GPS/navigation system recommendations?

[silentfury]

I'm looking for a mountable GPS/navigation system for my new 3. I've been looking at various Garmin StreetPilot series (c580, 2820) as well as the nuvi 680.

I'm looking to spend $1k at the most for this. I'd like it to include mp3 player functionality that might possibly interface with the speaker system in the car too. (although perhaps an iPod + adapter might be a better solution for this.)

Any thoughts?

thanks

-silent

[CanadaGTO]

I have the Garmin c330 ( new version is the c550 ). Like the unit, and what I do find a little difficient was fixed with the new c5xx generation (suction cup when on some cars). I also found a way to load European maps on it for free, so if you go over there that can save you $399 us.

[SoopaBanana]

I have the Nuvi 350 and absolutely love the nuvi line. I like the portability and the ability to plan the next stops in the hotel.

Having said that, if you need music setup, why not just get a good headunit with GPS?

[MPS]

http://reviews.cnet.com/Alpine_Black...-31636309.html

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2002485,00.asp


http://reviews.cnet.com/Garmin_Nuvi_...-31789580.html

i say garming kills all the other units they just know there nav's better

[mf5781]

I have the Garmin c330 ( new version is the c550 ). Like the unit, and what I do find a little difficient was fixed with the new c5xx generation (suction cup when on some cars). I also found a way to load European maps on it for free, so if you go over there that can save you $399 us.

How can you get the freebie?

[CanadaGTO]

How can you get the freebie?

Hehe, PM me and I'll send you the links.

[JPAV8S4U]

http://reviews.cnet.com/Alpine_Black...-31636309.html

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2002485,00.asp


http://reviews.cnet.com/Garmin_Nuvi_...-31789580.html

i say garming kills all the other units they just know there nav's better

Garmin is king of GPS IMHO.... They have been in the game long before most of us even knew what GPS was. They have been getting me from place to place in airplanes since the begining of my career. Their interfaces are the easiest to use and the quality of their systems is second to none. If you have a look at many of the systems out there, they resemble the garmin system's software.... there is a reason for that. Even if you have never used a GPS system before, it would be quite easy to just fire one up and use it without any pre-reading of the manuals. I have a garmin system in my car and if you would like to see it, pm me and I can meet up with you. Mine is an in-dash flip out set up... but the portables use a very similar softwarr package that is used almost identically.

Good luck

[vblanche]

I'm thinking of getting one before I move back to europe, which one do you recommend? nuvi 350? how much is it here?

[Wild Weasel]

Buy a Garmin. I've got stock in the company...

[Skarbro]

Garmin seems to be the best IMO.

[Xerox]

I'm thinking of getting one before I move back to europe, which one do you recommend? nuvi 350? how much is it here?

I've got the Garmin Nuvi350 and happy with it (however it's my first and only GPS unit).

FutureShop & BestBuy has it for $599 but BestBuy also has the Nuvi360 for the same price
(I think the main difference is that the 360 has bluetooth capability)
I have seen these go on sale every once in a while.

TigerDirect has it for cheaper $400!: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...291&CatId=2374

but it must be a typo cuz a the same model refurb is $465: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...704&CatId=2374

Go get it before they fix the price!

Note: The Nuvi350 is suppose to come with a anti-glare matte screen however I have read that Garmin has produced some with a more reflective screen due to parts shortage. You might want to watch out for that if you consider the 350.

[vblanche]

$400... nothing cheaper via TM3, even a lower model?

what are the main differences between 250, 300 or 350?

Are memory cards extra? will canada models work in europe?

thanks

[MattC]

I say spend abit more than the 1k you mentioned, and get a pioneer d3, freakin awesome nav, looks more stock, and has good audio functions!

[faibs]

400 is the correct sale price
it is also 400 currently at dell!

[JonsMazda]

Go for the TOMTOM ONE ($350) @ BB or FS. I got it and returned it for a cheaper one. lol, but its still good. I wish I hadn't return TOMTOM ONE. oh well, strap on cash.

[faibs]

just picked up the nuvi 350
absolutely amazing
text to speech is redicols!

[howitts_done]

400 is the correct sale price
it is also 400 currently at dell!

Dell's Garmin Nuvi 350.

I have the 250 and I absolutely love it!

[vblanche]

Dell's Garmin Nuvi 350

thanks for link, it's cheaper (all included) than tiger...

[faibs]

actually, go to best buy, show them this...
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2896/nuvi350oy3.jpg
380

[Xerox]

Go for the TOMTOM ONE ($350) @ BB or FS. I got it and returned it for a cheaper one. lol, but its still good. I wish I hadn't return TOMTOM ONE. oh well, strap on cash.

I debated getting between TomTom and Garmin.
I read several complaints about TomTom units failing to turn on after only a few days from purchase. Majority of reviews I read stated that POI's in Garmin were better than TomTom.
TomTom however has some cool features like speed sensitive volume control, automatically detects light and adjusts the brightness of screen (Garmin does it based on time rather than sensing light), ability to add funny accents and celebrity voices (I don't think Garmin has this...unless if there's an extra download).
And apparently the car mount for the Garmin 350 is one of the best in the industry. After using it I think it is good but I haven't tried any other GPS units so I don't know how it compares.

I think the most important thing is the GUI so you should goto BB to try them both and see which you like.

[JonsMazda]

I debated getting between TomTom and Garmin.
I read several complaints about TomTom units failing to turn on after only a few days from purchase. Majority of reviews I read stated that POI's in Garmin were better than TomTom.
TomTom however has some cool features like speed sensitive volume control, automatically detects light and adjusts the brightness of screen (Garmin does it based on time rather than sensing light), ability to add funny accents and celebrity voices (I don't think Garmin has this...unless if there's an extra download).
And apparently the car mount for the Garmin 350 is one of the best in the industry. After using it I think it is good but I haven't tried any other GPS units so I don't know how it compares.

I think the most important thing is the GUI so you should goto BB to try them both and see which you like.

I never had any problems with my ex TOMTOM.

[Flagrum_3]

What kind of experience you guys have with these GPS's in the downtown area; Do they ever loose signal?


_3


.

[MattC]

Depends on what kind of GPS you have, if you have one with a speed sensor, you shouldnt have any issues, as it relies on more than just the GPS signal to map your location.

Ive never used one of the cheepie dash top ones, but I would imagine, if it can't see the satellite, it would have issues. Just like express Vu!

[boogie]

Dell's Garmin Nuvi 350.

I have the 250 and I absolutely love it!

sweet...i was actually looking for this exact model.

[Xerox]

sweet...i was actually looking for this exact model.

Why not get the 350?
With a quick search the lowest price for 250 is $379.99 at BB while 350 is $399.99 at Dell (as mentioned by howitts_done).

Only $20.00 more and you get (in my opinion) a better unit.