I am looking at purchasing a GPS and don't really know which one to purchase. As a family we will use it when we go on vacations, but my DH will be using it on a daily basis. If you own one would you mind giving me some feedback? How long have you owned it? What do you like about it over the other brands? Do they all do the "turn by turn" voice, etc? I want to keep my cost under $500 so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!
Two of us
2 children (13 and 6)
2006 Jayco Jayfeather 29Y
2004 Ford Expedition XLT
Nights camping in 2007...9
Nights camping in 2008...13
I've been doing a ton or research, and I've decided to stay with either a Garmin or a Tomtom unit. The Tomtom One Third Edition is currently a bargain at amazon.com at $142. But, this unit is a basic unit, and lacks text to speach....meaning that it just announces "turn left in 50 feet". The Garmin Nuvi series are very nice and highly rated. Since I want maps of Canada as well as the US, I'm looking at the Nuvi 250. BUT...if I spring for the Nuvi 260, I can get text to speach, meaning it will say "turn left on Broadway".
Amazon.com is a good place to read reviews by customers. It does pay to look for a newer model that has up to date maps. Garmin seems to have the best web site for support, but Tomtom seems to be fairly good in this area. I've read some discouraging reports about Magellan's customer support.
None of these units will be absolutely correct all the time, and results will vary by where you use them. But....read more about this and other issues at gpsmagazine.com, and wherever else you can find.
Need I tell you that some of the best prices can be found online.....such as $142 for the Tomtom One at Amazon. I haven't found that at any local retailer for less than $169.
And....I'm a rookie at GPS as I've only used one unit (my brother in law's Garmin C330, which is now outdated).
good luck in your search!
2001 Dodge 3500 DRW V10 Magnum
2002 Sunline T280SR
Arrow Hensley Hitch
10' Porta Bote My photo galleries.
well of course the only real GPS has to be "TIMTIM" ha ha!!!! I really havent done any research on GPS units yet. My Boss has a Garmin and he is still trying to figure out how to use it right. I had to say timtim because my name is Tim. I also like the commercials for TOMTOM. Sorry to hijak this post. I just couldnt resist to throw a little humor in here. Thanks TIM
Tim-DW(Kathy)-DS(KEN)
04 AVEO-DD, 03 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, 95 Firebird(da toy) 07 COACHMEN SOA 32FKS(stress relief center) If Im not at the CG---I'll be somewhere else! Total nights camped in 08 = 45
Garmin.............I have had a FEW , and I mean very few, problems, and they have ALWAYS ponied up, and went above and beyond what they "needed" to do.
I am ONE VERY HAPPY customer, tech support, has been great, bent over backwards, with a small issue.
Highly endorse them !!!!!(I own several units now) , all garmin
1994 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel,3500,Dually (Oh YEA )
1991 Ford F-150
1993 Sandpiper 5th Wheel)
Prodigy Brake Controller
Honda EU3000is Generator
Raytek IR Thermometer,Garmin C-330 Nav./GPS
Doran Pressure Pro Rally's attended so far- 8 My Blog
I have a Tom-Tom, and it being the only one I have ever used, can't really do a comparison, but I have been very pleased with it since I bought it in December. It does have good web site support. I think a lot of the negative feedback on Tom-Tom is because it is produced in England and some folks can't get used to the phrase "motorway".
E.C. & Sandra Walker, (aka She Who Must Be Obeyed), and Baby, the "children cat" (non-camping), 1999 Ford F250 CC 4WD Powerstroke, 29' Wildcat RLBS 5ver.
I have the Garmin Zumo 550. It's built for a high water, high vibration enviroment. Works great in the truck, van or offroad Jeep. It's designed purpose was on a motorcycle. Most people I know have a Garmin. Costco.com is also a great place to shop for a GPS.
I can only speak to the units I've owned. I have a Garmin Street Pilot, model 2610. Originally priced at around $700 retail, it was the whiz-bang at the time. A solid performer with text to speech, multiple stops sorted for best route, but no input for POIs.
Currently have a Garmin c-550 with text to speech with street names, mp3 player, blue-tooth phone connection, and the ability to add POI information. Retails for about $300. Has a great receiver, locks onto satellites like a bulldog on a meat truck.
IMO, Garmin's customer service is second to none. They repaired my 2610 for free when it was long out of warranty. That's exactly why I bought my second Garmin. It was also influential in my SO's decision to go Garmin as well.
I have two Garmin units. A C330 for the dash. It talks is easy to read, I can load Points Of Interest or punch in features or address I am looking for etc. I also have a hand held Etrex Legend-C for hikeing or Geocashing.
If you don't keep your tires properly inflated for the REAL load why would you expect them Not to fail?
- Damage done to your tires is irreversable. Puting air in tire that you ran underinflated will NOT fix the damage you did.
Retired Tire Engineer
Offline
, all garmin
