8. Do you pay a subscription charge

Any other information that will help me make a choice.

Thanks[/QUOTE

For the answers go to Best Buy!

I found that Tiger Direct has had the best prices, as well as selection. Recently, I got a Garmin Nuvi 680 for about $230 from te Tiger. BB has fucked me over in the past on many things, and I avoid them like the plague, as well.

 

[LKD]

forget GPS... use whatever little brain you got left to remember directions

 

[kk56]

it is ok to forget gps, I have one under my seat, but if U need it, it is there,,,

 

[JEFF247]

I think if you go with Garmin or TomTom you will be fine. I have a TomTom 720 and it works great. Was highly rated by Consumer Reports and I wanted the hands free calling. I am not a power user but I enjoy my TomTom 720. It's just deternining what extras you want. If you are interested in bluetooth hands free calling make sure your phone is on the list of phones your GPS will work with. Prices are $125-$1000.

 

[Never Compromised]

I have a Garman with the hands free option and the traffic reports. The Traffic reports are spotty, and seems to only work well on the DVP and the Gardiner.

The handsfree works well, as does the actual GPS directions.

I am an outside sales rep, and the GPS has made life much more easy.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

always charge the GPS' or else it will FAIL on you.

I have Garman and I love it

 

[smiley1437]

Never 'overbuy' technology - these days, it will get outdated quickly.

This will probably not be the last GPS that you buy, so get the least expensive one that does what you need.

Start with this: Garmin Nuvi 255W (or the regular 255 if you don't need the wide screen). The wide screen is better simply for typing (wide keyboard)

If you want to use Bluetooth functions through your GPS (not much use, in my opinion) get the 265W.

The lane assist features in the 700 and 800 models (gives you a virtual image of which lane you should be in around exits) are somewhat useful, but if you are a good driver and already think far ahead for lane exits I don't think it matters much.

A useful but expensive feature is voice command - Garmin only has it on the expensive 855 and 885 models. You hold a button (attached to your steering wheel) and say the address of where you want to go.

Voice command makes it safe to change destinations while driving (most GPSs will lock you out from making changes while driving for safety reasons).

Hope that helps

 

[drstrangelove]

http://www.gpsreview.net/

Good source of information

http://www.gpscity.ca/

Good place to buy

 

[Cycleguy007]

What's wrong with Google Maps?

 

[Radio_Shack]

Garmin 250 is best deal right now. Have used it and maps are pretty accurate. You want to make sure what ever you get has a voice cuz trying to look at the maps while driving is dangerous.

 

[Cycleguy007]

No way man!!...I'm way past that...I use a .....................................MAP ( found one on paper...doesn't need batteries, no software update, doesn't become "obsolete" six months after purchase)

Totally agree with you on that vsailor... I have maps of all the places I need to visit. Occasionally if going somewhere new, Goole maps works great!

I'll be dammed if I let some gizmo tell me where to go! I'm perfectly capable of figuring it out all on my own thank you very much.

(This goes along with that slave to technology post I just wrote in the "Blackberries" thread.)

 

[Radio_Shack]

Totally agree with you on that vsailor... I have maps of all the places I need to visit. Occasionally if going somewhere new, Goole maps works great!

I'll be dammed if I let some gizmo tell me where to go! I'm perfectly capable of figuring it out all on my own thank you very much.

(This goes along with that slave to technology post I just wrote in the "Blackberries" thread.)

All I can say to that is you have never used a GPS. Once you do you will never want to use paper maps again.

Just one small example of what you get with a GPS is a real time list of places. Lets say you want to know closest gas station or closest computer store or list of any places for that matter and then directions. You are 1 click away from it.

 

[drstrangelove]

All I can say to that is you have never used a GPS. Once you do you will never want to use paper maps again.

Just one small example of what you get with a GPS is a real time list of places. Lets say you want to know closest gas station or closest computer store or list of any places for that matter and then directions. You are 1 click away from it.

Me too. Recently needed to meet some people at a restaurant, knew roughly where is was, but not sure how to get there. Typed name of restaurant into GPS, it gave me both address and directions on how to get there.

Do that with a map!

 

[Cycleguy007]

All I can say to that is you have never used a GPS. Once you do you will never want to use paper maps again.

Actually, I know lots of people that have them... and yes I have used one on my own as well (rental car)... I just got irritated with it, and turned it off.

I am "an explorer" at heart. I love discovering new things all on my own. Where's the fun in it, if the little techno gizmo gives me all that information up front? I was also blessed with an uncanny and accurate sense of direction...

To each their own is all I'm saying.

 

[onthebottom]

I have one built into my car (works great), bought my GF a Garmin (online), works great. The best for casual navigation is the iPhone - google maps and searches in your pocket - just fantastic.

OTB

 

[Meister]

Garmin is good. I would buy at the location with the best return/exchange policy because invariably you may not like that model and/or it malfunctions.

IE. don't buy at tiger, they suck at returns. Go with Costco instead.

 

[JEFF247]

The only down side is that you don't know how you got where you are going. I was in Niagara Falls Canada and had to go to Harrisburg PA. Just set the GPS and off I went. Someone asked how I got there and I said, I don't know, when it said turn I turned and here I am!! It's shows the route as you go, but I end up just taking in the scenery!!!