Looking to purchase a portable GPS unit, any recommendations??

**gossame1** · 10-07-2007, 09:21 PM

Hello Gang,

I know it's been a while since I posted anything on here, busy at work and not enough time to get online. I am thinking about purchasing a portable GPS unit for use in the car. (I don't have the NAV radio in the car, couldn't see spending the $$$ for the REC Nav radio) I'm looking at several units, Cobra, Tomtom, and Magellan. (Cobra NavOne 2100, the Tomtom GO 510, Tomtom ONE XL, and the Magellan Maestro 4040 (w/ AAA Travel information) Anyone here have any of those units, or have had the chance to look at those units? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I look foreward to be hearing from the group soon!

Sincerely,

Brian T. Carotenuto

**JarZ** · 10-07-2007, 09:41 PM

I have a Garmin and LOVE it! It's super easy to use and no issues with it at all. Mine has bluetooth and mp3 capability as well - the sound quality on the bluetooth/phone calls is pretty darn good and you can easily talk "hands-free".

Right now the newest units are called "Nuvi" and are flat-panel as opposed to the boxier units of the previous generation - of course they cost a little bit more. My FIL has a TomTom which is very nice, but I much prefer the Garmin for ease of use etc.

I bought mine from www.frys.com. Fast shipping, great price and everything was just perfect if you're also looking for a good vendor.

Good luck and happy navigating.

EDIT: http://shop3.outpost.com/product/486...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG <---- this is the exact unit I have (and it's even the same price AND free shipping!). It has all the previous versions' features (obviously since it's newer) but if you're looking to save a few bucks, DO NOT buy the 530 version. That one actually has LESS features than its predecessor and a better lower-priced unit would be the 330 (base) or 340. The 340 has everything the 550 has, except bluetooth and mp3 player, but if you can live without those, that's a nice option as well. All these should range between $250-$350 but of course if your budget is bigger than that, your options are much greater. Just giving you the info I have!

**Brilliant R/T** · 10-07-2007, 09:48 PM

I did a lot of research when buying my dad a great unit as he travels all across the country often. My pick ended up being the GARMIN NUVI 660. Great unit, you should compare it out along with your choices.

**cm2005300** · 10-08-2007, 12:11 AM

tomtom one good unit for $250.00 check it out

**FloridaRT** · 10-08-2007, 08:36 AM

I have just one word to say................

GARMIN!

LOL

Bob

**NVRDUN** · 10-08-2007, 09:29 AM

I have a Garmin 330 (i think) I really like the unit. It does not have the bluetooth or MP3 capabilities, but as far as a GPS unit its awesome. Super easy to use! I would definately look at some Garmin units.

**JarZ** · 10-08-2007, 11:42 AM

I just remembered something else. The 330 only says for example "turn right in 200 feet", whereas the 340 and 550 would say "turn right onto Main Street in 200 feet".

**NVRDUN** · 10-08-2007, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by UNDER/TAKER

I just remembered something else. The 330 only says for example "turn right in 200 feet", whereas the 340 and 550 would say "turn right onto Main Street in 200 feet".

Yes, you are correct, mine just says turn left/right in blah, blah feet. Like I said its a very plain unit, but works great. Hey, it was free, Im not complaining!

**Venom Power** · 10-08-2007, 12:00 PM

I use the ////ALPINE Blackbird in my SRT-10 since I can use it with my screen head unit. The Blackbird is touchscreen and really bad azz.. Views from 500 ft. to 2 miles up. If you plug in a SD card with stored music you can play MP3s on it... Can use earphones too.

**GoofyTimL** · 10-08-2007, 12:23 PM

We have a Magellan Roadmate 700. It is NOT battery operated... requires a power cord to the car's cig lighter, etc. Has a nice 4-5" touch screen, voice prompts and synthesized voice street/highway names.

It was about $1k when we bought it a couple years ago... probably much less expensive now. Gets us anywhere in the US.

**32Noir** · 10-08-2007, 01:30 PM

Here's another vote for the Garmin Nuvi 660. I just returned from a 6000 mile RV road trip and it performed flawlessly. Mine came form Costco at a great price but I don't believe they still have them. I think Sam's club does tho. IMHO, it's always advisable to buy a product like from someplace like Costco or Sams, because of their liberal return policies. Costco's is down to 90 days, but Sam's is still open ended AFAIK.

**Brilliant R/T** · 10-08-2007, 04:35 PM

I also purchased it from Costco on-line at an incredibly low price compared to all other stores.

Originally Posted by 32Noir

Here's another vote for the Garmin Nuvi 660. I just returned from a 6000 mile RV road trip and it performed flawlessly. Mine came form Costco at a great price but I don't believe they still have them. I think Sam's club does tho. IMHO, it's always advisable to buy a product like from someplace like Costco or Sams, because of their liberal return policies. Costco's is down to 90 days, but Sam's is still open ended AFAIK.

**TORREDAYTONA** · 10-08-2007, 04:41 PM

my suggestion ..is step up and get the rec unit,its worth it

**Turf** · 10-08-2007, 04:45 PM

the Mio units are very cheap, but also highly rated. i have a c310x, no text-to-speech, but does everything else well, for under $200. they have the same sirfstar III gps chip that all the nice ones have. the newest Mio's also have text-to-speech for under $200...