Brad Posted August 14, 2011 Posted August 14, 2011 As always, we have several dedicated threads for the hotter items each Black Friday. Please try to keep all discussion related to these items in their official threads. Other threads posted will likely be merged into this main thread.
emilyray2003 Posted October 7, 2011 Posted October 7, 2011 I would like to get a couple of GPS systems to give my parents for Christmas. I've never bought one so does anyone know what would be a good price to look for on BF? If I can't get a good one for less than $100 then I will get a different gift. Is that doable or am I way off?
BFAddict716 Posted October 7, 2011 Posted October 7, 2011 I have been watching the BF ads for the past few years for a gps and was never impressed by the specials. About a month ago I got a Garmin Nuvi at HHGreg for 99 with .lifetime map updates and I love it so far. So I think under 100 is definently do able but I'd start looking now and not hold out for BF necessarily.
123abc Posted October 7, 2011 Posted October 7, 2011 (edited) I got mine at www.bonton.com for $69, free shipping (TomTom xl350) about a 2 months ago. So definetely look into other websites as well prior to BF. Edited October 7, 2011 by Brad
tinkrbel Posted October 7, 2011 Posted October 7, 2011 I would like to get a couple of GPS systems to give my parents for Christmas. I've never bought one so does anyone know what would be a good price to look for on BF? If I can't get a good one for less than $100 then I will get a different gift. Is that doable or am I way off?should be doable, last time I checked the one I considered last BF on Amazon is back to 119.99 on Amazon with free lifetime updates.
123abc Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 A post on the daily deal threads just said that bonton.com had one on sale for $69
TazErase Posted October 17, 2011 Posted October 17, 2011 I would like to get a couple of GPS systems to give my parents for Christmas. I've never bought one so does anyone know what would be a good price to look for on BF? If I can't get a good one for less than $100 then I will get a different gift. Is that doable or am I way off?Defineately doable, and has been done numerous times in the past few years. I bought a Garmin about 2 years ago for $99. HOWEVER...... I would highly recommend 1 you can upgrade with new maps in the future. There are numerous roads that have been made in the past 2 years that when I use my GPS it shows me driving through a field and tells me to find the nearest road. I have bought a new GPS for my wife that has lifetime updates which is actually the better move. That's something I highly recommend you look for on any model you choose to buy unless you want to pay $89 for the updated maps in addition to the GPS system.
mcwalker Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 I agree that it is worth spending a few more dollars to get lifetime maps. That should still be available under $99. You might also consider lifetime traffic. I bought a TomTom (another good brand) without lifetime maps or traffic a few years ago thinking "how often does the road network actually change, anyway." The vast majority of roads do stay the same for decades, but over time you will find new or reconfigured sections. I also figure the updates allow corrections for mapping mistakes to get to the unit, and there are more of those than there are new roads. I am now considering buying a new, and slightly larger unit with lifetime maps and traffic. The benefit of traffic is that it receives data on live traffic conditions and recalculates the fastest route and more accurately predicts arrival times. The final thing to consider is the size of the screen measured diagonally. The larger the better as this makes the unit easier to read and should mean less distraction from the road trying to see something on the unit while driving. Small units are 3.5", medium are 4.3, and large are 5"+.
len_mullen Posted October 18, 2011 Posted October 18, 2011 I grabbed a TomTom XXL 550M (m=lifetime maps) 5 inch GPS from Beach Camera for $89 a couple months ago. Last year (a couple weeks before BF) Crutchfield had the 550MT (maps+traffic) for $110. My aging eyes appreciate the large screen and the GPS has performed very well for me. You definately want the lifetime maps. Traffic has saved my bacon a couple times, but i don't think I'd pay more than $20 premium for the feature and I would not pass up a deal waiting for traffic.
SweetCanela Posted October 20, 2011 Posted October 20, 2011 (edited) I got a TomTom xl350 lifetime maps and lifetime updates from BestBuy.com the night before black Friday. $79 and I had a gift card so paid $59 out of pocket that day! I always look for online deals on electronics not trying to fight people in the store! Edited October 28, 2011 by SweetCanela
nirvana4all Posted October 22, 2011 Posted October 22, 2011 I agree with those who say it is worth it for the map updates (got my 540 TM TomTom with free traffic and maps for life), here in the Bay area, they are changing roads and doing construction all the time. Comes in handy.
Dust N Bones Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 I didn't get to look through all the posted ads but from the one's I've seen there don't appear to be any BFGPS deals. Has anyone seen any?
nirvana4all Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 There are a number that have GPS's (Radioshack, etc), if any of them qualify as "deals" is another matter.
tinkrbel Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 whats the general consensus of Garmin vs Tom Tom?
mrn8 Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 I don't know the general consensus, but I very much prefer Garmin. I'm thinking about heading to Gander Mountain this year to the the 1300LM for $99. That is after a $50 rebate, so I'm a bit undecided, since they go for $129.99 shipped from Amazon.
neboo Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 I have a Garmin and recently purchased a higher model Tom Tom that was on clearance at Target. I absolutely HATED the Tom Tom. I very much prefer Garmin. Although, I just found out that I am no longer eligible for my free map upgrade for my Garmin, so I would have to pay $50 to upgrade the maps. I think it is more economical to just buy a new one with lifetime maps. (the one I have is a few years old)
nirvana4all Posted November 13, 2011 Posted November 13, 2011 I agree that it is mostly a matter of personal preference. I like the voices I can get free for the TomTom, I also seem to find them cheaper for what I am looking for with lifetime maps and traffic....
mcwalker Posted November 14, 2011 Posted November 14, 2011 I have a TomTom XL, which I am generally pleased with, but it does not have map updates or traffic, so I am planning to buy a larger 5-inch one with those features (and maybe Bluetooth). I have read a technical review from a few years ago that suggests that Garmin and Magellan had the better mapping and better routing algorithms, but the diffference was rather slight and I am not sure it is true anymore. For anyone who has owned both, exactly what did you like or dislike. As another person commented, I am seeing better prices on the TomToms for the general features I am looking for.
neboo Posted November 14, 2011 Posted November 14, 2011 I have a TomTom XL, which I am generally pleased with, but it does not have map updates or traffic, so I am planning to buy a larger 5-inch one with those features (and maybe Bluetooth). I have read a technical review from a few years ago that suggests that Garmin and Magellan had the better mapping and better routing algorithms, but the diffference was rather slight and I am not sure it is true anymore. For anyone who has owned both, exactly what did you like or dislike. As another person commented, I am seeing better prices on the TomToms for the general features I am looking for.The TomTom I had worked fine, but I liked the clarity of the maps of the Garmin better (seemed less cluttered). Also little things, for example, my Garmin would tell me "Arriving at destination on left" where the TomTom would just say "Arriving at destination." Little things like that can be very helpful. The TomTom screen did seem to be higher resolution though, but it is about 2 years newer than my Garmin.
laddhorn Posted November 15, 2011 Posted November 15, 2011 Does the Garmin 40 LM actually have traffic too? Or should I just go for the 1350LMT that I know has traffic?
spartanstew Posted November 15, 2011 Posted November 15, 2011 Does the Garmin 40 LM actually have traffic too? Or should I just go for the 1350LMT that I know has traffic?No, it doesn't have traffice (hence, no T in the name). Either way, I'll be getting the 40LM from Staples.
Pnambic Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 I don't know the general consensus, but I very much prefer Garmin. I'm thinking about heading to Gander Mountain this year to the the 1300LM for $99. That is after a $50 rebate, so I'm a bit undecided, since they go for $129.99 shipped from Amazon.Walmart has the 1300LM right now for $99 with no rebate mess.
Lusha121 Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 ok guys i need you unbelievable genius! My mom wants to buy a "personal gps" (????) for my step dad. As she explained to me ... she doesn't care about driving options. she wants something for when he is hunting in the woods so that he doesn't get lost. Oh yeah, and she isn't BF shopping, I am doing it "for" her, and so I don't screw up anybody care to explain what i need to look for. This is the lady that bought 6 vaccume cleaners, and 5 food processors and returned everyone of them because she "didn't like them" and I havn't bought her a "good gift" in 10 years. HELP ME! PLEASE!
HansieDZ Posted November 22, 2011 Posted November 22, 2011 ok guys i need you unbelievable genius! My mom wants to buy a "personal gps" (????) for my step dad. As she explained to me ... she doesn't care about driving options. she wants something for when he is hunting in the woods so that he doesn't get lost. Oh yeah, and she isn't BF shopping, I am doing it "for" her, and so I don't screw up anybody care to explain what i need to look for. This is the lady that bought 6 vaccume cleaners, and 5 food processors and returned everyone of them because she "didn't like them" and I havn't bought her a "good gift" in 10 years. HELP ME! PLEASE!Probably something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDR230/ref=s9_ds_bw_g422_ir02?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=1BE89CY94C4YA7RZJ159&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1329999222&pf_rd_i=384082011
Venusaur Posted November 24, 2011 Posted November 24, 2011 I don't know the general consensus, but I very much prefer Garmin. I'm thinking about heading to Gander Mountain this year to the the 1300LM for $99. That is after a $50 rebate, so I'm a bit undecided, since they go for $129.99 shipped from Amazon.I think you'd be better off with the 40LM. They're basically the same, except the 40LM is a newer model and has lane assist, junction view, and speed limit indicator. On the downside it doesn't have enhanced pedestrian navigation that the 1300 has. The 40LM is as low as $64.99 at Staples if you have a $25 off $75 coupon code.
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