GPS system questions

15 years ago

Thinking of buying a GPS system for DD who moved to LA a year ago. What brands are good? which should be avoided? What do you think of the add on kinds?

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Comments (19)

JoanMN
15 years ago
We just got a Garmin Nuvi 750 last week. It is so slick!
Got it at Sam's club for $299, it was $499 at Best Buy.
JoanMN
Nita__AZ
15 years ago
I just got a Nuvi 650 which is so easy to use. I would stick with a Garmin brand GPS.
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deamn
15 years ago
I saw a show on TV about them and Garmin was rated above all the others.

I don't go to alot of unfamilar places without DH, but when I have, my Garmin has been my best friend!!! Geez, how did we ever survive without modern technology??
grammahony
15 years ago
I have the Garmin Nuvi 350. I got mine a couple of years ago, while in Phoenix for a couple of winter months. I got tired of getting lost everywhere I went. I love mine.
Leslie
lindasc
15 years ago
Garmin for me and hubby. Mine has the larger screen.
gazania_gw
15 years ago
A Garmin here too. Love it. It has taken us through big cities sooo easily, but got us lost in a couple no traffic light towns in PA. Go figure?
patti43
15 years ago
We have the Garmin Nuvi 650, like Nita. On our way to Indiana earlier this month, we decided to get off the interstate and take a different route. It was a little frustrated at first--kept trying to get us back to the interstate--but after a while it adapted to it.

They are far from perfect yet, but sure help. I need to study my manual!
monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
We have GPS software on our PCs, a Garmin TomTom in both autos, and a large screen integrated GPS system in the street rod (integrated with the rear-view video system).
nikki_nj
15 years ago
Garmin
Magellen
TomTom

All have similar, good ratings.

I have a Tom Tom, no problems.
liz
15 years ago
We have Garmin's...(in hubby and DS's cars) Greta Garmin got me safely to Bumpkins last month...however when I whipped into the McDonalds on the ride over for an egg mcmuffin...as I was pulling out of the drive thru, I fully expected as she said "Recalculating your route"..I thought she was gonna give me grief about eating a McMuffin" and ask me for a bite or sumpin...(I hadn't bothered to ask Hubster how to shut her up)..LOL I quickly figured out that if you veer from how she wants you to go she starts griping at ya!...It was the first time I had ever used one...it still just blows my mind how accurate they are...I arrived at Bumpkins within 3 minutes of the time the garmin said I would...IT DOESNT RECOGNIZE time changes...I got to the church with what I thought was 10 minutes to spare...Alabama is an hour behind Georgia and I had forgot the time change...there wasn't a soul in the church parking lot...I flipped and sat there for about 10 minutes wondering what to do...then I picked up the cell and realized I was an hour early!
Nita__AZ
15 years ago
For trips they are the greatest especially if you don't have a co-pilot to help you reading signs. I am headed to MN/St Paul tomorrow and am sure she will get me to Hayjud's without a problem. It is great not to have to scour over maps before going on a trip. You don't have to worry about making a wrong turn because if you do she will just recalculate and tell you where to go.

If I decided I want to go a different way from what she says I just keep turning in the opposite direction and finally she will get the point and head me the way I want to go.

Hey Liz, at least you weren't an hour late. lol
Linda Wayman
15 years ago
We have a Garmin and used it to get around Orlando a few weeks ago. It's great!!

Linda
maryanntx
15 years ago
I just bought the Garmin eTrex Venture CX and it's so easy to use. I bought it mainly for geocaching, but will use it at any opportunity. I knew nothing about using a GPS system, but this one has been easy to learn.
donna_loomis
15 years ago
I love my Tom Tom.
gazania_gw
15 years ago
Another thing that our Garmin dosen't recognize...I assume all GPS's...is one way streets. And don't curse out the poor thing like my DH did in West Virginia on our way to Florida. He had 'Hal' set to "fastest" route, but did not intend to travel the W.V. turnpike. Poor Hal tried his damndest to direct us back onto the TP. Finally in utter desperation, Hal said..."there is a better route available".

There is a radio commercial running locally for a Ford that is equipped with a GPS. The driver turns away several times from the direction that the female voiced GPS is giving him. She wants him to turn left on Elm Street. Finally she asks'"Just what is it that you don't like about Elm Street?"
sandy_in_ia
15 years ago
We have a Magellen....'Maggie'. I just love her! I am directionally and map reading challenged! I love the turn by turn directions.
redcurls
15 years ago
Even Consumer Reports says Garmin and Tom-Tom have the best maps. I love our Garmin Street Pilot
bigbaby
15 years ago
This post is coming to me at a very good time! I'm a hospice social worker and cover 12 counties in southeast minnesota. I got lost 3 times last week and just about had a coniption fit! I was thinking about getting one of these things. Everyone else at work has something similar. Once you buy it do you have to subscribe to some monthly service? I have never used one or seen it work.
Nita__AZ
15 years ago
Bigbaby, unless you buy one that has bluetooth or XM Radio there is no monthly fee. If you do buy one that has those features there isn't a fee unless you decide to activate those features.