Garmin Nuvi 250W (Widescreen) $299 at Costco

[TimeKeeper]

Well, cheapest you can find as of today Sept. 24, 07


Edit: As of today, Oct. 30, 07, Nuvi 250W can be had for $300 in many places online. (which you don't have to pay tax, some even got free shipping)

Anyway....

Magellan 4040 for $299 at B&M is not a bad deal also. (just for the heads up, except it is going to be replaced by 4200 series )

 

[RossMAN]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/P...t.aspx?Prodid=11233973

 

[TuxDave]

Wow. Argh.... why can't it speak road names... I'm torn.

 

[Terminal Raptor]

Originally posted by: TuxDave
Wow. Argh.... why can't it speak road names... I'm torn.

You might want to hold off a while then. Garmin just released the 7xx series, so the nuvi 6xx and 5xx will probably be dropping in price very soon.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: -Raptor-

Originally posted by: TuxDave
Wow. Argh.... why can't it speak road names... I'm torn.

You might want to hold off a while then. Garmin just released the 7xx series, so the nuvi 6xx and 5xx will probably be dropping in price very soon.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking for the most bang for your buck Garmin without all the extras (bluetooth/weather/traffic reports).

 

[Delerious]

I coulda sworn I saw this on Woot the other day for $199

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Delerious
I coulda sworn I saw this on Woot the other day for $199

http://www.woot.com/Blog/BlogE....aspx?BlogEntryId=2936

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Delerious
I coulda sworn I saw this on Woot the other day for $199

Nuvi 200 is the U.S. map only.
Nuvi 250 come w/ NA.
Nuvi 200 W is the wide screen version.
Nuvi 250 W is the wide screen version.

And I could have sworn there is no way Nuvi 250W every dig below $300 since its debut ANYWHERE! ( I have been tracking it since June )

I have written few hand-on review at gpspassion.com.
~ Nuvi 200 Bravo vs SiRF III
~ Nuvi 200W (wide screen)
~ Harman Kardon GPS 500

 

[RossMAN]

Hmmn decision time, Garmin 250 RadioShack for $250 or Garmin 250W CostCo for $299?

Do both have the same suction mechanism?

Which has newer/more accurate maps?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Hmmn decision time, Garmin 250 RadioShack for $250 or Garmin 250W CostCo for $299?

Do both have the same suction mechanism?

Which has newer/more accurate maps?

Yes, they use same windshield mount.

Nuvi 2xx (non-w) version introduce earlier may still come w/ Older Version 8 map.
(however, after you registered w/ Garmin, you can get a free upgrade to Version 2008)

Older 2XX w/ serial number's fourth digit equal to 0, will equipped w/ SiRF III chipset.
( Newer 2XX will come w/ Bravo chipset )

Nuvi 2xxW (Wide version) seems to equipped w/ SiRF III only. Because it introduce in July, and they are all Version 2008.
http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...5930&SearchTerms=,200w

In term of signal strength, Bravo is much better ( you can read my review at GPSpassion).
SiRF III is much better in position accuracy.

http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=91508

Nuvi 2xx and W-version has the best screen resolution and contrast among all unit I have tested so far. ( Even better than its older Nuvi 3xx sibling ) You can also see the comparison photo at GPSpassion.

http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...7&SearchTerms=,antenna



RossMan;
To be honest, Widescreen really doesn't help much nor provide more useful information during navigation. It is easier for map browsing.
But again, Nuvi 2xx or W version's screen just can't be beat! ( Yes, I have also tested TomTom's and its screen is barely read-able in sunny day - NOT even direct sun light.)
Nuvi 2xx has the longest battery life per charge. Even the Wide screen version reach 5 hours w/out problem. ( unless you like have all these power cord hanging all over your center console, or expect to get lost walking downtown Seattle after 100 min, then TomTom is your choice)

 

[RossMAN]

TimeKeeper,

While I appreciate the wealth of information, I'm still confused which GPS to buy and why?

I called my local Radio Shack and the Garmin 200 is $349 not $249?

 

[MX2]

Magellan 3140 series or higher.

/end line

 

[Terminal Raptor]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: -Raptor-

Originally posted by: TuxDave
Wow. Argh.... why can't it speak road names... I'm torn.

You might want to hold off a while then. Garmin just released the 7xx series, so the nuvi 6xx and 5xx will probably be dropping in price very soon.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking for the most bang for your buck Garmin without all the extras (bluetooth/weather/traffic reports).

err Correction, that should be the 6xx and 3xx that would be dropping in price soon (Seeing how there is no 5xx).

RossMan,
I personally recommend the Nuvi 350. I bought my father a 360 for x-mas last year and he loves it. The 350 is the same as the 360 sans bluetooth. It has a very nice form factor, and does just about everything you could want. This is all personal opinion though, but I did a lot of homework before I bought him his unit. The 650 is the same as the 350, but is widescreen. Any higher number in either line (3xx/6xx) and you start getting into features such as bluetooth, MSN directions etc.

*The 7xx series should start showing up at the end of the month, Garmin already lists them on their website.

 

[RossMAN]

I suppose I could do Garmin's comparison tool but what's the difference between 200, 250 and 350?

 

[MX2]

Ross, trust me on this one. Regardless of Garmin or Magellan,get one with bluetooth and the ability to speak aloud street names.

If you decide to go Garmin, here is what you want...
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...ht_key=y&keyword1=vasp

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
TimeKeeper,

While I appreciate the wealth of information, I'm still confused which GPS to buy and why?

I called my local Radio Shack and the Garmin 200 is $349 not $249?

We should agree buying nuvi 200 or nuvi 250 is NOT a wise choice now, since 250W can be had for $299.


Now, I will not give your "personal opinion", I will give you straight fact.
Let's list what's important to you, shall we? ( say looking for price no more than $300)

You could also read my Harman Kardon GPS 500 review. It clearly show you, there is NO perfect GPS. http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=97036
You can use this review to decide what is important to you.

*Magellan is not too bad, but again, 3200 series will be out soon, and 3100 series is extremely difficult to save spot on the fly. And single charge last around 2 hours only.
display fade away under sunny day as well. (touch screen film way too reflective) Map browsing mode will be extremely painful to use. Too Laggy.


BT and TTS is very "optional" choice. I already have BT equipped in my car, I don't need my PND for BT connection. TTS generally works fine, if you are familiar w/ the area already. TTS wouldn't work well if you are in brand new area, such as seattle, constant rainning, and you can even see the street tag.

 

[RossMAN]

Maybe it would help if you knew we've had a Garmin StreetPilot c320 for about 2 years and we love it.

Of course back in the day it was $359 which at the time was a good deal.

I'm happy with the signal strength but would like: smaller (widescreen or not doesn't matter), better accuracy and newer maps.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Maybe it would help if you knew we've had a Garmin StreetPilot c320 for about 2 years and we love it.

Of course back in the day it was $359 which at the time was a good deal.

I'm happy with the signal strength but would like: smaller (widescreen or not doesn't matter), better accuracy and newer maps.

Well, if you are already happy w/ your C320. Then you could easily upgrade your map from Garmin w/out spend so much extra.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Maybe it would help if you knew we've had a Garmin StreetPilot c320 for about 2 years and we love it.

Of course back in the day it was $359 which at the time was a good deal.

I'm happy with the signal strength but would like: smaller (widescreen or not doesn't matter), better accuracy and newer maps.

Well, if you are already happy w/ your C320. Then you could easily upgrade your map from Garmin w/out spend so much extra.

But I want something newer, shinier, better, and smaller

 

[TimeKeeper]

If you can wait, please wait till next month.
I should be testing Navigon 2100, Ipaq 310 against Nuvi 2xx.
Otherwise, I really wouldn't recommend ANY of entry level PND just yet.

Otherwise, 250W Widescreen at $299 just can't be beat.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
If you can wait, please wait till next month.
I should be testing Navigon 2100, Ipaq 310 against Nuvi 2xx.
Otherwise, I really wouldn't recommend ANY of entry level PND just yet.

I don't need a new GPS but it would be nice to have. Our c320 works just fine and we don't use it that often.

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
Otherwise, 250W Widescreen at $299 just can't be beat.

I think that sums it up for me, thanks.

 

[laketrout]

Eh, as far as I'm concerned the best bang for you buck is the TomTom ONE because they are selling for under $200 now and thats really good. They have higher cost widescreen and units with more features, but if you're looking to save the ONE is def the way to go. I've always found the screen to be really clear myself.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: laketrout
Eh, as far as I'm concerned the best bang for you buck is the TomTom ONE because they are selling for under $200 now and thats really good. They have higher cost widescreen and units with more features, but if you're looking to save the ONE is def the way to go. I've always found the screen to be really clear myself.

I have tested TomTom One 2nd Edition as well. (Check my review at tomtomforum.com)
GPSpassion also has TomTom one SiRF vs Hammerhead comparison.

Although, it is feature pack, but I actually never recommend TomTom one to anyone for following reason...

1. The screen get wash out during the sunny day. ( It is no where closed to nuvi line )
Comparing GPS screen in the store is NOT the proper way to do so. Also, if you happen to wear cool sun glasses during cool summer day, just don't expect to see the screen.

2. Routing engine is left to be desire in the U.S. (TeleAtlas is just not a good choice, and there are many review on the web point out it tends give longer route than Navteq)

3. Extremely short battery life. ( it suppose to be portable, yet, I have test over one week period, it never last longer than 100 min per single charge.) Don't expect to take your tomtom one for sunnday walk in the NY city for more than one hour.

4. shallow angle 3D view. ( we really do not wish to see the horizon line, it just waste of valueable screen on the top).

5. No final designation prompt. (bare in mind, almost everywhere you go, there are 4+ lanes road) It only prompt "reach your designation in 300 yard". Wait!!!!! Left or right? Let me slow down, but the damn taxi is honking my behind!. Garmin will prompt you "reach your designation in 300 yard ON YOUR LEFT".

I am NOT saying Garmin is THE one, but I just like to point out TomTom one is NOT the best bang for the buck at all.

 

[laketrout]

To each their own then I guess. I always liked it though.

 

[Samus]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: -Raptor-

Originally posted by: TuxDave
Wow. Argh.... why can't it speak road names... I'm torn.

You might want to hold off a while then. Garmin just released the 7xx series, so the nuvi 6xx and 5xx will probably be dropping in price very soon.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking for the most bang for your buck Garmin without all the extras (bluetooth/weather/traffic reports).

At least you've already made half the decision to go with the right GPS company. My friend's TomTom is a complete POS, and my 6-year olf Garmin GPS V syncs of the satellites, has better input entry, and displays more information with more accuracy than every non-Garmin GPS I've used.