Seeking GPS Advice

[monty4msu]

Started out with a Tom Tom, cost less than $150.00, gave it to my daughter when she went back to college in Nashville. Realized real quick that i needed a GPS unit to find my way around Omaha, so bought a Garmin for about $120.00. After having and using the Tom, it has been difficult to get used to the Garmin. One of the things i dont like is that when i want an alternate route, i really have to work to get Garmin to find it. The Tom always gave me the option. I bought cheap, and in hindsight, i would spend the extra and get more bells and whistles.

[hexydes]

I know everyone is hot on Garmin (and for good reason), but I can't say enough good things about Magellan. We had an older, non-widescreen model for about a year, which we loved. (paid about $92 for it) The screen broke after an accident that might have involved my fist. At any rate, I purchased a "new" Magellan unit from Amazon. It arrived and was most definitely a refurb (merchandise fail on Amazon's part). Worse yet, it appeared it had never even been fixed because the firmware was all messed up.

Well, I complained to Magellan's PR guy and head tech support guy, both of whom were very nice. The tech support guy apologized and said that the unit I ordered was no longer being produced, but would I accept the new model at no extra charge as a replacement. I did, and three days later I had my new GPS! The new one is working very well so far (about a month into use).

The only other experience I have with a GPS is a Tom-Tom, and it was a piece of ****. Pretty much what I've found is that if you don't mind spending more, get a Garmin. If you want a reliable-but-inexpensive model, go for Magellan. Anything else is either way overpriced or garbage.

[Trevor Barnes]

Originally Posted by Heat Miser

That sounds great, but unless you're in sales, I just don't see the cost/benefit for the number of times the average person might use such a device.

I use mine daily, even on the commute to work. 1) I love gadgets and 2) I like knowing what my estimated time of arrival is so I know if I'll be late or not.

[Trevor Barnes]

Originally Posted by hexydes

I know everyone is hot on Garmin (and for good reason), but I can't say enough good things about Magellan. We had an older, non-widescreen model for about a year, which we loved. (paid about $92 for it) The screen broke after an accident that might have involved my fist. At any rate, I purchased a "new" Magellan unit from Amazon. It arrived and was most definitely a refurb (merchandise fail on Amazon's part). Worse yet, it appeared it had never even been fixed because the firmware was all messed up.

For the record the screen on my Garmin has never broken and I've never received a refurb when I bought a Garmin.

[Sid Farkus]

FYI..the company that owns the Magellan brand is not very financially stable.

[pulling69]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 775T and love it. The free traffic option has saved me a TON of time and headaches driving in the DC Metro area. The thing will direct you around traffic and has provided me some great short cuts.

As far as brands go I am a Garmin guy. Garmin has been the industry leader forever and they make the BEST units for hiking, auto, marine, and aircraft by far.

[hexydes]

Originally Posted by Trevor Barnes

For the record the screen on my Garmin has never broken and I've never received a refurb when I bought a Garmin.

Have you ever punched your GPS? And the refurb was all on Amazon, no Magellan.

Originally Posted by Sid Farkus

FYI..the company that owns the Magellan brand is not very financially stable.

Indeed, but it doesn't change the fact that they make decent units with good software.

[mydogsparty]

Garmin has been the industry leader forever and they make the BEST units for hiking, auto, marine, and aircraft by far.

Does anyone know if they make a single GPS unit that's good for both auto & hiking?

[pulling69]

Originally Posted by mydogsparty

Does anyone know if they make a single GPS unit that's good for both auto & hiking?

My first GPS was used for hiking, in my car, and even took it up to play around with in an airplane a few times. It is now mounted on my mountain bike:

[The Pantry]

Christ. Haven't any of you tools learned to read a road map or figured out a compass?

[walencik]

Why the hell is Lorenzo the Texan posting about GPS's and not writing clever ass stuff about the football team? And why am I the only one asking this question?

[A.M. wood]

Originally Posted by The Pantry

Christ. Haven't any of you tools learned to read a road map or figured out a compass?

those are in a box in my basement along with the buggy whip.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by Gyro

Not quite true. Everytime a new map is released you need to purchase it if you want the update, which I believe is once a year.

I bought lifetime maps and get a download every quarter.

[SpartyGuy92]

We have a Sony 983 and love it. It is widescreen and what I like the best about it is that the screen splits to show proper lanes for busy junctions.

[Rule Spartannia]

Originally Posted by walencik

Why the hell is Lorenzo the Texan posting about GPS's and not writing clever ass stuff about the football team? And why am I the only one asking this question?

Exactly. I happen to know the world's best model of GPS unit at a fantastic price, but I refuse to provide these details to Lorenzo until I see some football commentary.

[Hurleyman]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 255W and love it.

[PennSpartan]

Originally Posted by Snake Plissken

I bought lifetime maps and get a download every quarter.

Just out of curiousity, how much additional did that cost?

[AdaSpartan]

Quit deliberating on this...

This is simply a no brainer...

GARMIN NUVI !!

end of story... now go buy one !!!

You're welcome

[smoke]

Anyone has any comments/experience with Garmin Nuvi 1300 or Nuvi 255W?

Both are on sale at Best Buy but Nuvi 1300 seems to have quality issue from the reviews in the BestBuy site.

Thanks