GPS Units that provide Voice Prompts (A voice will say things like "Turn right in 500 ft.)
~~Garmin Nuvi 205~~
Screen: 3.5" with 4:3 aspect ratio, 320x240 pixels,
POI: nearly 6mil
Maps: 48 states, Hawaii & Puerto Rico (No Canada or Alaska)
GPS Type: ???
Pros: Compatible with TMC traffic updates service (but at an additional cost), compatible with MSN Direct service (gas prices, traffic, weather, etc.) Features a fast 333 Mhz Microprocessor which greatly enhances the map drawing and routing capability. In addition, satellite reception is even faster than before thanks to Garmin's new HotFix eature which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information and can use that information to quickly calculate a position without waiting for data collection from the satellites.
Cons:
Current retail @ Amazon.com = $152.69 w/free shipping.
$124.99 @ Sears
http://reviews.cnet....7-32902381.html
http://www.gpslodge....ives/017195.php
http://gpstracklog.t...n-nuvi-205.html
~~Magellan RoadMate 1200~~
Screen: 3.5" with 4:3 aspect ratio, 320x240 pixels,
POI: only 1.3mil
Maps: 48 states, Hawaii & Puerto Rico (No Canada or Alaska)
GPS Type: ???
Pros: Simple design and basic navigation features at an affordable price. Consider this a "bare bones" device.
Cons: System is sluggish with route calculations and recalculations. There are no pedestrian and bicycle routing modes. Limited POIs.
Current retail @ Amazon.com = $117.07 w/free shipping.
$99.99 @ Sears
http://reviews.cnet....7-32733573.html
http://www.navigadge...n-roadmate-1200
http://gpstracklog.t...ntry-level.html
~~TomTom 125~~
Screen: 3.5" with 4:3 aspect ratio, 320x240 pixels,
POI: ???
Maps: Just the 50 states
GPS Type: ???
Pros: (based on the features of the TomTom 130) -- The mount folds up easily for storage. Free map updates for the first 30 days of activation (if you give this as a gift, they will be able to download the latest maps). Optional fuel prices or traffic (both availalble at additional cost). Choice of routes: such as quickest, shortest, avoiding toll roads, pedestrian and bicycling routes (most GPS units only allow choice of the quickest or the shortest), optional warning when exceeding recorded speed limit (available on most highways and major roads), car speed linked volume: volume of voice instructions will increase/decrease depending on speed of car, sign post information: exit sign info displayed in navigation mode, "HELP ME!" feature, which apparently includes everything from directions to the nearest hospital to car maintenance information to first aid instructions.
I have personally used the "Help Me" feature when calling AAA to have my car towed from the side of the road -- it allows you to specifically answer the tow service when they say "Where is the vehicle located?" Allows you to be able to say, "Well, I'm on Route 222 between Main St. and Front St." You can even give them latitude and longitude. Very nice!
Cons: New unit, no reviews. Appears to be some incarnation of the TomTom 130, which in itself is an update of the TomTom One version 3, but with an updated mount.
Current retail @ Amazon.com = $149.49 (for the TomTom 130)
$99.99 @ Sears
http://www.gpslodge....ives/023062.php (TomTom 125 vs. the 130)
Note that the 130S model adds text to speech
Updated 10/27/08.