GPS advice

[Daka]

Not sure if this is the correct forum, but...what would be the simplest to operate GPS, no bluetooth, or any of that just one that speaks directions (streets)
All this new technology has gotten away from me (old guy), I'm a carburetor, points and condenser guy.....if it has more than 0ne page of instructions it better be VERY user friendly....

[alpac]

Garmin nuvi 260W. You cannot get a simpler GPS to operate. It speaks the street names and has a very clear and big enough screen.

[motordavid]

From one of the old guys here, to another...
We have the Garmin nuvi 650, way down the page in the link
below. You can compare all the Garmin models in that link.

http://rated4stars.com/compare/gps-c...n-nuvi-models/

Some say Magellan brand, some say TomTom, some say Garmin.

Easy to pick a model that has voice, decent wide screen and pass
on the blue tooth, instant net, music, MSN connections, etc.

Having owned a 10+ yr old early Garmin, I was looking forward to
this new gizmo and my wife really wanted it...after having it for a
year, I must say, like Peggy Lee sang, "Is that all there is?"

We don't deliver pizzas and don't moonlight as car service drivers,
so I remain very unimpressed with the routing, etc. The several
times I've used it, it sent me to locations not remotely where my
intended destination was. And, local routing is suspect, too, imo.

Ranting more: anyone with any sense of direction can drive from NY
to Montana, with a map or even a general net map or even common
sense...it's when one gets to Billings area and one wants to find ol'
Uncle Fester on Hwy 217, etc., is where these gizmos fall short.

I can get anywhere on the planet with a map...when I get close is
when the fuzzy and not very up to date "local knowledge" falls down
imo. You may have better luck and, the GPS/Garmin type users here
may beat on me, but it is mostly semi-flash and very little real knowledge, imo.
My 50Ct has run out...
GL,mD

[blktoptrvl]

I purchased and love the Navigon. It has a 2d "satalite" view, or a 3d "road view."

It shows interchanges on the highway as they look from your driver seat, and indicates which lane you should be in for complicated interchanges.

[EOD Guy]

nuvi 7 series..... Love it

[Daka]

Motor david
Just procrastinating, seems generally "everyone" is happy with THEIR unit
I am looking for the simplest no bells and whistles one...now they seen to be going to even larger screens 4.8 "
The Magellin that I "borrowed" took a long time to acquire....are these things like cell phones and hated MICROSOFT, still in the "testing" stage.???
I guess I'm waiting for some one to say...THIS IS THE BEST AND ONLY GPS THAT WORKS 100% (HA)
I am leaning toward the TOMTOM XLS....(unless someone finds big faults with that one) These things are probably only good for a year or two then comes the next stage....

[X5Flyboy]

Yes, it seems today's electronics were made without a thought or nod to the KISS rule - and while I'm with MD and a map (I get a new Rand-McNally every year), I found the greatest joy in a nav unit was in Orlando at night..., how to get to the concert and how to get back out. quick'n'easy. The only complaint I have with aftermarket units is the screen size.

[soldmystang]

Originally Posted by Daka

Motor david
Just procrastinating, seems generally "everyone" is happy with THEIR unit
I am looking for the simplest no bells and whistles one...now they seen to be going to even larger screens 4.8 "
The Magellin that I "borrowed" took a long time to acquire....are these things like cell phones and hated MICROSOFT, still in the "testing" stage.???
I guess I'm waiting for some one to say...THIS IS THE BEST AND ONLY GPS THAT WORKS 100% (HA)
I am leaning toward the TOMTOM XLS....(unless someone finds big faults with that one) These things are probably only good for a year or two then comes the next stage....

i have the TOMTOM one xl. Staples sells a smaller version for about $100.

cheap back-up plan IMO. i am seriously directionally challenged and my TOMTOM works well for me. i rarely use it locally, more for going to places i am unfamiliar with. be aware the less expensive models may not offer online updates.

[motordavid]

Daka,
I am pretty certain that you would come to enjoy the "wider screen"
models as it allows for better viewing in more locations in your car.

There are several models of Garmin without gizmos; ours may have
some ancillary stuff, but we don't use it. I'm sure there are other
brands that offer wide screen, minus extraneous stuff, too.

I suspect all the brands use the same "mapping services", so brand
should not matter. GPS car gizmos remain a "is that all there is"
device, imo. We have one, my wife uses it, I am not convinced they
really "do anything" for me, lol!

Shop around; my guess is the prices are very competitive...xmas is over
and these things, like most stuff, is not flying off the shelves.
GL,mD

[iop9000]

Originally Posted by alpac

Garmin nuvi 260W. You cannot get a simpler GPS to operate. It speaks the street names and has a very clear and big enough screen.

+1 on this one