Our GPS Reviews

Comments

1. T.D. Smyers says:

   July 3, 2006 at 10:01 am

   This review is provided as a public service. It represents my own opinion and experience, so take it for what it’s worth to you.
   Like many of you, I looked all over for some detailed comparisons of available GPS units before I bought one. What I found on the web didn’t answer many of my questions, so I decided to share my own GPS adventure with those of you still in the market. What follows is a comparison between the TomTom GO 910 and the Garmin c550. There are other units out there, as well, but this review may help make you a more educated GPS consumer – whatever you buy. Please, take advantage of my time without losing a lot of your own!
   Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF):
   After several days of side-by-side testing, I’m taking my TomTom GO 910 back to Best Buy this morning, and keeping my Garmin c550. The 910 has enormous potential, but can’t yet deliver in the US; maybe in a few months or so it will. The Garmin is less flashy, but gets the job done.
   Intro:
   I was very excited about the TomTom GO 910 after doing some preliminary research and finding that it had enormous capability, customization and functional advantages over the competing Brand’s equivalent models. My initial excitement was reinforced when I opened the box. The 910 had the feel of quality equipment – it was solid and sleek; it had several “extras”, including an audio cable and a home computer dock; and the connecting hardware fit together firmly and securely with a sharp “click”. I continued to be impressed with the many Text To Speech (TTS) options available (I chose a very nice British female to guide me around Northern Virginia); the wide, attractive display and the MANY ways available to customize my display and navigation.
   A disappointment:
   My first disappointment came when I tried to set my home location and discovered that my street wasn’t included on the maps. I didn’t think too much about it, since I live in a fairly new development (the street was cut about two years ago), and set my home location at the nearest recognized intersection (about a quarter of a mile away).
   Another disappointment:
   My Mom became interested in what my GPS could do, since she has just arrived here in Northern Virginia and could use the help getting around. She didn’t need all the “Gucci” stuff the 910 had, so I looked for her another TomTom that would give her a basic GPS capability and enable me to home in on her position through the TomTom PLUS account’s “TomTom Buddies” option. Since I would probably use TomTom PLUS on my 910 for traffic and weather, I would set up the Buddy thing also. We chose the TomTom GO 300 for Mom.
   My second disappointment came when I tried to set up traffic services. I looked at the website to order an FM TMC receiver for my 910 only to discover that they aren’t yet available. No sweat, I thought, I’ll just set up my TomTom PLUS account and get the traffic via bluetooth connection to the wireless data services on my cell phone. Not so fast! My carrier (and many of yours, I suspect) Verizon’s data services are not compatible with TomTom equipment. Both TomTom and Verizon described this problem as one rooted in Verizon’s data network encryption, but neither company has provided me with information as to when – or if – this problem will be fixed. I have a family plan with Verizon that makes most of my air time free, so I chose to wait for a traffic solution…and give up on the “TomTom Buddy” fun for now.
   In fact, Mom’s 300 didn’t have traffic, bluetooth, or TTS capability; and, since she was spoiled by watching me with the 910, we sought another option. As I searched through other GPS units (I initially didn’t think Mom needed as much capability as the 910 offered), I investigated the Garmin c550; it was impressive enough for me to visit the local Circuit City and check it out.
   The c550 is comparable to my 910. It has hands-free calling capability through a bluetooth link; it comes with an integrated traffic capability (the receiver is built into the power adapter – great idea); it has a rechargeable battery and it is TTS capable. I liked it, so we bought two; one for Mom, and one for me to either keep (could this thing really replace my “Gucci” 910?) or return within the 14-day period of their return policy.
   Side-by-side Comparison:
   Over the last several days, I’ve tried both units side-by-side, and offer the following comparison. After each area subtitle, I have included which product has the advantage. Please bear in mind that this is based on my unique circumstances (location, cell phone, wireless provider, driving needs, etc.); your own needs may favor a different product.
   GPS functionality – Garmin sets the standard.
   The TomTom takes a good bit more time to acquire satellites and, in my experience, is slightly more prone to lose signal. The Garmin picks right up and nails your position, then maintains contact.
   Handling – Garmin is lighter and mounts more securely.
   The TomTom is a heavier unit, and its window mount has a tendency to droop after a while, so I mounted it so that the unit was sitting on my dash, but connected to the window as well. The Garmin is lighter, and stays put on the simpler ball-and-socket mount. While both units come with a protective pouch, the Garmin’s has a hole in the back so it can be mounted without removing the cover (simply unzipping the front exposes the face, then you can slide the cover back on the mount in order to plug in the charger and/or audio cable.).
   Power – Garmin lasts longer on batteries.
   Both units have car chargers. The TomTom’s plugs into the mount, vice the unit itself. The TomTom also comes with a home dock that includes a 110V power adapter, while the Garmin recharges through your computer’s USB connection (no dock, just a USB port). While both have batteries, the Garmin lasts about twice as long as the TomTom (8 hourse, vice 4 hours). This might be due to the power requirements of the internal hard drive.
   Ease of use – Garmin is silly easy.
   I didn’t even open the instruction manual until the second day I owned the device; and then it was just to make sure I hadn’t missed anything! The Garmin has fewer menus to go through to access capability, and the interface is much more intuitive than the TomTom. Neither one is hard to navigate, there are just many more options with the TomTom. Once you’ve mastered navigation of the menus, the TomTom – like anything else – would certainly become almost as easy; but the Garmin comes this way out of the box.
   Maps – Garmin, hands down.
   I have read the term “accuracy” a lot when describing these maps. Both seem to be “accurate” in different ways; for example, the Garmin more reliably displays bodies of water as a navigation aid, while the TomTom more reliably depicts merging lanes and access roads. Both maps seem to be right on the money with the actual GPS location of these features. The real difference is currency and comprehensiveness. The Garmin maps are MUCH more current (including recent construction) and comprehensive (including small town streets). For example, the TeleAtlas maps in the TomTom didn’t include my house; they also didn’t include an address – in an established neighborhood – that I was trying to get to for a friend’s birthday party. By comparison, the Garmin NAVTEQ maps included both my origin and destination, and the c550 navigated right to the correct driveway. The best I could have done with the TomTom alone would be to get in the same neighborhood as my buddy’s party, then call him or follow my nose to the grill.
   Traffic capability – Garmin has it available out of the box.
   The TomTom can access traffic info via FM TMC…after you buy the optional receiver…when the receiver becomes available…and unplugging your audio cable from the mounting bracket jack to make room for the receiver; or through your cell phone’s data connection…unless you have Verizon, which isn’t compatible. By contrast, the Garmin c550 includes a GTM-20 traffic receiver (integrated into the power adapter – very nice); a solution that enables you to get traffic updates (which are silently input into your device) while listening to your tunes.
   I used the traffic solution on the Garmin, and it works as advertised, just be sure to checkout the coverage areas on the Garmin website; your area may not be serviced by TMC yet. As an alternate option, the c550 can retrieve traffic info via your XM radio link.
   Bluetooth Interface – Garmin gets the basics right.
   Although it isn’t capable of using my Motorola V3c’s Verizon connection to access wireless data (of course, since I use Verizon, neither is the TomTom), the Garmin operates exceptionally well as a hands-free calling device (like a car kit or earpiece). It synchronizes with my phonebook each time it’s connected (vice simply initially importing the entries like the TomTom) and allows me to use my phone’s voice dial capability (which the TomTom does not).
   Audio – TomTom by a nose.
   The TomTom has an incredible 20GB of space to store MP3s on, so it wins the storage battle without a fight. The Garmin storage solution is a little less than 1GB available onboard, plus whatever you can get on an SD card. I have a 1 GB SD card, so I store about 2GB worth of MP3s. The TomTom’s speaker is also a good quality speaker. The Garmin has two speakers, but the sound isn’t noticeably better than the TomTom; in fact, I think the TomTom sounds a bit better. This isn’t important if you’re playing the files through your car’s system; which is supported by both products via an audio cable (the TomTom comes with one, the Garmin doesn’t). Also, when a driving alert comes up, both units pause the music playback; but the TomTom fades it out and back in after the alert, vice the abrupt pause-and-continue the Garmin uses. Where the Garmin gains some ground in this area is in its interface. Songs are played while their info is attractively displayed – including a graphic of the CD cover if the file includes one. This is in contrast to the TomTom’s surprisingly Spartan presentation during music playback. The control and playback option buttons on the Garmin are also more intuitive.
   Although the TomTom comes with some surprisingly clunky “TomTom Home” software that can load MP3 files, it – like the Garmin – can be synchronized using standard software like Windows Media Player. Both units basically interface with your PC as a mass storage device – like a thumb drive.
   Points of Interest (POIs) – Garmin seems to know the US.
   Display of POIs is slick on the TomTom (you can even customize the alert the TomTom uses when you’re approaching one – like “let’s eat” for restaurants), but the database is woefully inadequate. By comparison, I have yet to visit a commercial, government or social location that is not in the Garmin database. It is also much easier to telephone a POI using the Garmin; both in terms of the feature’s availability and it’s interface with my phone.
   Text To Speech (TTS) – Garmin is easy to understand.
   The TomTom includes more voice options, but I found the Garmin voices easier to understand. I don’t think this is the speaker, which is marginally superior on the TomTom; but rather the simulation itself. On the TomTom, simple universal words like “road” are sometimes difficult to understand.
   Display – Garmin, for simplicity and anti-glare.
   Although the TomTom’s screen is wider, more customizable and aesthetically appealing, it is also harder to read, especially in glare. Both devices allow brightness adjustment, but the simpler color scheme and superior anti-glare construction of the Garmin makes it easier to read. The TomTom includes modifiable color schemes, so you might be able to find one that works better with your vision, but it is hard to beat the superior anti-glare of the Garman screen.
   Custom features – TomTom, hands down.
   With the TomTom, you can customize almost everything. Of course, the enormous amount of options is also why it’s a bit cumbersome to get anything done with the 910; and why the Garmin gets the “ease of use” nod. The TomTom feature list is definitely where auto GPS configuration is going in the future…check out the link at the bottom of this review for a list of cool features.
   Itinerary planning – TomTom has it, Garmin doesn’t.
   One very nice feature of the TomTom is it’s ability to plan, and save, an itinerary. When you fire it up and load the itinerary, it guides you to the next unvisited point. Garmin doesn’t yet support this useful tool, although – like the TomTom – it does allow you to save points as “favorites” for easy access as you drive your route.
   Summary:
   Because of the traffic receiver’s (non)availability and data incompatibility with Verizon, the TomTom GO 910 is not quite ready for prime-time here in the US. In my case, the trumpeting of its amazing capabilities was muffled by the reality that they just aren’t available to everyone who buys one. In contrast, the Garmin is a solid, reliable and accurate GPS unit (which pretty much says it all, doesn’t it?) that offers an amazing array of capabilities, all of which are available right out of the box. The TomTom is much sexier, but I’m looking for a navigational aid, not a girlfriend.
   I’ll happily use my Garmin c550 for the time being and watch for TomTom to come of age.
   For your own comparison:
   TomTom GO feature list:
   http://www.tomtom.com/products/features.php?ID=212&Language=4&ShowAllFeatures=1
   Garmin c550 feature list:
   http://www.garmin.com/products/sp550/
   Good luck!
   T.D.

   Reply
2. Duy says:

   February 20, 2007 at 11:51 pm

   hello,
   My name is Duy and I am a teacher to teach people how to drive a car. I want to buy a machine which can record where my car went. For example, after teaching my student few hours before a road test, my student will take a road test with a supervisor. I want to put the machine into my car so that it can record where the student drove my car because the supervisor will ask the student drive different routes such as 75, 78, 77, et… After the road test, the supervisor will write which route he/she asked the student to drive. For example, when I see the route 75 on the paper, I can checkthe machine in order to know what streets are includes in route 75… I want this information so that I can teach other students.
   I am living in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
   Please let me know what machine is appropriate to me.
   Thanks
   Duy

   Reply
3. Duy says:

   February 20, 2007 at 11:52 pm

   hello,
   My name is Duy and I am a teacher to teach people how to drive a car. I want to buy a machine which can record where my car went. For example, after teaching my student few hours before a road test, my student will take a road test with a supervisor. I want to put the machine into my car so that it can record where the student drove my car because the supervisor will ask the student drive different routes such as 75, 78, 77, et… After the road test, the supervisor will write which route he/she asked the student to drive. For example, when I see the route 75 on the paper, I can checkthe machine in order to know what streets are includes in route 75… I want this information so that I can teach other students.
   I am living in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
   Please let me know what machine is appropriate to me.
   Thanks
   Duy

   Reply
4. Rich Owings says:

   February 21, 2007 at 10:58 pm

   Duy,
   A GPS that records tracks will show you where the GPS has been. In most cases, a GPS with this capability will allow you to download the info to a computer. Newer Garmin GPS receivers like the nuvi and StreetPilot c500 series have a basic interface that does not allow this. The Quest, Quest 2, StreetPilot 2820 and other Garmins do have this. You can use Garmin’s comparison tool (http://www.garmin.com/mobile/compare.jsp) to check this out. Units with this capability will show the number of tracklog points (usually 10,000). HTH.

   Reply
5. Benjamin says:

   May 4, 2007 at 9:31 am

   Great review of the suunto watch which I bought a while back (and had similar problem as the ones TFS reported). it was a big mistake and i wish i would have seen this review (although it of course wasn’t available yet) before purchasing it.
   http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2007/05/tfs-review-suunto-running-pack-t3-hrm-and-foot-pod/

   Reply
6. shom says:

   May 31, 2007 at 3:56 pm

   I wanted to know if you would do a review of the Mio C520 anytime soon. i see that you don’t review Mio products yet.

   Reply
7. Rich Owings says:

   May 31, 2007 at 4:18 pm

   shom,
   I can’t get review units loaned from Mio. They are totally unresponsive. I’ll give it one more try, then I’ll break down and buy one. Regardless, it will be several weeks before I get a review posted. Sorry about that.

   Reply
8. shom says:

   May 31, 2007 at 4:22 pm

   I understand. Thanks for your efforts!

   Reply
9. shom says:

   June 1, 2007 at 10:34 am

   I am not sure, why, but my postings are appearing under different names!

   Reply
10. shom says:

    June 1, 2007 at 10:34 am

    I am not sure, why, but my postings are appearing under different names!
    Shom

    Reply
11. Ras says:

    July 19, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    Great information about GPS. My site includes articles specific for people looking for GPS for Kayaking, hiking etc.

    Reply
12. Robert says:

    August 5, 2007 at 7:26 pm

    I am interested in seeing reviews that talk about personal use of these GPS units. Things like ease of use (touch screen…) quality of information, ie. called turns before they were reached, found addresses properly, quality of display, portability from one vehicle to another, signal retention, antenna internal/external.
    Why an individual bought one over another based on some of these criteria or had to return one for another based on problems with the criteria as stated above.
    maybe you could enlargen on the questions I would have as well or suggest another site with this kind of detail.
    Regards, Robert e9coastie@bellsouth.net

    Reply
13. lara says:

    September 25, 2007 at 9:41 am

    I am interested in buying (as a present) a gps for my husband, who drives a truck in urban NY (where he has to deal with no-truck highways) and travels to surrounding states. What would be the best for a truck driver? Cost is important. Thanks

    Reply
14. Rich Owings says:

    September 25, 2007 at 9:57 am

    Lara,
    I’d suggest a wide-screen Garmin nuvi. The nuvi 200W is one option. The nuvi 650 adds spoken street names, so he’ll hear it say “turn left on Highway 101 in 500 feet” instead of just “turn left in 500 feet.” The nuvi 660 adds live traffic if that’s important.
    They should all have “truck” as a navigation option. Hopefully, that will route him away from “no truck” highways.

    Reply
15. Chris says:

    November 7, 2007 at 1:00 pm

    I’m in the market for a GPS for my car that has large buttons for big mitts. I also want one that has traffic avoidance features. I have a TOMTOM ONE XL brand new and waiting to be opened but I learned about the Tele Atlas map system and would like to get over to the NAVTEC map system as I read that it is better (no personal experience). I’d like to stay below $500, preferably around $300-400.
    Is the ONE XL the best I’ll likely do for my needs? I’ve been looking toward the Garmin Nuvi 350, 660, and the Streetpilot c550 as possibilities but remain wide open to suggestions. I thought I found the pinnacle with the Navigon 7100 but they have small buttons. Damn.
    Any recomendations?

    Reply
16. Lynchmob44 says:

    November 23, 2007 at 12:26 pm

    Hi
    I was looking at buying a Garmin 660 with bluetooth. I have recently purchased the LG Shine bluetooth phone. It is not listed as a “bluetooth tested” unit onthe site. Would you happen to know if the two units will work together?
    Thanks
    Peter

    Reply
17. Rich Owings says:

    November 23, 2007 at 12:37 pm

    Peter,
    I’m afraid I don’t. Sorry.

    Reply
18. RM says:

    December 3, 2007 at 2:55 am

    I recently got a MAXX Digital PN3000 Explorer I GPS from Office Depot as part of thier after Thanksgiving sale. This GPS device also has a built in MP3 player, Ebook, photo capability, and also has a TMC input though not good manual on how exactly to use these additional features. So has anyone ever tested this device out and how it compares on features, functioning, performance, etc with the other better known GPSs out there? I also picked up a Mio Digiwalker C220 from Circuit City. So just wondering which one I should keep and which one to return. I have seen a lot of reviews on the MIO c220 but none on the MAXX Digital. Would appreciate some good advice on this. Thanks. RM

    Reply
19. Rich Owings says:

    December 3, 2007 at 9:59 am

    RM,
    I’m not familiar with it, but I found this on the Explorer II…
    http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000TYQXMG?showViewpoints=1
    These off brands are often not supported very well. Not that Mio is either, but they are improving. I liked the Mio 220, but it’s not that bright of a screen, nor is it very intuitive.
    HTH

    Reply
20. kpli says:

    December 31, 2007 at 12:25 am

    Thanks for the lovely post, i’ve read it with interest and had bookmarked this blog for future reference..keep em coming bro, and i wish you A Happy New Year !!

    Reply
21. Paul says:

    December 31, 2007 at 3:33 pm

    I’m a powered-paraglider pilot. Any recommendations as to what portable GPS would be best.
    Some basic requirements would be;
    Speed, Altitutde, and direction back to the landing zone.
    Thanks

    Reply
22. Rich Owings says:

    December 31, 2007 at 5:11 pm

    Paul,
    Check this out for more info on flying a powered paraglider with a GPS…
    http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/12/rogers-runway-u.html
    I’m thinking a unit with a barometric altimeter and electronic compass would be best. Since you’ll be wide open to the sky, a high-sensitivity chipset probably isn’t required. Therefore, I’d recommend a couple of older models, the Garmin GPSMAP 60CS or the Garmin eTrex Vista Cx. If you can’t find those, go for the newer models with the high-sensitivity chipset, the 60CSx or the Vista HCx.

    Reply
23. mobilityplus says:

    January 24, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    I suggest anyone be wary before sending a GPS unit to the Magellan repair center. My experience ranks as one of the worst I’ve every had with a repair center. The net result is that the unit was not repaired. Instead the company sent a replacement unit with inferior features than the Roadmate 760 sent in to be repaired. Seven phone calls later I gave up because my complaints fell on unresponsive ears.

    Reply
24. Chad says:

    January 26, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    I’m so confused with all of the GPS units out in the market. I’m a novice to the GPS world. I would like a system that is accurant, text-to-voice direction, and economical. I don’t drive much. However, if I decide to drive in the city, like San Francisco, I don’t want to get lost or take side streets that takes extra time. I don’t need all of the extra gadgets. I suppose Blue-tooth technology is a plus. I would love any direction you can give me. Thanks.

    Reply
25. Eric Okunde says:

    March 24, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    Dear Sir,
    Please come share with us our vision on the latest trend in the GPS GSM Real
    Time Tracking device and total Smart phone GPS solutions,
    partnership would be highly welcomed
    Our Haicom HI-601VT GPS/GSM tracker is a true real-time tracker. As long as the GSM network available, user can track any object globally in real-time without using any middle software, internet access, service center, etc.
    HI-601VT uses the patented DTMF solution and it is unique among all other GPRS solutions.
    Compare to other trackers, bellows are some advantages
    1. HI-601VT communicate to the host with the GSM dial tone. It is point to point (HI-601VT directly to any phone via GSM network) solution and no need any call center or server in between. User just put any valid SIM card in and turn it on, one can start to track the object. Since it is point to point solution, user don’t have to pay any monthly fee or contract with the service provider. User just buy the unit from the store and use it and track it right way. The user privacy can also protected.
    2. The GPS/GSM antenna and battery are builded in HI-601VT and it is not only suitable for the vehicle tracking, it is also ideal for the personal tracking. The unit also equipped with the highest sensitive SiRF StarIII GPS module and high performance Siemens GSM module.
    3. HI-601VT is very user-friendly. Just dial the telephone number inside the HI-601VT, connect the phone dialtone to the inclusive decoder, one can start to track the object on any local mapping software or Google map, etc. The update rate is 3~4 seconds and the decoder just like a “remote” GPS receiver generating unlimited GPS NMEA data to the display unit.
    4. Since HI-601VT uses the DTMF solution, there is no any special software in between. User no need to do the complicated program settings and installations. With HI-601VT, user just select the com port and start GPS on any mapping software .
    5. Even without using the decoder and DTMF, user can do free online tracking on http://www.gpstracing.nl and user can also receive the update location via SMS message.
    6. With the optional car kit accessories, by pressing few phone buttons, user can remotely activate many functions, such as, oil cutting, electricity cutting, moving sensor report, etc. User can also hear any sound around the HI-601VT by pressing one button.
    Simple to use. Ready to go out of the box.
    This will show you where it is NOW,
    and NO internet connection needed.
    this GPS tracker can track your plane, car, lorry, boat, son, daughter anywhere REAL TIME using your mobile phone / home phone with the relevant mapping software, such as Tomtom, Auto Route, Google earth and more.
    This is unbelievably simple to use.
    All you have to do to locate the vehicle / person is:
    Turn on your PC, laptop, pda and navigation mapping / software.
    Connect your phone, any phone, to the decoder with the supplied cables, connect the decoder via bluetooth to your laptop / PC etc.
    Call the number that is inside the tracker, Soon the position and movement will be displayed on your mapping software.
    Watching the tracked object will be like watching a bird’s-eye-view video of the route LIVE! See where the vehicle is and where its going to! Have you ever used Auto Route navigation software and seen how the guidance arrow moves as you go along. This shows exactly the same thing! The only difference being you are not in the vehicle that is shown on the map, someone else is!
    You can watch the tracked person, car, plane, lorry, boat, digger, JCB from your office, home, car, anywhere on your laptop or Smart phone, PDA! You can watch the object for as long as you like and see its travel in real-time, especially useful when there is a real need for it, like theft. Are your employees miss using your equipment, vehicles for their own gain at your cost? This device will sort them out !
    Full film instructions supplied on all pack.
    Optional car kit control box including:
    1.Car control kits main unit
    2.HI-601VT to car kit cable
    3.HI-601VT car kit data cable
    4.Power cigarette lighter for control box
    Car control cable sets
    Micro-phone cable set
    Vibration sensor cable set
    HI-403BTcube
    Mini-1394 to PS/II (male) cable
    USB cable
    Car battery cable
    These accessories purpose are the extension function for the HI-601VT main unit.
    Via the control main box (the black aluminium box), HI-601VT can control or be controlled from these accessories.
    2.Car control cable sets
    Connecting all the accessories to the control box
    3.Micro-phone cable set
    User can hear some one talking via the microphone
    4.Vibration sensor cable set
    If the sensor vibrated, the signal will send via the main box to the
    HI-601VT and to the remote host side.
    5.HI-601VT to car kit cable
    Connecting the HI-601VT to the main control box.
    6.HI-403BTcube
    To make the HI-601VT and the control box as a normal Bluetooth GPS receiver.
    In this way, the user can also use it as a in car navigation.
    7.Mini-1394 to PS/II (male) cable To make the HI-601VT as a normal PS/II GPS receiver
    Haicom Europe provide two year free replacement warranty with CE, FC and RoHS WEEE
    certificate and 24hour customer support for All Haicom products including the HI-601VT.
    Feel free to contact me for any further information
    Kind Regards,
    Eric Okunde
    Haicom Europe GPS
    Kruisstraat 178
    5612CN Eindhoven
    The Netherlands
    Tel: 0031-402938955
    Fax: 0031-402443043
    http://www.haicomeurope.com
    info@haicomeurope.com

    Reply
26. Rashkovich says:

    March 31, 2008 at 9:06 am

    I have a 2005 GMC Denali XL truck with a GPS device in it – a great convenience.
    A few questions: 1. I’ve never been able to figure out the make and model of the device and 2. neither the dealership not GM contacts were able to tell me how to update the information, so that the device has the latest navigational data…
    Any advice?

    Reply
27. Rich Owings says:

    March 31, 2008 at 9:13 am

    If it was factory installed in a GM vehicle I would assume its an OnStar but maybe not. This is one of the problems with factory installed units. Support for updates can be lacking (and expensive when you do find them).

    Reply
28. Gerry McDonnell says:

    July 3, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Hi I just bought a zumo 550 from http://www.garminsatnavs.com ireland, Cant believe how good this product is,great

    Reply
29. Barry says:

    July 5, 2008 at 2:55 pm

    I’m looking for a reasonably priced(250-350$)Gps with bluetooth and multi destination features can you give me a list of the units that have these? Thanks.

    Reply
30. Rich Owings says:

    July 5, 2008 at 3:35 pm

    Barry,
    Sorry, but I don’t have a current list.
    I’d look at the Garmin nuvi 750 and TomTom GO 720. Bluetooth sound quality may be a problem though. It’s bad on my nuvi 660 and on a TomTom 720 I tested. A more recent model, the TomTom 730 sounded better in my testing, but it’s a little out of your price range. I haven’t tested the nuvi 750.

    Reply
31. Debbie says:

    July 6, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    I recently purchased a magellan 3225 than someone told me the tomtom’s are more use friendly so I purchased a tomtom 130. They were comparable in price, so I am just wondering which one I should keep and which one I should return to the store. I do not travel a lot but with the price being so reasonable I thought it maybe a not a bad idea to purchase one just for a little bit more security when I am traveling. Could anyone give me any advice on what the better unit is?

    Reply
32. Ruth says:

    July 17, 2008 at 8:28 am

    I am moving to Detroit with my husband and three babies at the end of the month. I want to buy a very reliable and user friendly unit. Can you give me any ideas as to what might be a good idea?

    Reply
33. Rich Owings says:

    July 17, 2008 at 8:40 am

    Ruth,
    I would go with a Garmin nuvi. Which one depends upon the features you want. I definitely recommend text-to-speech and a wide screen if you can afford it. The nuvi 260W fits the bill. The new nuvi 255W also shows the speed limit for major roads. This chart may help…
    http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_comparisons/garmin-nuvi-comparsion-chart.html

    Reply
34. Derrill says:

    October 26, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    I am looking for a handheld GPS for mounting on an ATV. Being one of the older generation I am looking for the GPS with the largest screen. A GPS that also has TOPO maps.
    Please advise on the model I should look at.
    Thanks,
    Derrill

    Reply
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    Reply
36. jean paul babineau says:

    November 25, 2008 at 11:06 am

    what is the best gps would you recomend for a truck driver i dont want all the fancy gadget just something that goes from point a to point b and something about trafic detail and accident report.and detour and speak detail by detail street imfo street name name exit.

    Reply
37. Rich Owings says:

    November 25, 2008 at 11:30 am

    I would definitely get a Garmin nuvi. There is a comparison chart here… http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_comparisons/garmin-nuvi-comparsion-chart.html
    Be aware that traffic reports are often inaccurate. Nevertheless, here are models to consider…
    The 265WT has lifetime traffic, but NAVTEQ traffic coverage is limited.
    The 255W is cheaper, but you’ll need to buy the FM/TMC traffic receiver separately.

    Reply
38. Truck Bed Covers says:

    December 22, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    I use a GPS device in my truck whenever I need to locate an address, or traveling in unfamiliar territory. It saves time and takes the frustration out of having to ask others for directions.

    Reply
39. Jesse says:

    January 14, 2009 at 12:02 am

    Hi, im looking for a good GPS.
    The Garmin 755T and the Magellan Maestro 4370 have caught my eye.
    I have not seen a review of the 4370 on your site though. Are you planning to do one? If not, could you please shed some light on the pros and cons of the 2, when put up next each other?
    Thanks,
    Jesse

    Reply
40. Rich Owings says:

    January 14, 2009 at 12:19 am

    The 4370 is almost identical to the 4350, which I reviewed at http://gpstracklog.com/2009/01/magellan-maestro-4350-review.html
    I’m traveling and can’t go into a long list of differences but, to be brief, the nuvi is greatly superior.

    Reply
41. joe says:

    January 18, 2009 at 4:56 am

    I wish to buy a GPS that when I travel to other countries I can down load the required software, example in USA or Europe

    Reply
42. Rich Owings says:

    January 18, 2009 at 7:45 am

    I don’t believe you can download Garmin maps; you’ll need to buy the SD card or disc. There are free maps you can download though, but many of those will not auto-route.

    Reply
43. Jill W says:

    November 8, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    I have it narrowed down to the nuvi 755t ($235 at Amazon) and the 855 ($217 at Amazon). I know I want it to speak street names, lane changes and a big screen. Which would you buy?

    Reply
44. Rich Owings says:

    November 9, 2009 at 10:17 am

    Even if I had a voice unit, I’d use the touchscreen, so I’d go with the 755t. That’s just personal preference though. They are both great models.

    Reply