What Should I Know Before Buying a GPS?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various experiences and opinions regarding GPS devices, focusing on different brands, features, and personal preferences. Participants share their insights on what to consider when purchasing a GPS, including price, functionality, and user experience.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that their mother is considering buying a GPS for their sister and seeks pointers on features and pricing.
  • Another participant shares their positive experience with a Garmin nuvi 350, highlighting its reliability during a vacation.
  • One participant expresses a strong preference for Tom Tom, noting its features and user-friendly interface.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of spoken street names in GPS devices, sharing their experience with a Garmin 260 that met their needs.
  • One participant recounts a situation where an outdated GPS caused issues during travel but ultimately helped them navigate back home.
  • Another participant shares a positive experience with a Nextar GPS, emphasizing its affordability and effectiveness in navigating less common roads.
  • One participant mentions the Bluetooth capabilities of their Garmin and the enjoyment of using it with a unique voice feature.
  • Another participant suggests researching GPS reviews and features before purchasing, emphasizing the importance of map updates and layout preferences.
  • One participant notes the high cost of map updates for some GPS devices, expressing concern about the expense.
  • Another participant expresses satisfaction with their Garmin Nuvi, highlighting the importance of windshield attachment features.
  • One participant shares their experience of purchasing a Garmin nuvi 350 based on positive reviews and pricing, noting its availability in different colors.
  • Another participant echoes their satisfaction with the Garmin nuvi 350, mentioning its street name feature and favorable pricing.
  • One participant expresses their love for their TomTom GPS, describing it as an essential tool for navigating to host's homes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing preferences for GPS brands, with some favoring Garmin and others preferring Tom Tom. There is no clear consensus on which brand or model is superior, as experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with various GPS models, focusing on features that matter to them, such as spoken directions, ease of use, and pricing. The discussion reflects a range of user experiences and preferences without implying any official guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering purchasing a GPS for personal or business use may find the shared experiences and insights helpful in making informed decisions.

J
jesusluvsu2005
Messages
386
Okay, I don't know anything about those things but I remember seeing them discussed here before. My mom is thinking of getting one for my sister. However, she doesn't know anything about it either. So could anyone give me any pointers on what to look for or what kind of price would be a good deal? I told my mom that I'd try to find out something about them for her. Thanks so much!
God bless,
Amanda
 
I have a Garmin nuvi 350...love it...we used it on vacation in Florida...put in an address and it took us there...push HOME and it took us back to our hotel....wonderful!
 
I am a huge Tom Tom fan. I have the third generation and does the same as Lisa's. You can program home to be where ever you choose. Also it comes with a program to update your maps online. My girlfriend saw another friends and told her husband she wanted one but when she saw mine she told him she liked mine better. I don't know what kind the other friend has so I can not say wether she was comparing apples to oranges or not just that she liked mine better.
 
DH needed one last year. Didn't want to spend a lot.

I am pretty sure the lowest price models don't speak to you. The next level up will say things like "turn right in 1/4 mile", but it doesn't give street names. The next level up will speak street names "turn right in 1/4 mile onto Mian Street". They go up fron there with all kinds of bells and whistles!

DH insisted having the street names, so we were at that level and we got the lowest model that had the spoken street names. That is where we stopped. We did not look at any higher models.

They also come in "normal" and widescreen. Since DH shouldn't be looking at it anyway (just listening) we did not get the widescreen.

We ended up with the Garmin 260. He loves it.
 
My Recruit's DH took his Tom Tom with us last night to get us to our Team Christmas Party. It was about 50 miles away. The only problem we had was that it had not been updated so the street we were going to "didn't exist" as far as it was concerned. It was a big help when we made a wrong turn on the way home and all he had to do was hit "Home" and it got us back on our route.
 
The one that I have is a Nextar. I'm sure it's an "off" brand compared to Tom Tom, Magellan, etc. I got it for a steal right after Christmas last year. It was regular $300, on sale for $150, with a $50 mail-in rebate, and I had a $75 gift card so I paid a whopping $25 once it was all said and done. I LOVE MINE! It has got me where I want to go and back again without any problems. We live on a dirt road that isn't usually on our county maps and my Nextar was able to pick my road up. The only thing that mine does not have are maps for Canada, but I haven't had to use it when we've gone to Canada. Definitely worth the money!
 
Husband and I both have Garmin Nuvi's.. his has bluetooth capabilities, mine doesn't. Both speak the streets, tell you when the turns are coming up, and then after you turn tell you in advance when then next turn is. Love it!! Mine has an Australian accent, I call him Duncan.
 
DH just did a bunch of research on GPSs, since we got them for both sets of parents for Christmas. If you go to http://www.gpsreview.net, there are a LOT of reviews of systems.His suggestion is to find one with the features you want (we wanted "text to speech" which is the spoken street names and widescreen), and then shop by price. They're available EVERYWHERE for Christmas, and frequently on sale. Although if the price seems too good to be true, check the manufacturer's website to see when the model was introduced - it may be a couple of years old and have older maps loaded. We played with one that we got for the 'rents, and one thing I'd insist on is a QWERTY key layout. We bought a Magellan model that has an ABC layout. It was hard for me (since I type) to find letters without searching when typing in addresses.
 
Also check to see if you have to pay for map updates, and if so, how much. I was thinking about updating my maps, until I checked the price. $80! that's almost as much as a brand new GPS (though a cheap kind).
 
Love my Garmin Nuvi. Just got it over the weekend for my birthday (which was in June, by the way). The only thing I would make sure to look for is that you can attach it to the windshield. Mine apparently doesn't have that feature, and it's a little annoying. Other than that, I'm in love!
 
lisa717 said:
I have a Garmin nuvi 350...love it...we used it on vacation in Florida...put in an address and it took us there...push HOME and it took us back to our hotel....wonderful!
Click to expand...

Amanda, I ordered this one from walmart.com for $125 (includng tax - free shipping to the store), for my mom's Christmas present. Just waiting for notification from the store that's it's ready to be picked up.

I finally (FINALLY) decided on this one because it got the best reviews out of all the different makes and models I researched. The price didn't hurt, either!! The walmart one is pink, so I don't know if that's a problem for you. You can get it in other colors, though, just not for this price (by the way, at the Garmin website the MSRP is $200).
 
I alos went with the garmin nuvi 350 due to all the great reviews on it. Back in August at walmart it was $249 but on line through walmart it was on $119 so thats how how ordered mine as well. I love it-it also does the street names.


pampchefsarah said:
Amanda, I ordered this one from walmart.com for $125 (includng tax - free shipping to the store), for my mom's Christmas present. Just waiting for notification from the store that's it's ready to be picked up.

I finally (FINALLY) decided on this one because it got the best reviews out of all the different makes and models I researched. The price didn't hurt, either!! The walmart one is pink, so I don't know if that's a problem for you. You can get it in other colors, though, just not for this price (by the way, at the Garmin website the MSRP is $200).
Click to expand...
 
I'm a TomTom gal! :) LOVE my GPS unit!!!! The best purchase I ever made. It's very easy to use and love it for going to my host's homes. Don't need to get directions anymore!! :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features to consider when buying a GPS?

When buying a GPS, consider features such as screen size, battery life, map updates, voice navigation, and additional functionalities like traffic alerts and points of interest. A larger screen can make navigation easier, while regular map updates ensure you have the latest road information.

Should I choose a standalone GPS or a smartphone app?

This depends on your needs. Standalone GPS devices often have better battery life and more robust navigation features, while smartphone apps can be more convenient and frequently updated. If you use your phone for navigation, ensure it has a reliable data plan and a good battery.

How important is the accuracy of GPS?

GPS accuracy is crucial for effective navigation. Look for devices that utilize multiple satellite systems (like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) for improved accuracy. Read reviews to find out how well a GPS performs in real-world conditions.

What is the difference between a GPS with lifetime maps and one without?

A GPS with lifetime maps includes free updates for the device's maps for its entire lifespan, which can save you money in the long run. A GPS without this feature may require you to pay for map updates periodically, which can add to the overall cost.

Are there any additional costs associated with owning a GPS?

Yes, there can be additional costs such as map updates, accessories (like mounts or cases), and data plans if you use a smartphone app. It's important to factor these potential expenses into your budget when purchasing a GPS.

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