The October 2007 issue of Consumer Reports rates various GPS receivers. Their top ratings go to the Garmin nuvi 660, Garmin nuvi 350, TomTom GO 910 and Magellan CrossoverGPS. I can’t argue with the nuvis, but have real qualms about the last two.
Among their "Best Buys" was the TomTom ONE, which I have to agree with, given the incredible discounts now available. The other two best buys were the Magellan RoadMate 2000 and Garmin StreetPilot c330. The RoadMate 2000 leaves a lot to be desired, and while the StreetPilot c330 is a good unit, it’s a bit of a dinosaur, having been released way back in January 2005.
My own "best buys" from my auto GPS buyers guide, are the Mio DigiWalker C220 and Garmin nuvi 200. It’s too bad that Consumer Reports didn’t review the Mio C220 and C520; it would have been interesting to see how they rated. I’d also like to see them add screen brightness to their listed test results.
One other thing — the top ten were all Garmin, Magellan or TomTom. All other brands brought up the rear.
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I’d appreciate a recommendation on a simple, inexpensive GPS for driving directions only, but that is portable and can be moved from car to car.
(I’ll be using rental cars)
Diane,
I’d go with a nuvi 200. A nuvi 260 will add one other feature…it will call out sttreet names, so you’ll get “turn left on Oak Street” rather than “turn left in 1/4 mile.”
Details here…
http://gpstracklog.com/2007/03/garmin_nuvi_com.html
How do you deal with moving the nuvi 200 from rental car to rental car? (Can it just sit on the passenger seat, or do you have to temporarily mount it on each new dashboard?)
Thanks for the help!
Diane,
All the nuvis come with a very portable windshield suction cup mount.
My brother-in-law says his Magellan 1200 is just fine for him. It’s a lot cheaper than the nuvi 260. Do you think I’d regret choosing price over product here?
Diane,
If he’s nearby, the best thing to do is test it yourself. The nuvi interface is much better. Another thing to watch for is the number of points of interest. The Magellan 1200 has a low number. It sounds like you travel a lot. If you think you will be searching for hotels and restaurants by name, the nuvi will be better. Here’s my Magellan 1200 review…
http://gpstracklog.com/2007/11/magellan-roadma.html
Thanks for your quick and generous offers of help! (Hope you get paid for this service!)
I will be doing a lot of work travel this spring but won’t be looking for points of interest, just for precise addresses in different cities where I will be working.
(Unfortunately my brother-in-law lives too far away for me to test his device)
Diane,
The Magellan may work fine then, though the nuvi will have a better, more intuitive interface.
I do make some money when people shop here. It helps pay the bills!
Use your GPS to find that remote B&B in the mountains. If you own a small Inn or B&B use Online Tools Today to find a free comparison chart of 18 software companies that offer online reservation software. No opt-in required just browse the reviews, articles and consumer chart comparing features and prices.
Hi Rich, I’ve owned a GPS for 6 years now. I originally bought a GPS V and I’ve loved it but with all the new portables out I think its time to upgrade. That GPS V was like $450 and I’m definately not in a position to spend that kind of money again (wife and kids!). What do you recommend for around $150-$200? I want to use it in my car but also to take with me when I Geocache with my kids. Thanks for the help…
John,
There aren’t any ideal solutions for car and geocaching in one unit. A Garmin Legend HCx is one option in your price range, but you’ll have to pony up extra for maps and a mount.
A Garmin nuvi 200 is a good road unit, but weak (no compass screen), awkward and fragile for geocaching.
Thanks for the info Rich. I can just stay with my GPS V for Geocaching and get something for my car. Would you say the nuvi 200 would be the way to go?
The nuvi 200 is a great unit. The nuvi 260 adds text-to-speech (calls out street names on turns). Price difference at Amazon right now is about $160 vs. $210.
My dad wants a simple GPS that is easy to operate, and will give him a compass and Lattitude/Longitude. He’s not particularly tech saavy, and doesn’t want a lot of extra features. Is there anything on the market that fits this description?
For a car or a handheld (for hiking etc.)?
I have a GPS that can not be upgraded and now it is time to buy again.
Is there a brand(s) that offer free downloads of current maps so I don’t have to buy a new one every few years???
Thanks for any advice
It’s not free, but Navigon offers what they call FreshMaps for $79. It allows users to download up to 12 NAVTEQ-based map updates in three years.