GPS Navigation System

[Janet]

Okay, with these systems, how are they updated? Do you have to pay a monthly fee? If anyone has one of these could you please explain a little about them?

I use to get Consumer Reports all the time and my subscription ran out. They were so good about explaining how everything works and what they are rated.

So if someone knows anything about them and will share, I really would appreciate it.

[Gina]

Janet, I have a megallan gps, with my job I need it for I get lost easily. You don't pay a mtly. fee you buy it outright. I assume you are interested in buying one. I do love it for it takes you from point A to your destination. Sometimes it takes the long way, I don't know if you are familar with mapquest. It uses the same method I have noticed. If you make a wrong turn it does reroute , and you arrive to the destination its amazing. They come with computer ware that you can update from your computer but to be honest with you I am not computer savy. So I just program from zipcode and type in shortest distance. There are several options.


I have my megallan <Maggie> I call her. lol for two years they have come out with smaller models , and if I were you I would shop around. They say Tom Tom is good and there are many others. I am sure they have the same features, check for prices and look on ebay a few friends have purchased theirs on there...Read up on the different brands basically they are all the same.

Any other questions if I can help just ask.... Hope this helps.

[Gina]

I have the Megellan Road 800 I brought it in Coscto, don't know if you have this chain store by you. I paid $500 a few years ago. It is cheaper now but there are newer models.


http://magellan.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/1547/Magellan-RoadMate-Series-GPS.html

[AngieDoogles]

Janet, I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say thanks for posting this! I've been wanting to get one so badly because I'll be working for the DCS soon and I HAVE to have one or I'll get lost! LOL. I'm excited to hear what everyone says.

Gina, thanks for the information!

[AngieDoogles]

My husband just found a pretty cool site.

www.gpsreview.net

Hope it's helpful for you!

[Gina]

Janet and Angie.. I hear that Garmin is one of the better ones also. Good luck to both of you and Angie that site looks informative .Thanks!

[AngieDoogles]

Janet and Angie.. I hear that Garmin is one of the better ones also. Good luck to both of you and Angie that site looks informative .Thanks!

Janet sparked my interest again and I've been doing lots of research tonight. I think Bren and I decided on the Magellan Maestro 4050. It has a lot of great features. My favorite is the voice command! I placed a bid on Ebay for one that is half the retail price, but still brand new in the box. *fingers crossed*

[Mandy]

We have one, but i cant understand the thing, it says "turn right" ive made my husband turn right/left/go straight, and we got lost, so now, i learnt to shut my mouth. You can update it online i heard. He has a "tomtom" something something :confused:

[Janet]

Thanks all, Angie what a great informative site. I've heard that the Garmin is one of the very best. I've been wanting to purchase one for some time and now that the gift giving holiday is fast approaching I thought I'd better get busy and check these things out. I was just curious, since new roads are always being built, how it was updated. Since it comes with software, that is probably how it's done.

[Gina]

We have one, but i cant understand the thing, it says "turn right" ive made my husband turn right/left/go straight, and we got lost, so now, i learnt to shut my mouth. You can update it online i heard. He has a "tomtom" something something :confused:


Mandy your are too funny girlfriend!!! lol:yelrotflmao: :yelrotflmao: When the machine talks listen lol it usually has a ding ding sound, my does anyway lol and you turn then... If you get lost it reroutes you...

[Janet]

WOW!! it reroutes you? This would be fun just to try and stump it....okay..who is smarter...man or machine?????

[Gina]

WOW!! it reroutes you? This would be fun just to try and stump it....okay..who is smarter...man or machine?????


Janet your funny too... This gadget is amazing, I must warn you though if you are going to a new street that was developed recently, it will not recognize the address and therefore you won't get there. Unless the newer ones or the computer savy folks know a way to get around it. lol

[rivermom]

I've never had a GPS so have no info on them; Sorry Janet. The truck I drive has OnStar in it and I have used the voice navigation often in that. It's been amazing to me.

[Mandy]

Mandy your are too funny girlfriend!!! lol:yelrotflmao: :yelrotflmao: When the machine talks listen lol it usually has a ding ding sound, my does anyway lol and you turn then... If you get lost it reroutes you...


LOL Gina, the music is always going, or i'm talking, or my mind is somewhere else, so i miss what "she says" it makes me nervous LOL - ive often told her to s-h-u-t- the **** up hahaha - at times i think shes confused too, we joke about her being "high"
I seriously dont like them, but my husband swears by them.

[Janet]

Angie, did you get the navigation system? You can update them right? I don't if I want to spend that much money if you can't update them once in awhile.

[AngieDoogles]

Angie, did you get the navigation system? You can update them right? I don't if I want to spend that much money if you can't update them once in awhile.

No, I was outbid and didn't want to go any higher. I'm stubborn about stuff like that. I did bid on a Harry Potter book for my mom today. We'll see how that one goes! LOL

[judy]

Janet,

I went on Consumer's and got this link:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/portable-gps-navigation-systems/gps-sub/gps.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=0&searchTerm=gps

[Janet]

Thanks Judy!!! I'll be checking that out when I finish reading the rest of the posts.

[IamTheGPS]

Okay, with these systems, how are they updated? Do you have to pay a monthly fee? If anyone has one of these could you please explain a little about them?

I use to get Consumer Reports all the time and my subscription ran out. They were so good about explaining how everything works and what they are rated.

So if someone knows anything about them and will share, I really would appreciate it.
LOL!! Well now, considering my screenname... I guess I'll reply. I finally broke down and bought my husband one for this years Christmas gift (shhhh). So I did some research this year. No subscription required, they come with the USA loaded on them. I think you can update them via the computer whenever that time comes, so I made sure to get one compatible with my Macintosh system. I chose the Garmin Nuvi 200W. W means Wide-Screen, so I don't have to hear any complaining about that he cannot see it. LOL.:) So it's coming in a few days (I'm recuperating from surgery so I cannot leave the house for a MONTH so all my shopping is done online). Apparently the Garmin Nuvi's are the new ones they have out. No other one (tom-tom or magellin) are compatible with a Mac, so I've read. We're new to Macs also this year, but I find I really love this thing.

So those are my two pennies. Probably no help, but I had to say somethin'. :smile2:

Oh and some of the best reviews online are those on Amazon.Com or Epinions where "real people" describe their opinons on the systemsl, so thats another thing I went by.

[judy]

Any decisions Janet? I don't want to do the research, so let me know please what you find out. I need one too.

[Tink]

My dh's company Christmas party was last night and they gave out NICE door prizes. I missed out on the tvs and laptop, but I won a Garman Nuvi 350 GPS that retails at $450!!! **faint**

Since I rarely go anywhere, I handed it to dh and said Merry Christmas honey! He'd been wanting one; but as usual, was so busy providing for everyone else that he was still waiting to get one. So it wasn't planned, we didn't pick it out, but dh will now have one in his semi. He was grinning ear to ear. :D

He has a friend who has an identical one and he just loves it, so I hope dh will too.

[judy]

Wow! I would have fainted! How nice for Greg. He's all set now.

I'm glad it was you guys who won it!

[Marilyn]

I bought hubby the Garmin Nuvi 660. It's the top rated one with Consumer Reports. Amazon.com had it on special for $406.97 and free shipping. I just hope he likes it and it works well, and is worth the money. I'm so tired of things being obsolete quickly. The screen is smaller than I expected. They had the dimensions but somehow I envisioned it larger. It has Bluetooth, but I have no idea what Bluetooth is supposed to do on a GPS, and is also an MP3 player, not sure he will ever use that feature. I was going for good GPS.

He bought himself a GPS for golf that tells you how far you are from the center of the green & he was able to figure it out and get it setup for the golf courses he wanted so I'm hoping he will be able to do the same with the Garmin.

I'm pretty tech savy, but sometimes I'd just rather leave it to someone else. Ya know what I mean??!!

[Janet]

Any decisions Janet? I don't want to do the research, so let me know please what you find out. I need one too.


Not yet, I'm still looking and looking for sales..LOL I think for what I can afford the Garmin Nuvi 200 W is looking like the best. I just don't know for sure yet. I've also found this thing called Guitar Hero for the Nintendo Wii I just bought. So since I can't really afford both, I have to decide between the two. Oh the decisions we have to make....LOL:D

[Janet]

My dh's company Christmas party was last night and they gave out NICE door prizes. I missed out on the tvs and laptop, but I won a Garman Nuvi 350 GPS that retails at $450!!! **faint**

Since I rarely go anywhere, I handed it to dh and said Merry Christmas honey! He'd been wanting one; but as usual, was so busy providing for everyone else that he was still waiting to get one. So it wasn't planned, we didn't pick it out, but dh will now have one in his semi. He was grinning ear to ear. :D

He has a friend who has an identical one and he just loves it, so I hope dh will too.


How wonderful Tink!! I would have fainted. I couldn't win anything if I was the only one in the race...LOL Congratulations!!:)

[DianaB]

My dh's company Christmas party was last night and they gave out NICE door prizes. I missed out on the tvs and laptop, but I won a Garman Nuvi 350 GPS that retails at $450!!! **faint**

Since I rarely go anywhere, I handed it to dh and said Merry Christmas honey! He'd been wanting one; but as usual, was so busy providing for everyone else that he was still waiting to get one. So it wasn't planned, we didn't pick it out, but dh will now have one in his semi. He was grinning ear to ear. :D

He has a friend who has an identical one and he just loves it, so I hope dh will too.

Wow, Tink!!!! That's quite a door prize!!! That's so cool that your husband had been wanting one too!!!! How exciting!!!

[AngieDoogles]

My dh's company Christmas party was last night and they gave out NICE door prizes. I missed out on the tvs and laptop, but I won a Garman Nuvi 350 GPS that retails at $450!!! **faint**

Since I rarely go anywhere, I handed it to dh and said Merry Christmas honey! He'd been wanting one; but as usual, was so busy providing for everyone else that he was still waiting to get one. So it wasn't planned, we didn't pick it out, but dh will now have one in his semi. He was grinning ear to ear. :D

He has a friend who has an identical one and he just loves it, so I hope dh will too.

Wow Tink! That's awesome! The Nuvi 350 is one of my top two choices. What a nice surprise to win one. I bet your hubby is just so happy. :)

[judy]

Not yet, I'm still looking and looking for sales..LOL I think for what I can afford the Garmin Nuvi 200 W is looking like the best. I just don't know for sure yet. I've also found this thing called Guitar Hero for the Nintendo Wii I just bought. So since I can't really afford both, I have to decide between the two. Oh the decisions we have to make....LOL:D



GPS vs. Guitar Hero. I don't know. It's a rough one!

[Janet]

GPS vs. Guitar Hero. I don't know. It's a rough one!


LOLOL Well if it was just for me....not a problem, but since it's for a 16 year old video game nut, it's a little tougher.

[AngieDoogles]

GPS vs. Guitar Hero. I don't know. It's a rough one!

I'd chose Guitar Hero. LOL! :) At least until I get my job and have to travel all the time, then I'd probably change my mind!

Janet, if you get Guitar Hero for him, you'll have to try it out. It's SO much fun!!

[Janet]

When you have time Angie..tell me a bit about the Guitar Hero. I have no idea what it's suppose to do. Teach you to play guitar? I am anxious to try the whole game system out. The bowling game looks fun.

[AngieDoogles]

When you have time Angie..tell me a bit about the Guitar Hero. I have no idea what it's suppose to do. Teach you to play guitar? I am anxious to try the whole game system out. The bowling game looks fun.

No, it doesn't actually teach you to play guitar. It has five different colored buttons and you have to "strum" and push the correct button at the correct time. I can take a video of us playing it later and post it for you if you'd like. :)

Beware, it's very addicting!

[Janet]

You don't have to do that Angie...just sometime when you happen to be playing it will be fine. I think I may go shopping tomorrow because the weather is suppose to be bad on Saturday and I am planning on buying it. My son will be sooo surprised.

[AngieDoogles]

You don't have to do that Angie...just sometime when you happen to be playing it will be fine. I think I may go shopping tomorrow because the weather is suppose to be bad on Saturday and I am planning on buying it. My son will be sooo surprised.

Here you go Janet! http://youtube.com/watch?v=bvbZOwW16_M :)

I hope your son enjoys it. It's such a fun game!

[Ponyup]

When you have time Angie..tell me a bit about the Guitar Hero. I have no idea what it's suppose to do. Teach you to play guitar? I am anxious to try the whole game system out. The bowling game looks fun.

The Bowling game is fun & easy. My husband & I tried it out last night. On the Wii that we bought ourselfes for christmas in the name of my in-laws. It was easier then i thought & really cool.

[Ponyup]

This is slightly off topic, but is my dog the only one that hates the Garmin commercial where they sing to the carol of the bells. I actually watched him last night when it came on; he tried so hard not to bark. He was sitting quite a ways from the t.v. when it came on he turned towards the t.v. & cocked his head; then his flanks began to shake. He took a couple steps towards the t.v.; cocked his head & started to shake again & then he just couldn't take it anymore & totally started going off on it. It's really pretty funny. I'm not sure what it is about, but it drives him nuts especially the get a get a get a garmin part.

[Janet]

Angie thank you so much for the video. I really think my son is going to like it. I have it hidden in the back of my closet. He is going to be so surprised. And to tell the truth, I'm anxious to play with it all too....LOL

I definitely want to play the bowling game. I just know it will be my favorite....sound like a kid don't I?

[AngieDoogles]

Angie thank you so much for the video. I really think my son is going to like it. I have it hidden in the back of my closet. He is going to be so surprised. And to tell the truth, I'm anxious to play with it all too....LOL

I definitely want to play the bowling game. I just know it will be my favorite....sound like a kid don't I?

You will definitely enjoy the bowling. It's one of my favorite things to do on the Wii! And hey, at least you have a son to buy it for. Bren and I have one and we don't even have the kid excuse. lol

[Gina]

So it looks like Garmin Nuvi 200, 350 and 660 are the best out there on the market. I am looking into buying another one, for I do need it for work. What did everyone end up buying? Janet? Angie? I am sure you all did your homework...lol care to share?

[Marilyn]

I bought the Garmin 660 for Hubby for Christmas. He had talked about wanting one and really liked the one in a rental care we used. Sooo Christmas day, he opened it and said how cool and really seemed to be pleased. A couple of days after Christmas all the other gifts were opened, setup or put away, and the Garmin was still sitting there. So I asked him, if he really wanted it, and he said not really. He had wanted one, but was having second thoughts. He did not think he would use it enough. So I asked if I should return it, and he said yes.

So that's my experience with the Garmin GPS.

[DianaB]

I bought the Garmin 660 for Hubby for Christmas. He had talked about wanting one and really liked the one in a rental care we used. Sooo Christmas day, he opened it and said how cool and really seemed to be pleased. A couple of days after Christmas all the other gifts were opened, setup or put away, and the Garmin was still sitting there. So I asked him, if he really wanted it, and he said not really. He had wanted one, but was having second thoughts. He did not think he would use it enough. So I asked if I should return it, and he said yes.

So that's my experience with the Garmin GPS.

He's gotta' give you credit for trying!!! I know that I would rather have gifts returned if it's not what they want or will use. Now he can pick out something that he would rather have and use.

That's why my husband and I didn't exchange gifts this year. He lost so many electrical tools in the flood and I knew that he needed them but he said that he would rather pick out for himself what he wants. He's very particular about his tools so that was fine with me.

[Gina]

Confused again lol Now I am hearing that Tom Tom is number one for GPS.. Two people I know that work for Best Buys say that that is their number one seller. I will find out which model and post.. Being a few of us are interested....

[Janet]

I've heard that the Garmin is the best for 'bells and whistles' ....LOL But that the TomTom is a best seller too because of it's ease of use. I think anyone would be safe with either one of these.

[judy]

I went to Radio Shack yesterday to buy a new mouse and took a look at the TomTom, the Magellan and the Garmin.

I don't remember the best model, but:

-I don't want to pay for bells and whistles (MP3, etc.)

-I want the biggest screen that's comfortable, otherwise I might as well just tape up a mapquest map on my dashboard. Some are so small, I'd have to pull over to see it.

-I definitely want a clear voice that rereoutes you.

-Some have miles, some have miles and minutes, etc. I need one that does minutes.
I have no idea how to think in miles.

I'm going to put the links to Consumers latest:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/portable-gps-navigation-systems/gps-sub/gps.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=0&searchTerm=GPS

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/portable-gps-navigation-systems/garmin-nuvi-200-gps-navigation-system-12-07/overview/garmin-nuvi-200-gps-navigation-system-overview.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=4&searchTerm=GPS

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/portable-gps-navigation-systems/magell
an-maestro-4050-gps-navigation-system-10-07/overview/magellan-maestro-ov.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=6&searchTerm=GPS

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/portable-gps-navigation-systems/gps-sub/how-to-choose/0607_gpsnav.htm?resultPageIndex=2&resultIndex=11&searchTerm=GPS

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/search.htm?header_health_search.x=36&header_health_search.y=14&query=GPS+tomtom

If you want any more info, let me know.

I'm also buying on eBay Angie. The prices are ridiculously high when I know in 6 months, there will be new, improved models.