GPS question

[CurlyDave]

I just got one in the Wal-Mart in Grants Pass, Oregon for $448 about a month ago.

Let me amplify this just a little bit.

This unit was a replacement for a Garmin c320 which was stolen from my wife about a month ago. The unit was placed on the floor of her car, but somehow the theives saw it and broke the window to get into the car.

The total cost of car repairs and replacement GPS was ~$1300. Plus the inconvenience of not having a window for a day, which might not be a big deal in summer, but makes a car almost undrivable in late January. The guy probably got $30 for it at a pawn shop.

Bottom line: Store the GPS out of sight when you park. This is much easier with a small unit like the Nuvi, compared to a larger one like the c320.

 

[Knotbored]

I bought Microsoft Streets and Trips software with a GPS devise included a couple months ago (from COSCO store) for about $100 but that requires a laptop or notebook computer.
If they are computer literate and have a laptop its a very good program. Note that laptop could also be useful keeping in contact by email from free (or cheap) hotspots scattered around at coffee shops and at airports.

 

[Lynkage]

I use Garmin for camping and they are good.

But..... We (at work for survey) use Trimble. I know Trimble makes ones for cars but I think they are expensive but very accurate.

 

[jjcc246]

Have had a lot of luck with the Megallen Roadmate 500. Very Easy to use. I also use a laptop with Steet Atlas, not as easy but very accurate. Also plays DVD to kill time, no sense in watching the road when you can watch a DVD.

 

[archerynut]

I just bought a Nuvi 660 from Best Buy two weeks ago ($~700). This unit itself is pretty pricey, but I just had to have all the bells and whistles. There are much less expensive units, but I have found that Graming in general is a very good unit. I have used my everyday for the past couple of weeks and it has performed flawlessly. If you want some good reviews try CNet.com. I would think something like the c530 or c550 would work well for this circumstance.

Garmin International Inc. | GPS - CNET Reviews

 

[GaryM]

This unit was a replacement for a Garmin c320 which was stolen from my wife about a month ago. The unit was placed on the floor of her car, but somehow the theives saw it and broke the window to get into the car.

Bottom line: Store the GPS out of sight when you park. This is much easier with a small unit like the Nuvi, compared to a larger one like the c320.

The newer Garmin units have a built in anti theft featue called GarminLock. The unit will only activate at a predetermined starting location, set by the user. Activating the unit at a different location requires a password. They provide stickers to apply to the unit. I guess it would make the unit less desireable to a thief. If he took it to the pawn shop and it wouldn't turn on, the fellow probably wouldn't buy it from him.

 

[rlk]

Garmin has the Nuvi Navagation System, we have a friend that has one and he likes it. I read some internet reviews and they are supposedly easy to use, voice controlled, and accurate. You can find them on the internet for around $445.

I also have the Nuvi. Great unit; easy to use; you enter destination via the touch screen; it tells you where to turn by voice and visually; plus Garmin provides updates via the internet.

Shop around as there are some good deals on the internet.

Bob

 

[CurlyDave]

The newer Garmin units have a built in anti theft featue called GarminLock. The unit will only activate at a predetermined starting location, set by the user. Activating the unit at a different location requires a password. They provide stickers to apply to the unit. I guess it would make the unit less desireable to a thief. If he took it to the pawn shop and it wouldn't turn on, the fellow probably wouldn't buy it from him.

This presumes that the thief will read the sticker before breaking into the car...

The majority of the cost in our case was repairing the car.

 

[greenedeere]

I really like the version 8 Garmin c330 Streetpilot,prices have come down alot lately.My sixth one and really easy to use. Have loaned it to my 71 year old mother and she had no trouble using it and understanding it.@300.Dollars.

 

[RayH]

I just got a Garmin Nuvi. Very easy to use and some good features. The Nuvi is perfect for my needs because its small and Im constantly switching it between different vehicles. If I were buying one to stay in only one vehicle, I would look at something with a bigger screen though. For what you describe, a labtop with a GPS reciever would be best and could serve as an internet connection as well but thats more $$$$.
Steve, I just remembered, you arent too far from me. Theres nothing like trying something out before you buy, if you want, we can take the Nuvi for a spin sometime.