Posted by jahlab on 12/10/06 10:27pm
Msg #165194

GPS reviews needed

I have read the previous post on GPS units, and was wondering if anyone has bought one since then? I want to purchase one with blue tooth and with voice, but I havent found one with good reviews yet...... and doesnt cost and arm and a leg!
Any suggestions? Thanks!

Reply by ML/PA on 12/11/06 7:29am
Msg #165207

I have been recommnding the Garmin Nuvi 360 to everyone who asks. I purchased another brand first, tried it and decided to send it back. I then did some research and bought the Nuvi. I LOVE IT!! I bought it when it first came out and paid $670 dollars (worth every penny) but you can probably find it cheaper now. It has blue tooth, is also a PDA, maps are preloaded and ready to go. You can purchase additional maps for other countries if you are traveling. It has a lot of features, is very accurate and I have no negative comments on this unit. I don't know how much you want to spend but this unbit is worth every penny. I use it everyday.

Reply by aatatusko on 12/11/06 8:06am
Msg #165208

Thanks, I'm looking for one for our son, I checked Costco ~ they are selling it for
$499.

Reply by Joanne_NY on 12/12/06 9:22am
Msg #165359

The Nuvi 360 is awesome. Had a Lowrance - big and cluncky - Highly recommend the Nuvi 360.. Five Stars!

Reply by PL on 12/11/06 8:56am
Msg #165212

I bought the Mio C310x, it doesn't have bluetooth, but for $150.00 I'll be fine without it.

Reply by BetsyMI on 12/11/06 9:08am
Msg #165214

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

For those of you who purchased your GPS separately rather than purchasing it already installed in your car, is it a problem keeping it on your dash? Do you remove it and put it on the floor to deter theft when you're out of the car? I am getting a new car and really would like to have the GPS installed but it's about a $2000 price tag. I just think it would be a nuisance constantly removing it, and you also have to have a dashboard that is flat enough to prop it up on, right? Am I worrying for nothing?

Reply by SueW/Tn on 12/11/06 9:10am
Msg #165215

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

My Magellan has a windshield mount, take a little while to get used to snapping the unit in but it's not a problem....better than spending $2,000!

Reply by thnotary_NY on 12/11/06 9:28am
Msg #165217

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

I've got the Garmin StreetPilot 2720. No batteries, all states already loaded, has the weighted base for the dash or I put mine in the empty space where the installed one would be. Portable, goes with me in any car. I think that there is a subscription fee for those installed ones.

Reply by BetsyMI on 12/11/06 9:35am
Msg #165218

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

I haven't had any car dealer tell me there's a subscription fee for the installed one. The brochure does say it's $189 for an updated map list when they come out with one in the future.

Thanks for the heads up though, I'm going to a few dealerships today so I'll ask if there's a subscription fee. That would definitely make a difference.

Reply by Dave_CA on 12/11/06 9:41am
Msg #165220

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

I have had my TomTom for almost 2 years and have not had any problems with the windshield mount. It has a strong suction cup and is very secure. It does take a little practice to snap the unit on the mount but it's not really a problem.
I always remove the unit and put it in the glove box when I leave the car. Too much temptation otherwise...

Reply by PL on 12/11/06 9:44am
Msg #165222

Doesn't CA forbid window mount objects? n/m

Reply by PL on 12/11/06 9:43am
Msg #165221

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

The Mio I mentioned above has a battery and fits into my shirt pocket, I also have a sunroof so mine sits in between the seats and barks out instructions to me. I tried out 4 different ones, before this one and I am glad I did, this one is perfect for me.

Reply by kadie/nj on 12/11/06 12:58pm
Msg #165249

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

I HAVE THE PIONEER IT RAN ME 499.00 BUT IS BLUE TOOTH CAPABLE HAS POR IT IS GREAT, I T IS GREAT FOR PEOPLE WITH MORE THAN ONE VEHICLE LIKE MY FAMILY SO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO TAKE IT FROM CAR TO CAR IT IS THE BEST 500 DOLLARS I HAVE SPENT AND I DO KNOW THAT SOME CAR MANUFACTURERS DO CHARGE SUBSCIPTION FEES FOR GPS INSTALLED

Reply by thnotary_NY on 12/13/06 11:23am
Msg #165594

Re: GPS installed or purchased separately

What I was thinking about when I mentioned subscripton fees was not the dealers but ones like "OnStar". I doubt if dealers would be bothered with maintaing such operations. Think of the cost of such an operation and then it would probably be only local. Not sure but I think OnStar is nation wide.

Reply by Gary_CA on 12/11/06 10:52am
Msg #165231

WORRY

I've had a Garmin IQue 3600 for about 3 years... I love it. It's a sit on the dash/mount on the winshield deal. This one's also a full functioning Palm Pilot... anyway...

I was at my healthclub last halloween (2005) and left it in the dash. Good neighborhood 6:00 am, thought about putting it in the glove hole as was my habit but wanted it to charge.

It changed owners that day... and I lost a $200 window in the process.

Lesson learned... ouch.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/11/06 3:02pm
Msg #165275

What I did

I too have been considering getting a GPS (as well as a satellite card for my lap top), but my contract with Verizon was up so I went into the store and what I ended up with was a new phone (with a camera) that is Blue Tooth enabled, has satellite connectivity for my lap top and a built in Navigator. I used the Navigator twice in the past two days. What an improvement over trying to drive, look for street signs and READ A MAP, all simultaneously! I got the LG phone which opens up and has a real (albeit very small) regular keyboard for text messaging or putting in your addresses. The upgrade cost me slightly more than $100 with all the rebates, etc and renewing of my contract. Check it out, you might be surprised. And it goes wherever I go in my cell phone pouch.

Reply by David Kral on 12/11/06 9:56pm
Msg #165321

Garmin 330 or higher

Trade offs are screen quality whether maps are preloaded and voice. Get the voice. It helps a lot. I recommend Garmin and a 330 or higher.

Note Garmin had weak earnings. My guess is Christmas wont bail them out. I think in 1Q you are gong to see a lot of deals.

Search on www.fatwallet.com for a lot of user information on GPS systems.