From Brett, Santa Barbara, CA Hi,
I purchased the MIO C520 for $260 which includes all the features of a GPS
device priced at $800 or more. The MIO C520 includes video and MP3 players,
speech directions, Bluetooth, and everything else that one would want in a
fully integrated GPS system!!!
x:
29
y:
6
From Monty Hartman I have a Magellan Maestro as well as a Garmin 650 Nuvi. The Garmin without any question is easier to use and has much better features.For example the Garmin announces which way to turn as well as the name of the street you are turning on compared to the Maestro which sounds a tone when its time to turn. When you are putting an address in the Garmin unit it recognizes city and street names long before the Magellan unit does thereby saving lots of time if you are putting in a number of addresses a day . I also have a Garmin chart plotter on my boat and prefer it over other brands as well… Garmin all the way…. 5 stars, Thanks , Monty Hartman
From M. Hunter, Arlington, VA The major companies compete very tightly with similar cost and features, especially on the basic models, and update their product line often. This review is typical of most – some of the comments are outdated (ie. rear view mirror comparison to Tom Tom units).
Best tip: stop by a Best Buy and take five minutes to play with two or three units. You will pick up on what features are missing or are not needed for what you want the unit to do.
From Alex, Boston, MA Mio C520 is fantastic model in terms of actual GPS performance, additional features and price. Similar models from "big three" will cost you hundreds more, without adding anything (except for the name tag). Moreover, Mio adds new models which I am sure will add even more value. Overall, I have an impression that unlike many other companies, Mio actually listens to their customers and adds the most desirable features to their new models.
From Reiner Kappenberger, Westminster, CO For a delivery solution I would say that some form of traffic information is usefull to avoid congested roads. Maybe not for drivers with local knowledge, but for new drivers certainly a helpfull aid.
Overall I think there are far to many options from each manufacturer to choose from.
Personally I use a Garmin Marine unit (378) that provides online weather information. Since I use the unit a lot on a motorcycle this is personally the best addition to a GPS since introduction of the GPS units in the first place (even better than current trafic information).
As well I find that Navigation systems that are integrated into a vehicle typically lack a lot of good features and are far overpriced and pretty much useless. My car selection typically is that an integrated Navigation system is a deal killer.
Things like XM (Radio, Weather, Traffic) all require subscriptions (and aren't cheap) so I won't pay for another unit that is used infrequently. I rather take the unit(s) I have and switch them between vehicles. Overall I don't understand the obsession of the magazines with the integrated GPS systems at all.
From Darrel, Hays, KS I forgot to say that a good choice for a GPS for road navigation in a vehicle that is easy to use and works very well is one of the GARMIN nuvi models. They have a decent size display in a small case. They are not water resistant though. There are many different nuvi models but all of them have the same basic navigation features. You will just need to decide what other features on top of the basic navigation that you want such as BlueTooth, multiple destination routing, traffic info. etc. Thanks again.
From Darrel, Hays, KS GARMIN is the clear leader in GPS and there is a reason for it. First let me tell you that GPS has been my passion for the last 10 years. We started using and selling them in 1998. We have used and sold several brands throughout those years. I can tell you that the GARMIN is the clear leader in GPS. I'd strongly suggest asking a knowledgeable person about GPS before purchasing one. I'm not talking about the person working at the local chain store that often don't even know how to turn a GPS on let alone knows what features and capabilities they have. One of my pastimes when my wife is shopping is to go to these stores and GPS shop. You wouldn't believe the stuff that I've been told. I've been told many times more wrong info. than I have been told correct info. I know that this it will be difficult to find a good source of info. but it is out there. A good source of un-biased info. is http://gpsinformation.net/ Thanks for reading. Darrel Goheen, http://www.tvnav.com
From Lawrenceburg KY I have owned 4 garmin and 2 TomToms. I took one tomtom back. If I had it to do over again I would take the other tomtom back too. The units are about the same as far as portability and features. the mapware that Garmin has is far superior. The best unit I have owned is a Garmin Street Pilot 2620 which is older and bigger but the top of the line, remote control etc. As far as all the crazy stuff like, Mp3 player, speaker phone, photo viewer etc with my GPS Why do I want that in a GPS. I have an Ipod, a smart phone, etc….A GPS is for one thing. The biggest bang for the buck is a Garmin 200W for about 225.00 it will do everything you want.
From John Fellows, Buckeye AZ My business uses a Garmin C 330, 2 Garmin 860's and a Garmin Nuvi 660. All are excellent and the traffic feature makes them indespensible in navigating diverse metropolitan areas. Tucson AZ with 7 miles of freeway exits provides extreme navigation challenges met by all above models for navigation in the area. Extremely impressed with Garmin user friendly accurate data systems.
From Kunal. San Francisco, CA I use the VZ Navigator from my wireless provider, Verizon. It comes for $10 a month. Though the cost is recurrent with no re-sale value, but the service is excellent. I like it, even more after going over the standalone GPS devices and their limited by price capabilities. If my simpel mobile phone can provide me all that a GPS should provide, why do actual GPS device companies limit functionality just to get more money. GPS is no longer a luxury, but more of a utility now. It should get much cheaper than what it is now. Manufacturers should bank on volume and that'll come only if they reduce prices. Till then I am sticking to my VZ Navigator.
From Chief Don, Ontario, Canada I have two Garmin C330. We use this in the Fire Service & seem to work VERY well for us. I know a few small Fire department that have them mounted to the dash. Easy to use and have a Emergency Vehicle option. The price is good too….
I give them a A+ reco….. Fireguy214
From Steven Maerz, Wisconsin I bought a Tom Tom several years ago but never warmed up to it. About a year ago I replaced it with a Garmin and love it. I have bought several for frends and family, including the wrist watch for runners and a hand-held for hikers. Garmin has the widest range of products and I think they are built better than the Tom Tom. Excellent maps and very simple to use.
From Merriman, Schaumburg, Illinois You get what you pay for and most choose not to pay for much! Check out the Garmin 850/860 or 750/760 and see the differences between these new models vs the older technology. A Model T and a Lexus are both cars, I guess and yes they will both get you home.
From Dave Marquette, Bellevue, MI I bought the tomtom one and am fairly satisfied with the accuracy and operation of the unit. A strong word of caution about the company itself, they refused to honor the $100 mail in rebate because I purchased the unit at Newegg.com which they said was not authorized to offer the rebate. This came 7-8 weeks after purchase so it was too late to do anything about it.
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I bought the Navigon 2100 with free lifetime traffic for under $100. It has so many unique features which others over $400 do not, as well as lifetime free traffic without the annual $60 or so fee. Also, it does not come with all unnecessary features such as an MP3 player, etc., though the higher end model for around $250 does include Bluetooth. A better choice could not be made.