GPS Guru's needed!

[Oakenfold]

I'm looking at getting my parent's a GPS for Christmas. They are in their late 50's and have little computer skills. I would like help choosing the right gift to make sure I'm not called to figure out how to do x function on the GPS every time they get in the vehicle. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Here are my needs:
N.America maps, they don't drive outside the USA so Canada or Mexico maps are not required.
We live in Florida and mainly travel on the east coast of the USA.
POI's are normally retail stores, historic sites and tourist attractions.
A strong TTS.
Easy to use UI, this is a MUST.
A large or medium display screen, it must be easy to read in all types of lighting conditions (night, full on sun etc).


Here's what I know about GPS's:
Zip, zilch, nada. I've spent a little bit of time on some GPS enthusiast forums but that's about it. I'm picking up the lingo so please don't use too many acronyms.

My budget is $400.00.
Thanks for your help!

 

[intogamer]

There are a lot of sales for GPS devices from time to time. The time in between Christmas will vary many models for the best price. You can get one for <$200 Unless you want to just spurge on the best of the best. I'm sure you want to periodically update the maps.

Other than that I can't help ya

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Oakenfold
N.America maps, they don't drive outside the USA so Canada or Mexico maps are not required.
We live in Florida and mainly travel on the east coast of the USA.

Choice: Any GPS. But let's focus on name brand, shall we

POI's are normally retail stores, historic sites and tourist attractions.

That will eliminate most of entry level GPS.
Stay away from:
Mio C230, C320
Magellan 3100, 3200, 3225, 4000,
Sanyo 4050

A strong TTS.

Choice:
Garmin Nuvi TTS (Nothing beats Garmin in this catagory, great sound, good direction, more selections. "British Daniel" is the best of them.

TomTom and Magellan Maestro (sound extremely robotic, it become distorted when turn up the volume)

Easy to use UI, this is a MUST.

My wife, rated on this one. (she has no tech background, and she does NOT like instruction or me showing her how.)
Garmin is by far the easiest. Follow by Harman Kardon GPS 500.
TomTom is great, but too much function.
Magellan is great also, but can't browse the map, have to switch between 2d and 3d.
STAY AWAY from MIO. (why are there so many mode to navigate? Cockpit? full screen? split? follow?)

p.s., I would said, UI is one of the hardest part in reviewing GPS. It is matter of "getting use to". But, my wife insist Garmin's UI is idiot-proof.

A large or medium display screen, it must be easy to read in all types of lighting conditions (night, full on sun etc).

Nuvi 200 series, 600 series and 700 series, been the best . Very readable under direct sun.


There are more option you need to be aware of such as Signal strength, portability, position accuracy, Interface speed, UI search functionality / info/ speed.

Just this year along, I have own and tested;
Tomtom 510/ 710, TomTom one.
Navman F20.
Garmin C330, Nuvi 200 (bravo), Nuvi 200 (SiRFIII), Nuvi 200W, Nuvi 260, Nuvi 350, Nuvi 650
Magellan 3225, 3250 (first voice activate GPS, done testing)
Mio C310x, C320, Mio C230
Harman Kardon 500
Sanyo 4050
Omnitech 15223


If you can get Nuvi 650 for $299 at Costco online, then it will be the best Deal, otherwise, I concluded for your parents, I would suggest Nuvi 260 for now.
Should be under $300 from ebay. (or watch out possible price drop around thanksgiving)

For $400, you have many choices in large screen GPS, but I would not suggest any of them at all.

p.s. : I think you should look into the mounting solution, no matter what GPS you got for them.

1. PND has become number 1 stolen item among automobile accessories. You want something easy to hook on and release.
2. Windshield mount itself attracting thief.
3. Depending on the car, windshield placement can be hard to reach. You should see my niece trying to reach her TomTom in her VW bug! That was the funniest thing!
4. Windshield mount placement can also cause the GPS to heat up rather quickly. (florida, Cali)
We all aware what heat can do to electronic devices. NOT only receipe to shorten Li-ion battery life, but also cause inaccurate positioning or hang.

For myself, I got a Vent mount clip from BestBuy for $10. It was originally design for iPod, but it is the best for design of my car. It virtually disappear in the center console even I didn't remove it. See links below...

The BESTBUY Vent clip
From inside view and easy reach
From outside view, you don't see it

 

[laketrout]

I've used quite a few GPS devices myself and I've think that one of the entry level TomToms would be a pretty good fit for your parents. My folks aren't that great a gadgets either and thats what I've recommended them. As far as TTS - I know the new ONE XL-S has it and is in your price range, but as was said before there should be a lot of good deals for the holidays.

 

[TimeKeeper]

I agree TomTom one/ XL / XL-S is quite nice, except 3 major issues I found it unacceptable.

1. 1100mAh battery. It will NOT last more than 100 min per single charge.
If you are okay w/ pluging power cord and let it hang over your center console, then I guess it should be ok.
Also, don't expect to take any of TT1 line to city sight scene. After all, you can't keep run into Starbuck and ask where is the power outlet.

2. Screen touch film is too reflective and impossible to view under the sun.
It get worse, if you wear sunglass in the sunnday.

3. No final designation prompt.
Yes, it will tell you "arrived your designation in 300 yard"! But it wouln't tell you which side!

It is okay, if you are on less populated city, but if you happen to drive around downtown NYC, LA, DC, Boston, Seattle, you have 4 lanes+ one-way-street. Slowing down trying to figure out which side of road is big no-no! Not only you will pissed off most driver around you, but also increase the chance for rear impact accident.

 

[Oakenfold]

So I just watched a Magellan 4050 Demo on Youtube
The voice command is pretty neat. Has anyone used this unit? I read the review over at GPStracklog that points out the POI issues (as Timekeeper has pointed out) but the voice command has me debating on this or a Garmin.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Oakenfold
So I just watched a Magellan 4050 Demo on Youtube
The voice command is pretty neat. Has anyone used this unit? I read the review over at GPStracklog that points out the POI issues (as Timekeeper has pointed out) but the voice command has me debating on this or a Garmin.

I am currently testing Magellan 3250.
I should have my review out soon. (ahem,...you know at the other site)

From initial test, 3250 comes w/ 6 million POI which most retail store appear!

Voice Commend is about 20+ only. NOPE, you can NOT input address verbally.
Things you can "go to" is Nearest ATM, Nearest Coffee, Nearest Restraunt and etc.
So..hmm.......... if you in for the voice command, then, you might be disappointed.

Although Magellan 3250 street price is about little over $300 w/ BT, TMC, TTS, it might not be a bad choice. (if BT, TMC, Multi-route is must to you )

 

[lightweight]

I'm glad this thread came up. I'm also in the market for a GPS unit. Based on your recommendations TimeKeeper and the current market, I will either purchase a TomTom One or Garmin Nuvi 200. I do have a few questions for you though.

The Vent clip you're talking about is this correct?

Also, in the other thread I saw there was some discussion about the different editions of the TomTom One. What is the difference with 2nd and 3rd editions?

 

[Chryso]

I got my wife a Garmin Nuvi 350 for her birthday. She is extremely pleased with it.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: lightweight
I'm glad this thread came up. I'm also in the market for a GPS unit. Based on your recommendations TimeKeeper and the current market, I will either purchase a TomTom One or Garmin Nuvi 200. I do have a few questions for you though.

The Vent clip you're talking about is this correct?

Also, in the other thread I saw there was some discussion about the different editions of the TomTom One. What is the difference with 2nd and 3rd editions?

Actually this one I am referring to....

Braketron SKU: 8288319

And here is how I mount it..
BESTBUY Vent Clip
From inside view and easy reach
From outside view, you don't see it

==========================================================

If anyone desire TT1, I actually would suggest TT1 LE (2nd edition - SiRFIII) than (3rd edition-Hammerhead )

There are actually two version of NA map in TT.
One version (TT1) which require only 884MB
One version (TT1-XL, TT 720) which w/ full detail water body, POI require 1.4GB.

TT1-3 lack of SD slot w/ limited Build in memory space which can't download more POI off from TomTom Home software.

On the other hand TT1-2, if you have 2GB SD lying around, you can have full retail store POI download as well as detail map version downloaded.


Of course, TT1-3 has Map share. ( that is if you like to share POI ) and TMC competible (if you want TMC, then you have to pay extra - antenna and monthly fee)

TT1-2 is not TMC competible, but it has Bluetooth build in.

 

[getbush]

Get a Garmin Nuvi, seriously. I love mine. Navteq maps blow the teleatlas in thte tomtom away. Better directions, and the navteq map data includes average speeds for roads. The tomtoms time of arrival varies more with speed. Garmins are slick and spookily accurate.

 

[lightweight]

Timekeeper:

Thanks for the clarification on the mounting clip. That's sure to save some headaches. I found the TomTom One LE on BestBuy's website but there is no mention of 2nd or 3rd editions. How do I tell the difference?

getbush:

What model Nuvi do you own? Are you talking about the Nuvi 200? It got some bad reviews on Amazon and one in particular was a problem picking up satellites in the DC Metro area which is where I live. This concerns me. I was going to buy the TomTom One 3rd Edition because it is on sale at Staples for $125. I'll be close to a Staples over Thanksgiving.

I'm interested in both of your thoughts on this.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: lightweight
Timekeeper:

Thanks for the clarification on the mounting clip. That's sure to save some headaches. I found the TomTom One LE on BestBuy's website but there is no mention of 2nd or 3rd editions. How do I tell the difference?

2nd edition is the one w/ Black frame and SD slot at the butt.
3rd edition is the one w/ Silver frame and NO SD slot at the butt.

 

[getbush]

I own the Nuvi 200. I wouldn't be scared away by people's reviews on Amazon. It uses the SirfStar III chipset. That's what all of the higher end ones use as well. It's the same system, and it's the best available. But it and try it within the store's return policy, but I doubt you'll return it. It's 170 at Best Buy on BF.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: getbush
I own the Nuvi 200. I wouldn't be scared away by people's reviews on Amazon. It uses the SirfStar III chipset. That's what all of the higher end ones use as well. It's the same system, and it's the best available. But it and try it within the store's return policy, but I doubt you'll return it. It's 170 at Best Buy on BF.

Hmm...yes and no.
Earlier version Nuvi 2xx series still using SiRF III.
Newer one already has been change to Bravo Chip now. Including 250 and 260.

From my comparison review that SiRF III has better position accuracy, Bravo has much strong signal.

Recent firmware 3.4 also enable Nuvi 2xx series w/ Recordable track log on their engineer menu. And has dramatically improve the position accuracy at less than 15 yard at speed of 45mph on Type B chip (Bravo)

Garmin has continue to update their firmware, earlier firmware really has huge problem on lagging and slow signal acqusition on Pre-3.4 version.

 

[getbush]

Timekeeper, that's interesting. I knew that garmin was looking t maybe changing, but didn't realize it had happened. I guess I don't know what is in mine. I think I purchased it in late september or october of this year.

Can you tell me where to find the information you are referring to?

 

[lightweight]

Originally posted by: getbush
I own the Nuvi 200. I wouldn't be scared away by people's reviews on Amazon. It uses the SirfStar III chipset. That's what all of the higher end ones use as well. It's the same system, and it's the best available. But it and try it within the store's return policy, but I doubt you'll return it. It's 170 at Best Buy on BF.

Amazon has a deal running right now where it's $215 including shipping for the Nuvi 200. Just to clarify, this is the one I'm talking about. Is it worth the extra $90 for the Nuvi 200 as opposed to the TomTom One 3rd Edition on sale at Staples on BF for $125? I'd be interested in your opinion also TimeKeeper. Also, the Nuvi 250 is $270 including shipping at Amazon. Is this worth the extra $60 over the 200? It will be used on occasion for trips and navigation around DC Metro area.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: getbush
Timekeeper, that's interesting. I knew that garmin was looking t maybe changing, but didn't realize it had happened. I guess I don't know what is in mine. I think I purchased it in late september or october of this year.

Can you tell me where to find the information you are referring to?

1. press and hold "battery" icon for 8 seconds to get into Service Menu.
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/200w/screen.JPG

2. press "next" icon
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/200w/screen1.JPG

3. press "Start test" and "more" icon. (block my serial number)
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/200w/screen2.JPG

4. arrived at Inventory menu.
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/200w/200w7.JPG

This is my earlier 200W version, but proceedure is the SAME for all 2xx and 2xxW version.

***** If it is Bravo-chip, it should display like following photo
http://home.comcast.net/~passion4gps/nuvi260/4.jpg

========================================================

ONLY different between 200 and 250 is map of Canada.
If you are in D.C. ( trust me, I had been living there for more than 20 years ) you might want to consider Nuvi 260 TTS model.

I don't see the need for TTS in Seattle, but it is pain on the behind to navigate around Dupont Circle, Washington Circle, or Logan Circle in D.C.

Also if you are navigate around I-395/ R1 Pentagon city, (even I used to live next to Petagon City mall) you ought to get lost easily.

=========================================================

SiRF III has been around for more than 2 years. ( first introduce into Nuvi 350 )
But times changes, Bravo (garmin) or Hammerhead (TomTom) or Centrality (HP) in many cases show better performance than Sirf III.

Is Nuvi 200 worith extra $60 over TT1? To me, it is! I will take Nuvi 200 over TT1-3 any time of the day!!!!

 

[lightweight]

Timekeeper:
The information that you are providing me has proven very useful in deciding on a GPS. I personally had a Pioneer AVIC-D2 installed in my dash if you've seen it and I'm very pleased. This unit is the one I found on Amazon and it is priced at $305. Is this the correct model and do you feel it's worth the price over it's brother (the 200)?

Edit:
Jackpot! Coincidentally Staples has this unit on Black Friday for $250 here.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: lightweight
Timekeeper:
The information that you are providing me has proven very useful in deciding on a GPS. I personally had a Pioneer AVIC-D2 installed in my dash if you've seen it and I'm very pleased. This unit is the one I found on Amazon and it is priced at $305. Is this the correct model and do you feel it's worth the price over it's brother (the 200)?

Edit:
Jackpot! Coincidentally Staples has this unit on Black Friday for $250 here.

Pioneer is great, little laggy, but if you get the chance to see Nuvi 2xx series and Pioneer side by side OUTSIDE of the STORE, specially on the SUNNY DAY, then you might toss your Pioneer away.

 

[lightweight]

I've decided to try and pick up the Nuvi 260 on BF based on your recommendation TimeKeeper. This looks like a solid unit and my fiance is sure to love it. Hopefully I don't like it more than my Pioneer. :evil:

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: lightweight
I've decided to try and pick up the Nuvi 260 on BF based on your recommendation TimeKeeper. This looks like a solid unit and my fiance is sure to love it. Hopefully I don't like it more than my Pioneer. :evil:

Unfortunately, I will be oversea on BF weekend.
If your fiance does NOT like the Nuvi 260, KEEP it till Dec. 19.
When I returned, I will buy it from you for $250!!!!
You have my word on it and my heatware

 

[Phokus]

edit: nevermind

 

[TimeKeeper]

I just realized

Navigon 2100T (TTS, Reality View, TMC and Navteq) for $99 @ Staples on BF.
Although I never had experience w/ this one, the deal seems to be the BEST!

 

[Markbnj]

STAY AWAY from MIO. (why are there so many mode to navigate? Cockpit? full screen? split? follow?)

I have the Mio C520, and I don't think you can touch the features at that price for a 4.3" widescreen GPS with all the extras. I agree that the interface is not the simplest, but I am puzzled by your examples. I do think they did a great job designing it for flexibility and customizeability. Most of the people I have talked to who have the Mio love it for it's hackability and excellent performance. None have issues deciding between full screen and split-screen modes . You change them with a single tap and once you have used the unit it's immediately apparent what each view is for. Likewise the Follow button. You can browse around on the map, place a cursor, search around the cursor, etc., all while navigating. Follow just means "center back on my location and lock to it." Not that hard.