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>>> Official Black Friday 2009 GPS SYSTEM Discussion Thread <<<

Brad

By Brad
in 2009

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smurfgirl

smurfgirl

Posted
Posted

I need help! I want to get one in the upcoming BF sales and am so lost in which one to get!

 

There are so many, I want to go with one of the big 3 (Magellan, Garmin, TomTom) but other than that am so lost.

 

I don't need traffic, but I am highly interested in Points of Interest. I read somewhere that one of the brands actually shows little icons when you are on the highway if there is a gas station coming up on the next exits and things like that. I need something like that, and that I can type in a business name/type when I'm traveling and find it.

 

I want text-to-speech, and it needs to have the ability to enter multiple destinations for trips. On the same note, I don't need anything highly fancy and want something affordable (under $120).

I just got the garmin nuvi 255w from sams club for 130 with tax and shipping. I know it has poi and text to speech. Has really good reviews.

persse3

persse3

Posted
Posted
I was also wondering. My dh wants on and he rides a motorcycle so I want to get him one thats accurate and easy to use. He wants a Garmin nuvi, a buddy has on, but not sure which one to get though. Anyone have any reviews on models they got?
Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

I was also wondering. My dh wants on and he rides a motorcycle so I want to get him one thats accurate and easy to use. He wants a Garmin nuvi, a buddy has on, but not sure which one to get though. Anyone have any reviews on models they got?

I also ride a motorcycle...

There are just a few GPS units specifically designed for riding:

TomTom Rider2

any of the units in the Gamin Zumo series

 

The above are waterproof and specifically designed for the bumps of travel, and to be used with gloved hands... However, I can't recommend the Rider2 based on the horrid reviews I've read and the Garmin units are $450 - $600+. Some of the more expensive Zumos can broadcast their audio cues (and music) to a bluetooth signal and there are a growing number of helmets with built-in bluetooth speakers.

 

I myself bought a Garmin Nuvi 780. I have the audio cues (and music) going to an FM signal and I tune in that "station" on my Sansa Clip. Keep one earbud in one ear and the other free to listen for traffic. My GPS was $199.99 when I bought it.

 

However there are trade-offs for me. My unit is not waterproof. My unit does not allow for mapping specific routes (not easily anyway). As a motorcyclist, you don't want to go the fastest way, you want to go the best way, with the most twisties... A true motorcycle GPS will allow you to do that easily. I have to accomplish that through artificially placing waypoints on my mapping on Mapquest.com and then sync up the directions to my Nuvi.

The price has dropped to $178: http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-780-Widescreen-Bluetooth-Navigator/dp/B0011UEUNG

 

Another possibility is the Garmin Nuvi 550. It is waterproof. It does allow you to map specific routes natively, like the Zumo series. However, there is no FM or bluetooth broadcast. And I can basically guarantee that your DH will not be able to hear the speaker over the engine noise. That means that he'll have to look at the display for every cue, every turn... It's doable, but not ideal. It's also not a widescreen like my Nuvi 780. It is $199.99 from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-550-3-5-Inch-Portable-Navigator/dp/B001CT009O

 

No matter what GPS you end up with, you'll have to buy a RAM mount to mount it on the handlebars... There is a ton of different options there:

http://www.gpscity.com/rammounts (use the code of RAMGUF5285 to save 10% --or-- AFeB9MP9 to save $20 if you use PayPal)

 

They make RAM mounts for just about every GPS out there...

 

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best.

Venusaur

Venusaur

Posted
Posted

Where do I get the coupon code? I went to the coupon section and it just said "no coupon needed"

Hmm.. yesterday I clicked the link for $10 off an $85 order, added the nuvi 255w to my cart, and it showed up with the discount as $109.99. Now I can't get it to work anymore. I don't know what's wrong with it.

I am looking at the Gamin Nuvi 255W and the TomTom XL 340S. Any suggestions as to which one I should get? Both are about the same price.

I'd get the nuvi, but I'm a garmin junkie.

 

Here's an interesting article on GPS: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/24/gps-makers-cant-seem-to-locate-a-price-floor-sub-50-devices-i/

garyda

garyda

Posted
Posted

Does the Garmin 255WT come with text to speech??? The Best Buy web site says it does not.

I know the 255w at Staples and Radio Shack does.

queenofshopping

queenofshopping

Posted
Posted

Well I feel like I'm a bit behind, but I finally got the go-ahead to purchase a GPS...2 actually, for myself and my father. After comparing a few in our price range I decided I liked the Garmin Nuvi 255W, but was bummed that the price I had seen was from a 3rd party seller. Looked on a few other sites and ooh! I didn't realize the 255W(T) was the 'T' one I had seen when I looked at Best Buy's BF circular a while back.

 

Any reasons I shouldn't get it? My trigger finger is getting itchy!

jamesy1

jamesy1

Posted
Posted

Does anyone know anything about the Magellan Roadmate 1700 that is on sale right now at Wal-mart online for $189? It has a 7" screen which is huge and was thinking this would be good for my husband who drives a tractor trailer and could use something easy to see while driving the truck. I haven't seen much about this so I want to see if anyone has used this or has any opinions on it.

Thanks!http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12025098

Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

Does anyone know anything about the Magellan Roadmate 1700 that is on sale right now at Wal-mart online for $189? It has a 7" screen which is huge and was thinking this would be good for my husband who drives a tractor trailer and could use something easy to see while driving the truck. I haven't seen much about this so I want to see if anyone has used this or has any opinions on it.

Thanks!http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12025098

For a tractor-trailer driver, a Garmin Nuvi 465T would be a better choice.

 

"With detailed maps providing turn-by-turn directions that call out streets by name, the nüvi 465T provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials). Simply enter dimensions and load restrictions and nüvi 465T guides you according to your requirements. You can even enter multiple-point routing so that you can take a more efficient route between multiple stops along your trip."

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=275&pID=31541

 

Posted ImagePosted ImagePosted Image

 

Reviews:

http://gpsmagazine.com/2009/05/garmin_nuvi_465t_truck_gps_rev.php

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346511,00.asp

http://gpstracklog.com/2009/05/garmin-nuvi-465t-review.html

 

A bit more expensive than the Magellan... Here it is for $424.87 from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-4-3-Inch-Widescreen-Bluetooth-Navigator/dp/B001TH76JQ/

 

And Buydig.com has it for $422.00:

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=GRNUVI465T

KBsDarling

KBsDarling

Posted
Posted

ok it is mildly off topic BUT if someone has answer and can LMK here or in PM

 

We bought the Nuvi 205 and while we love it already (we named her Shirley) can not for the life of me get it to get the maps from mapquest. I make a route and send to GPS it tells me it is successful but then...i am lost..where is it? how do i make it my route?

Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

ok it is mildly off topic BUT if someone has answer and can LMK here or in PM

 

We bought the Nuvi 205 and while we love it already (we named her Shirley) can not for the life of me get it to get the maps from mapquest. I make a route and send to GPS it tells me it is successful but then...i am lost..where is it? how do i make it my route?

Once you have successfully transferred your route from Mapquest to your Garmin, you have a few more steps...

 

From the main screen, go to Tools.

 

On the next screen, use the down arrow to get to "My Data" (click on it).

 

Next choose "Import Route from File".

 

You can either "Select all", or select individual routes... Click the "Import" button... That get's the route into your Garmin's local memory.

 

Go back to the main screen. We're in the home stretch!

 

---------------

 

Click the "Where to?" from the main screen.

 

On the next window, click the down arrow.

 

Click "Routes" in the lower left.

 

If necessary, scroll through the link to get to the route you want to load and click it.

 

Click the "GO!" link and you're all set!

Jenn A

Jenn A

Posted
Posted

I also ride a motorcycle...

There are just a few GPS units specifically designed for riding:

TomTom Rider2

any of the units in the Gamin Zumo series

 

The above are waterproof and specifically designed for the bumps of travel, and to be used with gloved hands... However, I can't recommend the Rider2 based on the horrid reviews I've read and the Garmin units are $450 - $600+. Some of the more expensive Zumos can broadcast their audio cues (and music) to a bluetooth signal and there are a growing number of helmets with built-in bluetooth speakers.

 

I myself bought a Garmin Nuvi 780. I have the audio cues (and music) going to an FM signal and I tune in that "station" on my Sansa Clip. Keep one earbud in one ear and the other free to listen for traffic. My GPS was $199.99 when I bought it.

 

However there are trade-offs for me. My unit is not waterproof. My unit does not allow for mapping specific routes (not easily anyway). As a motorcyclist, you don't want to go the fastest way, you want to go the best way, with the most twisties... A true motorcycle GPS will allow you to do that easily. I have to accomplish that through artificially placing waypoints on my mapping on Mapquest.com and then sync up the directions to my Nuvi.

The price has dropped to $178: http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-780-Widescreen-Bluetooth-Navigator/dp/B0011UEUNG

 

Another possibility is the Garmin Nuvi 550. It is waterproof. It does allow you to map specific routes natively, like the Zumo series. However, there is no FM or bluetooth broadcast. And I can basically guarantee that your DH will not be able to hear the speaker over the engine noise. That means that he'll have to look at the display for every cue, every turn... It's doable, but not ideal. It's also not a widescreen like my Nuvi 780. It is $199.99 from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-550-3-5-Inch-Portable-Navigator/dp/B001CT009O

 

No matter what GPS you end up with, you'll have to buy a RAM mount to mount it on the handlebars... There is a ton of different options there:

http://www.gpscity.com/rammounts (use the code of RAMGUF5285 to save 10% --or-- AFeB9MP9 to save $20 if you use PayPal)

 

They make RAM mounts for just about every GPS out there...

 

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best.

 

Wow,thanks so much for your informative post.I was thinking about getting us a gps for our bike,too.

Jenn

Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

Wow,thanks so much for your informative post.I was thinking about getting us a gps for our bike,too.

Jenn

You're quite welcome! It really expands your horizons in terms of going down random roads that just "look interesting" and knowing that you'll definitely find your way home again.

 

And also to be able to find interesting twisties on a Mapquest and go find them on the bike.

 

The days of using a printout in your tank bag's map pouch are over (which is a great thing if you are like me and sometimes miss a turn -- printed directions don't "recalculate").

nascarman8

nascarman8

Posted
Posted
best buy had a great deal on Garmin 765T for $219.00. was $449.00 saved $230.00. Sale was monday - wednesday before thanksgiving. they had six left when I got there and 2 left when I left.:eyepoppin:cheesy:
Venusaur

Venusaur

Posted
Posted

best buy had a great deal on Garmin 765T for $219.00. was $449.00 saved $230.00. Sale was monday - wednesday before thanksgiving. they had six left when I got there and 2 left when I left.:eyepoppin:cheesy:

Not to burst your bubble or anything but Amazon was/is $10 cheaper and it's tax free :o

 

Edit: Darn, Marcster got to it before me. lol

smurfgirl

smurfgirl

Posted
Posted

So, did anyone else pick up the TomTom 125SE GPS @ Sam's Club for $57?

I got the same one at walmart. It's for my parents for christmas. I got the garmin 255w though from sams. It was just delivered today. I'm having fun playing with it.

KBsDarling

KBsDarling

Posted
Posted

Once you have successfully transferred your route from Mapquest to your Garmin, you have a few more steps...

 

From the main screen, go to Tools.

 

On the next screen, use the down arrow to get to "My Data" (click on it).

 

Next choose "Import Route from File".

 

You can either "Select all", or select individual routes... Click the "Import" button... That get's the route into your Garmin's local memory.

 

Go back to the main screen. We're in the home stretch!

 

---------------

 

Click the "Where to?" from the main screen.

 

On the next window, click the down arrow.

 

Click "Routes" in the lower left.

 

If necessary, scroll through the link to get to the route you want to load and click it.

 

Click the "GO!" link and you're all set!

 

I dont have Import...Under My data I have set home location, Delete Favorites, and Clear trip log

 

I am starting to think maybe the 205 doesnt support this?? I know on one of the million GPS comparison places it said Garmins work with Mapquest and I thought it had checks by all garmins but maybe that didnt include the 205. Also seems weird that mapquest will find communicate and say it transferred it successfully

 

TY for trying to help. The directions were very clear despite not working LOL

Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

I dont have Import...Under My data I have set home location, Delete Favorites, and Clear trip log

 

I am starting to think maybe the 205 doesnt support this?? I know on one of the million GPS comparison places it said Garmins work with Mapquest and I thought it had checks by all garmins but maybe that didnt include the 205. Also seems weird that mapquest will find communicate and say it transferred it successfully

 

TY for trying to help. The directions were very clear despite not working LOL

Might be worth a call to Garmin's tech support... I'm sure they handle calls like that all day. :yup:

KBsDarling

KBsDarling

Posted
Posted

yeah if i had ANYTHING to not love about it so far is the direction pamphlet is not much but since i have been able to do anything else i wanted to with it right from box without directions it isnt a big whine

 

biggest reason i wanted to do the mapquest thing was :blush: to multi-plot stops for next summer yard sale-ing :P

Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

I bought the Tom Tom XL from Target. Does anyone know how to add extra memory to this?

The TomTom XL has an SD memory card slot. However, TomToms either use the SD slot --or-- the internal memory, but not both.

 

As I recall, they have 1GB of built-in memory, so you aren't going to gain ANYTHING unless you go to a 2GB or larger card.

 

I have a 2GB card in my TomTom, I have it full-loaded with all of the POI lists that interest me, color combinations, and plenty of voices.

 

To get your maps and info on the SD card:

Do a backup to your computer from the GPS using the TomTom desktop software and a USB cable.

Turn the unit off.

Insert the SD card.

Turn the unit on again.

Using the TomTom desktop software do a restore (which will then go on the card).

 

-----

 

Consider joining http://www.tomtomforums.com for POI lists, color combos, voices (and assistance). I'm Genius of Love over there (a play-on-words from the Tom Tom Club song), but I'm not on there much any more since I have a newer Garmin than my 2 year old TomTom.

chr05angel

chr05angel

Posted
Posted
for tomtom's the most important thing is to delete voices and languages you will never use. this clears up ALOT of space and lets you download map updates with no issues
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