Looking for GPS Recommendations

[Steve and Sam]

Against my better judgement, I'm thinking about buying a GPS.  Just curious if people have any specific recommendations on features that are a must have and/or features that are really not needed.  Model recommendations are also welcome.

[wrlaplante]

we have garmins, the 305 or whatever has a fold up antennae, like a little door - akward and takes up too much room.
also have garmin 205, compact, just gps, fits on bottom of windshield neatly(illegal), slip in your pocket when you get out of car. don't buy any more than you need i.e. MP3, FM traffic etc., but check for recharge methods, car and home, i like to charge mine at home so don't have to screw with car cord for a while or you can drive until are lost or want to eat or go home and then turn it on.  i saw 205 about $100 on web. go to garmin.com to reserch. google for vendors.
if you get a garmin be sure to go to their site, they will update once for free within 60 days if info is stale.

[Darrel]

Features that I think are a must:
 - being able to create a route using a PC based program (Mapsource supplied by Garmin) and then load the route into the GPS unit
 - the unit should be able to record tracks (bread trail), 2000 points would be a minimum.
 - the ability to connect to a PC via USB cable to load routes and off load tracks.

When we would plan routes for the Fall Rally we used the tracks to create the routes. It was a lot easier than trying to mark a paper map and we could easily modify the routes. The Mapsource program would even build you a turn by turn itinerary. From talking with other GPS users, Garmin seems to be the leader. If you plan on sharing routes or tracks, it's much easier if you have similar devices.

Newer units.
 - Garmin now has GPS units that are voice activated.
 - Real time traffic updates.
 - MP3 player

[SMMRFUN]

I purchased a Garmin NUVI 750 on recomendation from other club members about a year ago and have not been disappointed. FYI this unit does not have the voice activation or live highway updates.

[DBrinkman]

We have a Magellan 4250 which is a great unit, but if I was to do it over again, I'd go with a Garmin for the reasons Darrel mentioned.

We bought ours before joining the club, and didn't realize how handy those route tracking and loading features would be.  I sort of miss being able to load routes like other members with Garmins can.

Wanna buy a nice gently used Magellan? LOL

[BEN]

We have a Garmin 750 -I'd recommend it. When planning a long trip the computer link with mapsource is much easier to use - then download to unit. Spoken directions is nice but can become annoying in town.....yet that is where it is most valuable.
Two things I like - typing in a known local (Twin Cities) address and see where it takes us - some interesting routes! Also on twisties and blind corners - getting a feel for the severity of the hill or what is coming up.

[spd2918]

I tour on my motorcycle and have had great luck with the Garmin 2600 and 2700 series.  They are inexpensive and durable, and can be found with new maps.  A refurbished model will be less than $200 and will come with all the US city addresses preloaded.

[brianblow]

I have a Garmin nuvi 750.  I have my suction cup mount in the cubby hole right under the radio, so the unit sits right above/in front of the shift knob.  I like it better there than mounted on the dash or windshield.

[BobWhite95]

I've been told by a sales rep at Best Buy that it is now legal in MN to windshield mount the gps as long as it is in the lower half of the windshield.  Best to check this out, but I've mounted mine on the windshield.

I have the Garmin 765T with free traffic alerts.  The bluetooth is great for hands free phone.  And yes, we use the mp3 player for music and talking books.  The FM link to the radio is good in rural areas but there aren't many free fm frequencies available in the TC area available for satisfactory usage.  I use the headphone jack to plug into the aux connection to the radio for proper performance.

It is a great benefit when in unfamiliar areas.  I wouldn't travel without it.  I love the lane recommendation feature especially when we are in heavy traffic.

Incidentally, Darrel and I researched the various Garmins before settling on this model.

If you belong to Costco, it is available new for around $250.

Good luck with your purchase, and whatever you get, you will be glad you have it.