124 replies to this topic

[Marcster]

Here is a one-stop for all the GPS Navigation Units that are being offered on BF.

Because of the limitations of the amount of text that you can put into one post, I have split this "report" into 4 posts. Just scroll down to see everything.

NOTE: All GPS units have either Voice Prompts (A voice will say things like "Turn right in 500 ft.") --or-- Text to Speech (A voice will say things like "Turn right onto Buckeye St. in 500 ft.).

How to decide if you need Text to Speech?
Last year I bought a TomTom One LE from Best Buy. It doesn't have text to speech -- that becomes a problem when driving in confusing areas that may have a lot of short blocks (think of downtown cities) and/or needing to take your eyes off the road for confusing highway interchanges. If you have the money, I recommend text to speech, but if money is a concern, then you can (or your gift recipient) can do without it.

As you read this, POI stands for "Points of Interest". That's every bank, restaurant, gas station, post office, store, school, etc. that you can search for and map to. The more the better.

Marcster's Short List: (Updated 10/27/08
(As more BF ads become available, I'll recommend specific GPS units here...

[Marcster]

GPS Units that provide true Text-to-Speech (A voice will say things like "Turn right onto Buckeye St. in 500 ft.)

~~Magellan RoadMate 1412~~
Screen: WIDESCREEN4.3", 480x272 pixels, POI: 6mil Maps: 50 states & Canada GPS Type: ???
Pros: Features a large, widescreen, 4.3-inch anti-glare touch screen and a simple, intuitive user interface, with premiere features including Quickspell™, for fast input with a minimal amount of keystrokes. It also features a newly designed easy to view menu and map screens that incorporate easy to identify, stylish icons and graphics that are clear and crisp to the user. Consider this to be an entry-level unit with all the features you "need" (widescreen, text to speech, and 6 million POIs).
Cons: No optional for traffic updates.

Current retail @ Amazon.com = $184.00.

$149.99 @ Sears
http://pebuzz.com/review/553.html
http://www.gpslodge....ives/015959.php
http://reviews.cnet....7-33020345.html

~~Sony NV-V44~~
Screen: 3.5" with 4:3 aspect ratio, 320x240 pixels,POI: ??? Maps: 50 states, Canada & Puerto Rico GPS Type: ???
Pros: Dual-View, similar to the Navigon GPS displays.
Cons: New unit, no reviews. I am not 100% certain that this has text to speech, but for the price, it probably does.

Current retail @ Amazon.com = ??? (new unit)

$179.99 @ Sears


Updated 10/27/08.

[Marcster]

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.

[Marcster]

"Second tier" GPS units: (for lack of a better description)

Spoiler

~~"GPS Navigation System"~~
If Ace Hardware doesn't think that it's important enough to put the brand name and model number in their ad, then I don't think it's important enough to buy.
$89.99 @ Ace Hardware

Updated 10/27/08.

[klango]

I have two questions concerning GPS's. I am trying to get a TomTom 920/920T or 930/930T. ANY comments or opinions would be greatly appreciated. 1)Will there be a big discount on GPS's? (better than (currently)Amazon's $100 off list price on the TomTom 930) 2)Are GPS's popular items, especially the more expensive ones, that get sold out really fast? (aka do I have to show up at the store like 8pm the day before)

[arci122]

Not sure on Brands. Did just get a Magellan GPS from Dell. Regular 159.99 for 79.99 and free shipping. Expired deal, but they are definitely coming down in price.

[orangedaisy]

Walmart has them on sale right now, an online exclusive while supplies last.

http://www.walmart.c...le202094-lLink1

[wx4svr]

Again, I feel like compact GPS systems will be another HOT item this year. I'm positive we will see good deals on these systems as soon as the ads come out. Also, check out gottadeal.com and the forums for hot deals right now, AND, as new systems come out, engadget.com will have them there as well!

[Marcster]

Threads Merged. ----- I've added all of the latest GPS units that we know will be on sale for Black Friday (so far). The discounts aren't as deep as they were last year...

[len_mullen]

Marcaster we talked about GPS deals last year and I grabbed a Navigon with traffic from Staples. I'm very happy with it and have purchased a second unit. IMHO, this was *the* steak if the season. We pulled a camper from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania through Ohio to Niagara Falls then home via Upstate New York without benefit of maps. Thanks for your help last year. Here's to hoping everyone else gets a GPS this year!

[Marcster]

Marcaster we talked about GPS deals last year and I grabbed a Navigon with traffic from Staples. I'm very happy with it and have purchased a second unit. IMHO, this was *the* steak if the season. We pulled a camper from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania through Ohio to Niagara Falls then home via Upstate New York without benefit of maps.

Thanks for your help last year. Here's to hoping everyone else gets a GPS this year!

You're quite welcome!

[jbdinos]

Marcster... I am extremely electronically challenged... I also have a zero sense of direction but my kids are getting old enough to be involved in tons of sports and the away activities are challenging to find sometimes. Plus sometimes when I go somewhere further away I'd like to see if I could also shop anywhere close or find food but I am afraid of getting lost. So I was considering buying myself a GPS on BF..... I am still confused on the difference between voice prompts and text to speech (basically think real dummy with directions and what should she do ).... and yet being a true GD'er I need to feel like I got a great value. I don't need all the bells and whistles... so anything obscure or for say cross country trips are probably unnecessary to me.... What is your recommendation for an electronically challenged directionless dummy ?

[egirl]

Can you tell me anything about this one? Get going. This Nextar GPS navigation unit is a useful tool no matter where you're headed. 3.5-inch, touch-screen display boasts full-color imaging of major and minor roads. 2D and 3D map viewing modes allow for easy reading. Turn-by-turn voice navigation clearly directs you throughout your drive. Automatic route recalculation puts you back on track if you miss a turn. Day and night modes offer the perfect illumination for any lighting. Speed alert lets you know how quickly you'll arrive at your final destination. Preloaded USA and Canadian maps provide updated guidance through nearly any city in continental North America. SD card slot gives you the option to upload MP3s and JPEG images, too. 1.6-million points of interest keep you informed of the nearest hospitals, gas stations and museums. Convenient address book stores up to 300 locations for later use. Details: Screen: 3.5 in. Unit: 2.99"H x 3.93"W x 0.90"D Includes: X3-08 navigation unit, AC/DC adaptor, car charger, suction-cup mount, carrying pouch & USB cable Uses 1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) System requirements: Windows® 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP Intel® Pentium II 233 Mhz 64 MB RAM 50 MB available hard drive space DVD-ROM drive USB port Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty Model no. X3-08 I can get it for right at $100 for a gift...is it a good deal??? Thanks.

Edited by egirl, Nov 6, 2008 - 10:03 am.

[tkoran]

QVC has a Nextar for Today's Special Value - thoughts? Should I pick this up?

http://www.qvc.com/q...SV-_-HP-_-IMAGE



The ultimate traveling companion. Get where you're going--and have fun along the way--with this Nextar GPS system. A fantastic value for the price, this portable navigator comes absolutely packed with features for both guidance and entertainment.

Need directions? This GPS unit provides turn-by-turn voice prompts to guide you to your destination. The text-to-speech technology actually tells you the streets by name. If you miss a turn, don't worry: the automatic route recalculation can get you back on track in a jiffy. Plus, the 3.5" diagonal touchscreen offers day and night viewing modes, so you can always see the maps clearly, with the optimum lighting.

Want diversion? This GPS device is preloaded with 1.6 million points of interest, including restaurants, lodging, and more. In addition, it can also play your favorite tunes and display your digital images.

Ready to go right out of the box, this portable navigation system couldn't be easier to use. Its operation requires no subscriptions or downloading, no CDs or DVDs. Just plug it in--and go! From Nextar.
Includes GPS unit with built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 2GB SD card, suction cup windshield mount, dashboard disk, car adapter, USB cable, stylus, and carrying case
3.5" diagonal touchscreen display
Text-to-speech navigation
2-D and 3-D map viewing modes
Speed alert
Built-in speaker
Displays JPEG files
Plays MP3 files
SD memory card slot
NAVTEQ maps of entire USA included on 2GB SD card
Address book stores up to 300 addresses
Voice prompts and menus in English, Spanish, and French
Measures approximately 4"L x 1"W x 3"H
1-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
Made in China

[orangedaisy]

I got this one Mio Moov 200 from Circuit City when it was on sale for $129.99 a few weeks ago. I'm giving it to my son for Christmas, it got alot of good reviews. Does anyone here have experience with this one?

Edited to add: I just found it at Kmart.com for $129.99 also! I got an email advertisement from them.

[Marcster]

Nextar isn't nearly as popular as TomTom, Garmin and Magellan. I'd pass, unless it was $50.

There really isn't any reassurance that they'll be releasing map updates.

1.6 million POIs is nowhere near the 6 million available on most GPS units. That leads to a lot of tedious searching for and then hand-keying in the addresses for where ever you want to go.

[jlbeatty15848]

I will be buying 2 of these hopefully on BF at Sears. If anyone can help me decide which is better??? Magellan RoadMate 1200 or the TomTom 125 Both are the same price....I just have not had much experience with any GPS.

[JenT1292]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Garmin that is at Radio Shack for $169.99? I'm looking for one for my husband, and I don't really know anything about these.

[jamesy1]

I am interested in opinions on the Garmin Nuvi 880. I want to get a gps for my husband who drives a truck long distance and this one has voice commands that he doesn't have to take his hands off the wheel as he's driving. This unit got good reviews but it is expensive. Does anyone think this will go on sale for BF or know of any good deals anywhere for this model? Thanks!!!

[bopen]

I would take a real hard look at the Garmin Nuvi 780 at BestBuy in BF Ad for $349! It will do all the things a trucker will need and more! Amazon today price was $420!

See review from GPS Lodge

http://www.gpslodge....ives/016823.php

Hope it helps!

[bopen]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Garmin that is at Radio Shack for $169.99? I'm looking for one for my husband, and I don't really know anything about these.

This may help you

GPS Lodge Review

http://www.gpslodge....ives/013259.php

[bopen]

I will be buying 2 of these hopefully on BF at Sears. If anyone can help me decide which is better???
Magellan RoadMate 1200 or the TomTom 125
Both are the same price....I just have not had much experience with any GPS.

GPS Lodge reviews: 1200

http://www.gpslodge....ives/017745.php

http://www.gpslodge....ives/014431.php

tom tom 125 Review:

TomTom is dropping a TomTom ONE 125 for the holidays that appears to have some slight modification that will allow stores to price slightly different than others offering the TomTom ONE 130. This may offer a US only map set for the TomTom ONE 125 vs. the TomTom ONE 130 that has all of North America

http://www.gpslodge....ives/020748.php

[jlbeatty15848]

Thanks for the info. !!! I just know nothing about these so I wil read the reviews closely

[JenT1292]

Thanks for the great site, bopen! Very helpful. I have a lot of reading to do now, lol.

[krissy72]

Marcster- is this a good deal? I just bought it at Amazon to lock in the price but still have time to cancel. http://www.amazon.co...f=nosim/oubl-20

[jroyster86]

Does anyone know anything about the CVS GPS for Dummies going for $79.99 on Black Friday?

[liz harley]

Does anyone know anything about the CVS GPS for Dummies going for $79.99 on Black Friday?

I bought this during the summer for DH...paid 35.00 after all Q's and (ECB's)bucks. for that price it works pretty good, not high end like the Garmin or Nuvi's...but does what it is supposed to. HTH

[Marcster]

Does anyone know anything about the CVS GPS for Dummies going for $79.99 on Black Friday?

I don't recommend these "off brand" GPS units -- usually have dated maps with no promises of updates, fewer than the standard 6 million POIs, and spotty GPS reception.

Stick with major brands: TomTom, Garmin, Sony, Magellan, Mio, HP, etc.

[countingcrow]

I had a chance to take a look at the TomTom 125 at Best Buy, they are now selling it. From what I could tell it was nearly an exact copy of the other models in that price range, but have a MapShare feature where you can edit your maps, and share with other TomTom 125 users. It's selling for $179 at Best Buy currently.

[allshoppedout]

So Marcster, what about the Garmin Nuvi 200W that is in the Target BF ad?

It is just $119 and has 5 million points of interest pretty good?