First time GPS buyer

[gizbug]

Will be moving to St Louis at the end of the month. Due to me being new to the area, I thought it would make my life a lot easier if I had a GPS unit in my car to help me get around and find places with ease. I'm a pilot, and I've always trusted Garmin and their products, so maybe I am biased, but leaning towards them.

Not looking for TOP OF THE LINE. Just need something that gets me point a to point b, traffic alerts, and alternate routs. Voice would be nice, as it would make it easier when driving. Don't need any Bluetooth or MP3 frills with it.

I've been looking at the Garmin nüvi 350
Also, are the databases on GPS automatically updated? Or do you have to download software on your PC to a memory card each month for the unit?

Suggestions?

 

[gizbug]

**bump

 

[MagicConch]

I had a Garmin and used it in St. Louis (I used to live there), and it performed ok. I have noticed in general that the in-car ones are better b/c they have dead reckoning (ie using compass plus speedometer) when they lose satellite signal temporarily. If you are getting a new car anytime soon I'd just wait and put they money into that.

 

[LuNoTiCK]

The maps do not update automatically, you must update it.

If your garmin comes with version 8, do not register it, you can use it without registering the unit. Register it after they have v9 out .

 

[Kaido]

I'd say go with the Nuvi 350 - the Nuvis seem to be the best GPS system available right now. Alternatively I've heard a lot of good things about the Tom-Tom.

 

[RichUK]

I've just recently bought a 'tomtom one' and it rocks. I was going to get the tomtom software for the PDA and buy a cradle/GPS unit for the car, but thought I?d go with a standalone unit instead.

tomtom FTW That's if you guys can get them over in the states.

 

[iversonyin]

Garmin C320 is a cheap and solid unit.

 

[nweaver]

I just got a C340, and it rocks. On sale at Amazon ($230ish iirc)

 

[gizbug]

What are the main differences with the StreetPilot over the Nuvi series?

 

[Imdmn04]

If you are gonna be in St.Louis, make sure you consider size as a important factor. Because you don't want your windows smashed parked on the ghetto street when someone decides to rob your GPS. Always take your GPS with you when you leave the car.

 

[Reckoner]

Here you go

 

[gizbug]

Looks like the TomTom One has a poor POI (Points of Interest) database. Not sure if I would like that due to wanting to use the GPS to find new things in a new area.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: iversonyin
Garmin C320 is a cheap and solid unit.

Although it's an older model, for $199 it's a solid deal.

Unfortunately we paid $360

 

[daveymark]

Originally posted by: iversonyin
Garmin C320 is a cheap and solid unit.

I don't think that one provides live traffic info

 

[gizbug]

Daveymark, ur correct

 

[JoPh]

nuvi 350.. costco.com for 350. best one out there.

 

[daveymark]

the fact that you need traffic info means you can't skimp on the gps. The nuvi 350 is probably the best deal. i think costco has that unit on backorder though

 

[runzwithsizorz]

I just got the Magellan RoadMate 800, and really love it. For a few $ more you can get it with live traffic, I believe there is a monthly fee though. Hooks right up to your computer so you can download 5gigs of pics, or music. Works as hand held, or moves from car to car. long battery life. Btw, the female voice prompts sound alot like my wife; "you missed the turn idiot, weren't you listening to me?, sigh, now I'm going to have to reroute, or we have to make a legal U-turn, God, you are such a jerk. Ain't technology grand. :roll:

 

[Synomenon]

If you don't need a pocketable unit, I'd suggest a StreetPilot c5xx unit. There are some good deals now on the c550 since the c580 has been released. I find the MSN Direct features in the c580 very useful though. CompUSA also has JVC's eAvinu units on sale for $199.99 before a $20 mail-in-rebate. The JVC unit uses Navteq maps just like the Garmin units. It has the same screen size as the StreetPilot c5xx series and has a built in 20GB hard drive AND SD slot. This JVC unit plays audiio and can also play videos unlike the Garmin units. The only drawback to the JVC unit is that it doesn't have WAAS or a SIRF III chip so satellite tracking might be a little slower.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product...asp?product_code=343923&pfp=ADPRODUCTS

 

[isekii]

I use the Mitac Mio C310x and it works great.

I paid 149.99 + tax during black friday.

You can buy a 50 off 200 on ebay for 3.99

buy it from staples.
it's currently 199.99 so add something that'll push to 200 and apply coupon

total should be less than $165 after tax and coupon costs

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: iversonyin
Garmin C320 is a cheap and solid unit.

Although it's an older model, for $199 it's a solid deal.

Unfortunately we paid $360

ya got my friend one for $200 from fry's and he seems to be happy with it.

 

[gizbug]

Originally posted by: JoPh
nuvi 350.. costco.com for 350. best one out there.

I dont see that listed on costco.com

 

[Farbio]

the costco deal is dead
atm, the only good nuvi deal is at frys - they have the nuvi 360 for 399, or the 350 for 389 - for $10, its worth it for the bt imho

i love my nuvi 350, works pretty darn well, great poi interface

 

[gizbug]

seems like walmart has 350 for $394.00