k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

Looking to get a GPS for the car..

I know alot of you guys have them, so what do you recommend??

like to keep it around or under $250.. widescreen if possible..

94civic

garmin = best there is

DumbasSi

I have a TomTom One XL. It's hardly the best compared to some of the Garmin units, but it' simple to operate, has a large screen, it was cheap and it does the job. All the things I was looking for.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...10089501&catid=

Cantonagod

I'll take my TomTom over any comparably priced Garmin.

k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

I have a Garmin handheld GPS right now for ATVing and I really like it..

Wheres the best to pick one up??.. future shop, bestbuy?

Dexst

picked up the sony nav-u 83T for only 380

cr8tive_leo

find one that's running IGO8, best software hands down.

07Ex

My wife has a TomTom and she loves it. I would highly recommend the brand.

Redeyelove

I have the Garmin 250w Nuvi. Love the wide screen, love the unit. A bit over your price range but at times I have seen them on sale. GL.

k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

^^ This one??

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

I was looking at this one a few days ago.. I liked it.

Redeyelove

That's the one. Love that thing. Super easy to use, the display is teh sexor. Even though it's my first one I have compared it to some other models before buying and it clearly finishs first for the price range. This thing takes the cake. Leave TomTom at home, Garmin is the future!

As the models get more expensive, the only REAL noticeable improvement is that you can give the unit vocal commands. I don't care for that.

Before I forget, if you are in a wooded area it may take a few minutes to initially find a satellite. It's perfectly normal. That's just from a cold start. Let's say you used it an hour ago, if you turn it back on it will find a satellite instantly.

raman

hey kracker. I work at futureshop in heartland... in the audio section i sell gps. Anyway here is some help. For 250 bucks.. you've got a couple choices. I would recommend either garmin or tomtom. Tomtom is slightly cheaper in price from related garmin products. The One XL from tomtom is a good unit. Its a wide screen and is fairly simple to use. The comparison for this model from garmins side would be the 250W. Recently, tomtom has launched a few new models. THe ONE XL has been redesigned is now called the XL 330. Its slimmer, more bright and the screen is more sensitive than its older model. Also where where the section cup peice joins to the gps has been redesigned. There on sale right now until thursday for 199.99. Its a good price for its capabilities. One thing you should know about these gps (250W and ONe 330) is that they do not say the street names (text to speech). For example they will say "in the next 200m make a right". With text to speech they will say "in the next 200m make a right on MAVIS road" It can be helpful when driving in an area you don't know well. If you wanted a gps that has that feature the step up would be:

Garmin 250W ---> 260W which is 299.99 about 70 dollar difference
tomtom 330 ---> 330S Which is 299.99 about 100 dollar difference

There major differences between the garmin and tomtom is: garmin uses the same mapping software as google maps and mapquest which is called NAVTEQ. Tomtom uses Tele Atlas which is suppose to be more popular in europe. Also tomtom has a feature called Mapshare, where you can share and make modifications to the maps on your unit. Garmin does not have this. Also with garmin you cannot find alternative routes to your destination. With tomtom you can do this. Don't get me wrong garmin is good. People find it easier to use garmin. Thats basically the basics to gps's. Higher end gps have bluetooth, traffic updates (which you have to pay for), media player etc...

Hope that helped. If you want PM me and we can meet up at futureshop and i can show you a demo for each of them. Futureshop also gives you a 30 day return policy. What i would do is get one from garmin try it out and exchange it for a tomtom. Then choose from there.

raman

szuberi

^^ garmin units do find alternative routes....infact all gps units do now.

rjngo

Tom Tom gets my vote!

mine has been to san francisco, Orlando, Miami, and some other cities in florida, new york, buffalo, quebec, montreal...it never failed me to get to point A to B.

thrill_house

Im running an alpine blackbird in my car which i picked up for 150 brand new and it seems to work quite well, it also double as an mp3 player and will play for 3 hours off the battery.

jeff_leonor

i have a garmin nuvi 250. on sale now for 199. gets the job done. pay extra 30-40 for wide screen.. but i say you wouldn't really need that big because it will be added distractionbeing a bigger block to your view.. very very simple to use..

Cynikal.Mindset

garmin > tomtom

hula_balu

I have a Magellan got it for $169. My friend has a tomtom for the same price. the difference? we went to a cottage up north, we both went different directions only following what the gps tells us. I got there 30 mins earlier. he said the gps took a longer way and a dead end.

zyepher

I heard lots of good things from magellan

szuberi

i love the british accent when it says......RECALCULAYYYTING....HEAD NOOOORTH