Low cost GPS advice

[indacup]

Looking for a low cost, portable navigation system for my out of state travels..Narrowed down to two (it appears)...

Had originally planned on getting the Delphi NA200 at the local Sears for $129.

But then, I saw the Harmon Kardon GPS-300 (that the sales guy was leaning towards) for $179.

What is the input from you guys? Which one of these two, and why?

[Sandpiper3]

You got some pics of these Indacup?

I'd lean for the cheaper one without the knowledge on these, just cuz im poor.

Honestly though, i'd probly lean towards whichever one is smaller.

[mddubya]

Hey wait a minute Rory, we're guys, we don't need no stinking directions. man up and get lost like the rest of us and then deny it. But I'd probably lean towards the Harmon, in stuff like that, you usually get what you pay for.

[Pa Jayhawk]

From personal experience, I find it hard to get away from buying anything but Garmin for Navigational GPS's, and they can be found in that price range and size through the NUVI. I know you can find the Nuvi's at places like Walmart and Target for under $200. The C3xx models are pretty nice for the price and may be found in that range if you do not find them to big for your needs.

Although I do not have experience with the Delphi or lower end Harmon Kardons you may be able to find some useful info here:
GpsPasSion Forums

Good Luck!!

[jojosasser]

You could also check Overstock.com: Online Shopping Bedding, Furniture, Electronics, Jewelry, Clothing & more . I bought a Garmin from there and got a really good deal. They usually have a pretty good selection for all price ranges.

[Glenn70]

I had a TomTom One for a year, used it all over the country, and loved it. I upgraded recently to the TomTom 720 for more features ( like text to speech - where they say the name of the street you need to turn on as opposed to "turn in 300 yards" ).

The One goes for $179 at Bestbuy.

[indacup]

I've added a few more to my list....please check them out and offer your insights?

Garmin 200 at $200 (looks like no frills and pay for updates, correct?)

TomTom One 3rd edition at $189 which IO believe has free updates, correct?

Garmin c330 at $179

Harman/Kardon GPS-300 at $179 has usb to download MP3 (might be nice when travelling), wide screen and 1million POI...but it looks like customer service cannot be found...even onthe internet?

Delphi NAV200 at $129 looks like it has crappy mounting hardware and slow pulling up directions...but nice price point.

So there ya go guys...can you recommend any of these?

Text to speech is cool...but no way will I find that under $200

[jojosasser]

You can get the one I have (which has text to speech) for under $230 if you don't mind refurbished. I've had mine for several months and have had no problems whatsoever.

Garmin Streetpilot c340 GPS System : Audio & Video from Overstock.com

[Pa Jayhawk]

As far as Garmin updates, you do pay for their mapping software updates. They only come out about every 2 years from what I have seen. They run about $69 (saw it for $59 at target). They just came out with a new release a couple months ago in the 2008 software, so either make sure it has the new one or check with Garmin to see if they will upgrade it for free (they may, but check). Because some of these models are discontinued it is hard to say. Upated to the GPS firmware and system software are free, and they do it alot, which I like about Garmin. Or at least up until the time they discontinue a unit. By that time it is probably pretty much setup well. Between the NUVI and the c3xx models, the Nuvi is more compact where the c3xx is more of a rounded back model. Although I believe both do have voice directions, just not street name vocabulary. Which is what was mentioned earlier, and is a nice feature if you have the money. Ex. "Turn left in .3 miles", or "Turn left onto Elm Street in .3 mile". Doesn't seem like alot, but is a very nice function, and to me is well worth the money as to me it is one of the key features that separates a high end navigation system from a low end system. I believe you can get the c340 at walmart (or other) new for $240 as my friend bought one a month ago, maybe even cheaper online.

Check the differences here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

If you don't see the one you want, look under the discontinued section. As far as Garmin Products, the c340 would likely be my choice for an affordable unit that will speak street names. Where most of the that do so are around $100 more. Again though, look at a c3xx and a NUVI in person. The NUVI is more portable.

I personally have the c550 which is bigger yet, and is really not that big when traveling. So the c340 would seem O.K.

edit 1 - ... actually it looks like they have the new ones listed on that overstock site for $2 more at $229. But again, may be worth checking around or checking with garmin to see if you can get the 2008 software. Also realize on the NUVI they have 2 models the regular and a W model with a wide screen which is more.

[MCDavis]

I use mapquest and a map...whole lot cheaper!

[Pa Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by MCDavis

I use mapquest and a map...whole lot cheaper!

I have also used Delorme for about as long as I have used a GPS, or around 15-20 years. Great mapping software and great for doing vacation packages. Kinda funny that the Navagation system on the gps is the first I have found that does routes that I prefer over Delorme. With an existing laptop it can provide with with a cheap navigation system where you can get the software and a cheap GPS reciever for under $100. If you have a palm or PPC and get either a cable or Bluetooth GPS if your palm is bluetooth, you can use it as a Navagation system.

The main reason I prefer Delorme over mapquest is the ease of use, you do not have to have Internet access, plus I can load the maps and Points of interest into my palm. Although I never thought I would get by without Delorme, I am starting to think with the GPS Navigation system it is getting alot less use.

I never thought I would see the need for a Navigation system as my old hiking GPS and Delorme suited me fine. I would say it and TIVO are the two devices I never gave credit too, and now could not live without. Probably the two devices that just make life much simpler, and I don't even watch much TV or even drive that much anymore. I never would have got the Nav system had it not been given to me as a gift, and never would have got TIVO had my POS Dvd recorder not broken twice in 2 years.

[Pa Jayhawk]

BTW, many of the reviews I have seen on Map updates are that they are not really a big issue or that important. Which is also the case in what I see in most mapping software. I did update but it is mainly because many of the updates on 2008 were around airports from what I understand, and my wife travels alot. We also use the Points of interest alot when we travel to select restaurants, golf, and such. And they added a few million.

Probably depends on your use and the area you live. Around our initial area I see no real change, and my father and brother did not bother updating. I probably wouldn't have spent the $69 if not for it being a request from my wife. Kinda like Delorme, I updated every 2-3 years and probably would have gone 4-5 years. The only reason I do ever 2-3 is because the additions to the software and interface, which are free from Garmin. Unless you live in or frequently visit drastically expanding areas, it is probably not a big issue to update.

If not for my wife traveling a great deal, I would probably only update about every 4 years. Then I figure I would have to weigh the new devices on the market. Where $69 is a cheap alternative to a new system.

[Wi-Golfer]

Originally Posted by Pa Jayhawk

I know you can find the Nuvi's at places like Walmart and Target for under $200.

I just got back from Walmart & they had one of the Garmin Nuvi's...sorry I didn't look at the model number...but it's $178.

[VtDivot]

I remember back when I was teaching the 8th grade, I did a whole month on cartography, longitude, latitude, mapping detinations, primary secondary routing etc... What a waste of time

[Pa Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by VtDivot

I remember back when I was teaching the 8th grade, I did a whole month on cartography, longitude, latitude, mapping detinations, primary secondary routing etc... What a waste of time

Kinda like my semester of "Map Reading and Terrain Analysis" in college. While I still keep a compass and map deep down in my pack somewhere, I also have extra batteries for my GPS. Heck, my Delorme Topo program will print the elevation numbers and even a 3D topological view if I want, kinda takes the thrill out of being able to recognize it on a purchased map. Then I can just sync my GPS tracklog to my PC and it'll pull up the route I took on the map for future reference. I guess as hikers always say, if I accidentally drop my GPS off the side of a mountain, I will still be able to find my way out without starting a fire and sending smoke signals, but then again, I would be more likely to accidentally drop my pack with the map and compass off the side of a cliff than I would my GPS. I guess it would come in handy to be able to get the exact location of my GPS so that it could be recovered