Garmin nuvi 880 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

I have been using the Nuvi 880 GPS for a couple of weeks now, and it is the best Garmin unit to date, and possibly the portable/handheld/car GPS available at this time.The Garmin Nuvi GPS units are probably the easiest to start using out of the box without reading any manuals.
The new line of Nuvi unitshave done away with the small flip-up antenna, opting for a internal antenna which is much nicer.This GPS is also VERY thin and can be carried in your jeans pocket (front pocket-without the leather case/protector) if you're traveling in another country.Because the 880 has done away with the external antenna, it also maintains the same thin dimensions for the length of the backside of the unit, finally losing that small bulge as on the back of the 670 (and other 600-series) Nuvi units.
The speech recognition is about 90% accurate, but this may be due to the higher amount of road noise in my car (and/or the air conditioner fan noise).When it's quiet, however, the voice recognition is surprisingly accurate.
The ability to have a user-changeable battery is featured on the 880.I can't tell you how many times I wish I had this feature with our Nuvi 670 on our trip to Italy when we were out all day on foot and the GPS battery became depleted, (though it did last for 5-6 hours).The only thing lacking is that Garmin should sell some sort of external battery charger for the extra batteries rather having to charge them in the unit itself.
Another reviewer mentioned that the Garmin doesn't have intelligent street recognition (such as with Google) to ask the user if a different spelling for a street/highway was intended when the unit doesn't return any results with the spelling it was given.This is not true, and perhaps that reviewer should have another read of the documentation to understand this.If you provide a partial text street or highway name to the Garmin it will return a list of possible matches.The Nuvi 880 works slightly different than previous Nuvi models in that the earlier models would provide an "active lookup", listing the possible matches as soon as the user had typed enough characters to determine a match.The 880, however, allows the user to provide (enter) the partial or full street/intersection AND THEN it will display a list of possible matches.This works a little more efficiently than the previous models because it allows the system to do a single fast search, rather than searching after each letter, and it allows the user to correct any typing mistakes before searching on them.
Another nice feature of the Garmin unit is that the virtual keyboard for spelling can be QWERTY style now.
The built in MP3 player is fun.For example if you have a music (or any MP3) that you want to hear via the car's stereo, you simply tune the FM radio to an unused station and configure the Garmin to output to the FM transmitter.Music and guidance prompts will be played via the car stereo.This is also nice for extremely noisy car environments if the Garmin's (loud) volume isn't enough, then the GPS prompts can be played via the car stereo.Other utilities on the 880 are very helpful, such as the unit and currency converters.
I've also tried the TomTom units, which I found to be slower in computing routes, and having far too many user configurable options.If you want to spend hours "customizing" all of the screen colors and every other aspect of your GPS, then maybe a TomTom would be a good choice for you.However, if you want an easy-to-use unit, the Garmin is a better choice.
The screen brightness can be set by the user, but 70-80% will suffice in all but the highest glare situations, and the large screen is very clear.
With ANY touch-screen device I always recommend purchasing clear screen protector sheets.These clear sheets stick via friction (no residue), and will help to greatly extend the life of your GPS or other product.
Lastly, another very nice feature on the 880 is the addition of MSN Direct which I renewed the subscription to a lifetime (guaranteed until 2012) extension for about $120 flat (there are other renewal options available).One of the best features of MSN Direct is updated traffic reports sent to your GPS.Even while not navigating a route, and simply viewing the map, a traffice "incident" icon will show on the display if a traffic event lies ahead in the direction you're traveling in case you want to have your GPS route you around the traffice.MSN Direct also features such things as a little icon for weather warnings on your GPS, full weather for your location, a selection to pop up a quick list of gas prices/station near your location, another selection to pop up a quick list of movie times listed by theater or movie title, news, stocks, local events.It is a very nice feature.
All in all this is one of the best portable GPS units available currently.
See more reviews about: Garmin nuvi 880 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nuvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Ok..now I feel morally obliged to offer my review after reading so many other reviews to base my buying decision. The inner voice kept asking me to post a review even though it is boring like mowing somebody elses lawn.
I have used nuvi 205 couple of times and find it really well designed. Garmin has tweaked the screen-interface and I must say that it really works in favour of the users.
Users care less about mp3 and other cosmetic stuff provided in nuvi 350. All we care about is a smart GPS that guides us through the best route. 205 has all those ingredients!!
Nuvi 205 does not have spoken street names but it does have voice guidance that says something like " turn right in next 1 mile". Users who typically find guidance through one of those green-freeway-signs are smart enough to figure the street name. Moreover, the street name is right on top of the screen. In my view, it is a waste of $$ to pay 100 bucks more for just yelling street names when it is right in front of you. Satellite acquisition and Route recalculation also seemed to have improved a bit. I have not used the traffic support and POI to offer any good comments. One little feature I find cool is the speed limit mentioned on the screen. This way user doesnt have to be on lookout for signs showing the limit. Of course, this is of little use to people who drive in left lane @ >70...
And for those of you who think that GPS should offer more..205 does havephoto navigation, customized car-shaped icons, world travel clock, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator.....I wouldnt really give big grades for having them..
Hope that this review helps users..to navigate to the best GPS!!
See more reviews about: Garmin nuvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Tomtom Travel Case for TomTom GO, XL and One GPS Units Review

My girlfriend and I just purchased a new PND, and thought it would be a good idea to get some kinda of case for it. We considered a few options: (1) use one of the existing cases/pouches we already have, (2) get a small/non-bulky case so we could toss it in a purse/backpack, (3) get a larger case to stuff all the related accessories into a single container.
Since we already have a variety of small cases/pouches, we opted for #3: the larger case. We ordered the TT Travel Case thinking that all the parts and pieces would fit nicely in the case.
Being the gadget geek that I am, I patiently waited the 9 days it took to get to us; diligently checking my Amazon "Where's my Stuff" page, and following the box via the shipping number.
Being that TT recommends this case for the device we ordered (tt330s), I thought it would be more of a 'custom fit'. It's not. It's basically a medium sized (about twice the size of a portable cd player) 'harder-sided' case w/ the TT logo on it.
Here's what I really didn't like about the case:
1. It's not a custom fit for the TT device
2. For as big as it is, there's not enough space for the TT, charger/cable, and mount -- let alone the manuals and stuff.
3. The case is too large to conveniently 'take with you' when you park the car.
For the price (~$30) I'd recommend (1) re-purposing a pouch/bag you already have; or (2) wait til you have your PND and all the accessories you want to pack in front of you, and then go get a generic case/pouch/bag from Target or Walmart ;)
See more reviews about: Tomtom Travel Case for TomTom GO, XL and One GPS Units

Magellan Traffic Link for Subscription-Free Traffic for RoadMate 1210, 1220, 1340, 1440, 1470 Review

This is great for when you're stuck in traffic and looking for an escape. we were on our way home from hartford and it told us there was a traffic jam in New Haven CT. we were re-routed around it through New Haven city streets and could see on occasion the traffic was a parking lot. we were thankful we had it. i have heard some people have had issues with it but, so far so good.
See more reviews about: Magellan Traffic Link for Subscription-Free Traffic for RoadMate 1210, 1220, 1340, 1440, 1470

Garmin 010-00679-25 Forerunner 50 with Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod Review

I did a lot of research before purchasing and was down to the 305, 405, and 50. I really wanted a GPS watch, but the price of the Forerunner 50 with footpod and HR monitor couldn't be beat. I also liked the smaller watch and the fact that it didn't need to be charged.
After owning it a week:
I really like the watch. I don't typically wear them, but it is very comfortable. It is only slightly larger than a typical watch and has a fine adjustment on the band. I'm wearing it all the time.
The hardware is impressive. The foot pod and HR monitor worked very well right out of the box, and were comfortable to wear. They "paired" right away and were ready to go when I was ready to run.The ANT installation went as advertised on windows vista, and the upload works automatically for Garmin Training Center, but not Garmin Connect.
Possible improvements:
For the watch itself, the number of "views" while in training mode can be confusing. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it with use or reading manual, but it is clearly more than I'm used to.
Installation: The process seemed to drive you toward choosing either Garmin Training Center (software on your computer) or Garmin Connect (web sofware), but not both. I didn't know the pro/con of either, so I wanted to try both. It was awkward when it wanted me to install ANT drivers again for the installation of the second one. I canceled the installation at that point - but found that Training Center was installed.
Software: It is really not clear to me if Garmin Training Center is still being developed. They seem to be improving Garmin Connect (web) regularly, but at its current state, it doesn't have any benefit over Training Center. (remember - I'm not seeing the GPS/maps, so maybe there is distinction there). So after a week, I still find myself bouncing back and forth. There are a few bugs in Garmin Connect and a few notable features that I would really like to see (that is available in other web training software).
Results:
I'm very happy with the HR monitor and cadence results. They seem spot on and reliable. I'm still working on the distance and pace. I did a test 3 mile run on a measured course and found that it recorded 3.1 miles. I messed up a calibration run by hitting the wrong button, so I'll be trying that again (a subsequent 8 mile run was recorded as a 9 mile run... argghh). I've found that the instantaneous pace is not accurate, but hope it will improve with calibration. Garmin Connect is also doing something weird with the average pace calculation... but I think that is a bug that will be fixed.
Overall I'm very happy with the purchase, but hope they continue to improve the software. Currently, that is the weakest link. If they don't, there may be other sites that accept forerunner uploaded data to fill the gap.
See more reviews about: Garmin 010-00679-25 Forerunner 50 with Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod

Magellan Maestro 4350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Review

As this is a lengthy review, those not wanting to wade through the entire text can find a summary under the 'Conclusions' heading.
Test Conditions:
All tests were conducted in the Northeast U.S. Although I don't own another portable GPS, I do have a factory installed navigation unit in my 2006 Audi which I've utilized for several side-by-side comparisons (the Magellan is actually for my wife's car).
Updates to the 4350's operating system and navigational firmware are available at no-cost from Magellan's website. These significantly improve the functionality and stability of the unit and if you own one you'd be making a mistake not to install them. The procedure is made relativity easy by the CD based instruction manual that comes with the unit. It took me about fifteen minutes to bring my unit up to date and in a month of testing since, it has never crashed, frozen, or seriously misbehaved. All findings posted here are based on a unit updated to the following: OS Version 00.42.01.0919 and Navigation Version 8.3.2.64084. As the 4350's were just released in September 2008 there are no map updates available or required.
Startup:
If powered by an ignition controlled power source the 4350 turns on/off with the car. Otherwise pressing the power button for about two seconds turns it on.
Acquiring satellites happens very quickly - we're talking seconds, not minutes. Only once, inside my house during a very heavy snowstorm, did it take longer (about two minutes) to lock.
Display Screen:
The display is plenty bright and the touch screen feature is very sensitive (sometimes too much so). An optional power-saver feature dims the screen somewhat between turns when using the built-in battery. I found this very useful as besides saving the battery it tends to catch your eye when it 'wakes up' to normal brightness. Since that happens about five seconds before the first spoken notification regarding the next turn it gives you a visual heads-up that a verbal instruction is imminent (so if you happen to be blaring Hendrix on the car stereo you have time to lower the volume a bit). Touching any part of the screen will also restore it to full brightness.
The menu system is well organized and intuitive. There are a few things I'd change but overall it's very good.
Audio Quality and the MP3/Photo/Video Player:
The audio is loud and clear even with the volume all the way up, which was never necessary for me. There's a male or female voice option for each available language (English, Spanish, and French).
Like most units in this price range the 4350 announces the actual street names along with the turning instructions. The pronunciations are occasionally off but they get the point across. One odd thing was although the male voice pronounced 'county' properly the female would say 'count'. I.E... "In one quarter mile turn right onto count route 513".
The built-in MP3 player and the photo viewer are nice enough and get the job done. The video player only handles Xvid .avi files, which limits its usefulness, but I believe this is the only GPS to have a video player so you probably can't do better elsewhere.
Now to one of the two big gripes I have with this unit...
There's no headphone/line-out jack! What good is an MP3 player without one??? This restricts you to listening through the single (mono) speaker or using the FM transmitter to send the signal to your car stereo (more on that later).
POI's (Points of Interest) and AAA:
Magellan claims 6 million POI's reside in the 4350's database (my Audi only has about 1.7 million). Locating one couldn't be easier. You can search by name, category, and/or area. In addition to this is a listing of all facilities reviewed by the AAA, complete with descriptions, ratings and member discounts. AAA members also get an additional year of warranty coverage and one-button access to local certified garages. Although it's not mentioned in the rather sparse instruction manual, you can import your own POI's as Google .kml or .kmz files. To do this you'll need Magellan's 'Content Manager', a free download, which if you updated your firmware you'll already have.
Route Selection:
Planning a route is extremely easy, as is adding interim stops (something you still can't do with many GPS models). The keyboard can be configured as QWERTY or ABC and it gray's out irrelevant letters as you type - a nice feature.
Once you've selected your destination the 4350 calculates four possible routes: Fastest, Shortest, Most Economical, and Simplest. The fastest route is chosen by default but you can examine the relative times and distances or see the routes compared visually on the map before selecting the best one for you. Some or all of these routes may be the same as multiple criteria are often met by the same route. I found the [post-upgrade] route selections to be very good, certainly on a par with my Audi's unit.
A 'One-Touch' menu allows you to store your favorite destinations as icons on a single menu. 'Home', 'Previous', 'SOS' (emergency), and AAA 'Service' icons are there by default. You can add five of your own which can point to specific addresses or POI lists. I.E... A list of all Starbucks in the current area.
Finally, being a portable device you can select your type of 'vehicle' from: Car, Bus, Emergency, Bicycle, or Pedestrian. In another undocumented feature, when switching to pedestrian mode you'll be asked if you'd like the unit to remember your car's location. Garmin makes a big deal of this feature; you'd think Magellan would at least mention they have it too. Go figure...
Guidance - On the Road:
On the road is where this unit really shines. The 4.3" screen packs in a surprising amount of map detail without looking cluttered. Maps can be displayed in 2D or 3D (I prefer the 3D view which my Audi doesn't have). Landmark buildings can also rise from the map in three dimensions but in my rural area I've yet to see this in action. Information regarding the next turn is displayed across the top of the screen and I especially like how the names of cross streets appear as I approach them, then disappear. You can select which POI categories appear on the map - I chose restaurants and gas stations. Unlike some other units this feature works in 2D or 3D mode. For major chains (BP, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, etc) the generic symbols are replaced by the company logos, allowing you to see at a glance what type of establishment is coming up.
An optional warning displays the speed limit on the left side of the map when you approach or exceed it by a percentage you preset from 70 to 130%. You can also set an audible alert for this if you wish (I have a wife who performs that function). Although I don't consider this an important feature, those who do should know that in my area it only worked on the interstates.
A new feature called 'Lane Guidance' is one of the primary reasons I choose this unit over the Garmin 760. At complicated interstate exits it displays a visual representation of the overhead highway signs to show you which lane you need to be in for an upcoming maneuver. The Garmin models with a similar feature called 'Lane Assist' are far more expensive. The only other GPS to offer lane guidance near this price range is Navigon's 7200T but its POI database is small and its search features are reportedly poor.
The verbal directions are extremely clear and precise. It always beat my Audi in giving me a heads-up regarding the next turn and was usually more specific as to what I needed to do.
Besides the detailed spoken instructions the 4350 also produces a 'doorbell like' chime at the point you should be turning. It even chimes differently for left, right, and U turns. This is a feature that several prior Magellan owners have mentioned missing after switching to another brand. For some reason Magellan initially omitted it from this model but the firmware update restores it along with another enhancement that tells you which side of the street your destination is on.
Lastly, recalculations (required if you go off the designated route) were very fast, taking about the same amount of time as my Audi's unit and often producing a better result.
Bluetooth, FM Transmitter, and Traffic Info:
At first the 4350 refused to find my Blackberry Curve but after doing a hard reset (as suggested by Magellan's website) the units paired right up. Bluetooth connectivity has been fine since then but all is not well... When making/receiving a hands-free call I found the audio on my end to be satisfactory but I had to shout at a distance of two feet from the unit in order to be heard faintly at the other end. In actuality I had to speak 1 to 3 inches from the built-in microphone in order to be heard properly. Compounding this issue is the fact that there's no external microphone jack like on some other brands. This was the most disappointing aspect of this test. Even though I don't use this feature, some of the people I gave these to might want to. Therefore if you need Bluetooth capability I must recommend you look elsewhere.
In my initial review I stated that the FM transmitter (which sends all sound from the 4350 to the car's audio system) worked like a charm in my Audi but didn't perform so well in my wife's Sable Wagon. I attributed this to the Sable's rear mounted antenna and the fact that the U.S. severely limits the transmitter strength of these units. However, further tests have resulted in excellent results with both cars. One thing I did notice is that the DC power cord seems to act like an antenna so if you're having reception problems plug the power cord into the 4350 (this seems to work even if you don't plug it into the cigarette lighter). My MP3's played back with FM quality and were automatically muted during turn instructions. As this feature draws universal complaints from Garmin users, I wasn't expecting much from Magellan but I'm pleasantly surprised by how useable it is. With that said, the volume from the 4350's built-in speaker is more an adequate for most applications.
The 4350 comes with a three month trial for a real-time traffic avoidance system but the service doesn't extend to my area (coverage areas are shown on Magellan's website) so I haven't seen it in action. According to Magellan's website a yearly subscription costs $39.95. Some competing GPS's come with free lifetime traffic alerts but be aware that those contain commercials.
Conclusions:
The best things about the 4350 are all to do with its core functionality - it gets you from one place to another with clear maps and explicit verbal instructions given in a timely manner. My Audi's navigation system sometimes fails to provide all pertinent information regarding an upcoming turn, or it alerts me too late to react when driving in heavy traffic. The Magellan unit never faltered in that regard. In fact some may consider the 4350's guidance to be too chatty but I like to feel confident that I'm prepared for the next move, even in traffic, and this unit gave me that feeling.
Magellan has produced a full featured unit with superior performance at a very competitive [street] price. This was why, despite the missing headphone jack, I gave it five stars. Had I discovered then that the built-in microphone was so lacking that it made the hands-free feature useless, I might have gone to four stars. Still, it's a great choice for anyone who doesn't need the Bluetooth capabilities.
Pros:
Brand new full featured model.
Excellent volume and audio quality on navigational prompts.
Highly detailed display with 3D maps.
Lane Guidance feature and informative audio prompts.
All accessories included (case, AC & DC cords, USB cable, sturdy mount, owners manual on CD).
2200 ma heavy duty battery.
Great value due to low street price.
Cons:
Terrible built-in mic and no external mic jack renders the Bluetooth hands-free feature worthless.
No headphone jack!(What's with Magellan and a few five cent jacks?).
Must update the firmware to have a ready-for-prime-time unit.
Power and traffic cables plug into the unit (instead of the mount).
See more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech, Lifetime Traffic, and 2 Years of FreshMaps (Special Bundle) Review

I just got this Navigon for my wife because the Tom Tom one she had broke down. So I wanted something new that has a nice look and work efficiently.
Well this Navigon 2100max does it all. The glossy and thin look will make you think you got something very expensive when I actually paid for a very low price! The LCD screen is big enough, the map graphics and colors are excellent! Very smooth and fast! You won't have to wait for 1 min or 2 for a GPS signal! It even shows you the name of the restaurants as you are driving down the road, it shows real fast food and gas station logos. The turn to turn direction is 100% accurate unlike other GPS telling you to turn when you aren't even there yet. This machine will show you the speed limit on any road and will warn you when you go way over the speed limit, will even tell you about upcoming traffic jam and change route for you. I don't even want to mention about Exit guide! This thing can tell you what kind of restaurant or gas station or if there is a rest area in the next exit when you are on the freeway! What else can you ask! Get your money's worth with the Navigon 2100max. You will also get free update maps for 2 or 3 years! I just got another one for my sister in law and about to buy a 3rd one! Also one more thing for business people, this Navigon can log your business trip mileage! Very good for taxes purpose! I have said enough ! There are a lot more to it but I will let you guys discover it!
Nick ;)
See more reviews about: Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-to-Speech, Lifetime Traffic, and 2 Years of FreshMaps (Special Bundle)

TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

The TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with U.S. Maps is one of many new updated GPS units available this fall.It is compact and well designed.And for those with more extensive foreign language needs than the standard "English or Spanish" options included with most beginner units, the two dozen included screen languages and even more spoken languages will blow you away.
Perhaps the overall best feature is the "map-share" updates that allow users to alert when a route has been closed or changed due to construction.Instead of having to pay and wait for next years update, if you subscribe to this you get it for free!Additionally, the TomTom's safety features are also head and shoulders above the competition. The included menu allows you be alerted with speed warnings, traffic cameras, and even directions to emergency services via the one touch "Help Me!" menu.
However, there are some basic features missing, including an SD memory card and text to speech directions.While I do not intend to outline all the features of competing products, I am going to compare this product where relevant to show users where they might need to consider other options.I personally have owned many Garmin models, one Magellan Maestro and a starter Navigon unit.There are even many more options on the market today, but I believe most users should be choosing from these four brands for a starter unit.
PROS:
+ Great compact starter GPS unit with convenient all-in-one form factor
+ The "map-share" updates are the killer app of the TomTom GPS line; bad routes are corrected by users like you, and you can get the updates with the application
+ Comes with a GPS, USB PC syncing cable, car power adapter and mounting disk
+ The included integrated mount is more convenient, though it mounts closer to the window than I would like
+ An updated map is provided free of charge if they come out within 30 days of purchase
+ Add-on applications and updates are not all free but still priced better than Garmin's
+ AWESOME safety feature extras to alert for driving breaks, speed limits and thresholds
+ Also warns you by default to remove the unit when you reach your destination
+ Cool safety camera alerts give you audio and video of cameras on your route
+ "Help Me!" emergency menu directs you to emergency services with one click
+ Status bar preferences also allow extra features (compass, next street, etc.)
+ Many more included car symbols than Garmin or Magellin
+ Includes a pedestrian mode comparable to Garmin's under "planning preferences"
+ Interface Includes icons to alert you when you are nearing POIs
+ Does seem to update route changes faster than other models
+ Gives you the option to automatically avoid delays with traffic updates (though receiver is sold separately and it's not clear if and where one can be connected to this model)
+ The TomTom Home application makes it VERY EASY to update settings and download software extras
+ Still displays info even without a connection, unlike the Garmin models which sometimes *hide maps* till they find the signal again
+ While it is equally poor at acquiring signals as other models, it does seem to hold signals better than others
+ Incredible spoken and display language options give you almost 25 language options!!!
CONS:
- No SD memory card slot!!!That means internal memory is your absolute limit; new maps may replace old ones, and you will have to update for each new map with a computer when travelling, while with the Garmin you could simply bring all your maps on cards
- The power / USB connection port is recessed into the bottom of the unit; this may make it hard to use some standard USB cables to connect to your computer in a pinch
- The standard USB connection cable has a connector that is at a right angle, which keeps it out of the way but also makes it harder to remove
- Dashboard mount disk must be stuck with adhesive to your dash; Garmin friction mount is better, though they do sell alternative mounts that are comparable for the TomTom
- Need an additional attachment for traffic service (though not great in all areas)
- Must hold on/off button for a long time when turning on
- Did not come pre-charged, like my Garmin did
- Software interface is not as slick as others like the Garmin and the Navigon
- Neither the 2D nor the 3D views are as attractive as any of the other brands
- Not the least expensive starter unit on the market
- Does not include text to speech to give you spoken street names
- No included Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your smart phone for hands free operation
- Traffic receiver is sold separately and it's not clear if and where one can be connected to this model
- Won't alert you to missed turns and will automatically recalculate, which may not always be ideal
- Equally poor at acquiring signals as other models
- Without a signal, the screen gives you much less device information (such as battery life)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The product description notes this unit as "widescreen."It is not really widescreen.This is the standard 3.5 inch size that all starter units come in.In fact, though the body seems slightly more narrow than the Garmin 200 series, the screen is exactly the same size.The Garmin simply has a larger border area around the screen.It's adequate for me, but those with weak eyes often prefer the 4.3 inch widescreen models.
The description seems to indicate that this unit includes Bluetooth, which it doesn't as far as I can tell.Bluetooth has become an almost standard feature for GPS unit.If I can find a way to pair my BT phone with it, I will update this.But this seems like a typo to me.
FEATURES VERSUS THE COMPETITION
Garmin has been feverishly updating their lineup, and the entry level unit that compares most closely with the TTO125 is the Garmin n�vi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.It is one of several updated models in the 200 series.Like this unit, it has a similar size and form factor.
The Navigon 2200T 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator includes the additional features of text-to-speech (for street names) and free traffic alerts.It's also much slicker and has a 3D reality view that is best among all manufacturers.Similarly the Magellan Maestro 3250 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator adds a host of features, though the improved looks are still a notch below Navigon.It also includes maps of all of North America and Mexico standard. However, neither Magellan's nor Navigon's data updates are as good as TomTom's.Still, given all the extras, they are both strong competitors as well.
Some of the higher-end 4.3 inch wide Garmin versions like the Garmin Nuvi 205W and Garmin Nuvi 255W offer more features and a bigger screen.
Learning where to go in the menu to change settings also seemed less intuitive than the Garmin.One thing I may have to wait a year to learn is whether they are going to spam me with *map update* sales pitches like the Garmin does.
Like all GPS units, this one also has the dreaded delay in finding satellites, particularly when indoors. However, once you do find a satellite this unit seems to hold the signal well.While satellite acquisition seems about the same on all my units, holding the signal was better on the TomTom.
CONCLUSION
This is a GPS unit that covers the basics very well and has many more software options than entry level models from the competition.Thanks to map-share and TomTom Home, the data seems to be updated better than units from Garmin, Navigon or Magellan.So if you need a starter GPS, this gives the Garmin a run for its money.
But the included features, even for base models, are not nearly equivalent to competing units.The look and feel is also not nearly as slick, though that should matter less than features and functions to most people.
But of course, value is a concern.For the price of Garmin's maps, they have guaranteed I will probably never buy an update from them.With the TomTom, investing in extra apps or updates might actually be a little easier to swallow.But the prevailing prices for the Garmin units themselves, including the 205, 255, and 255W, make most of them a better value.The 205 sells for about 20% less than this model, and the wider screened 205W goes for around the same price.Even a few 600 and 700 series models are not too far off in price.And many models from Garmin, Navigon and Magellin also include Bluetooth connectivity and free traffic updates.
If you need the frequent updates and extra choices in languages, the TomTom One 125 wins hands down. Similarly, the safety features are really tops in this product category.Some may just want the TomTom because they prefer the simpler looking interface.But considering the greater number of features and lower costs of most comparable Garmins, many will opt for one of those models instead.
Enjoy.

See more reviews about: TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Navigon Fresh Maps Two-Year Activation Card for Map Updates to Navigon GPS Review

This is a great price fro these map updates. First if you buy it from a manfucaturer its for 80$.
some navigon GPS come with free two year updates for free. some give you 50% discount on the map updates if you purchase it within the 1st month.
The biggest thing here is you get updates for three years!! 12 updates!! compare that to any other manfucatreres 40 - 80 per year!!

See more reviews about: Navigon Fresh Maps Two-Year Activation Card for Map Updates to Navigon GPS

Garmin Europe Map for detailed Maps Of Major Metropolitan Areas In Europe (microSD/SD Card) Review

I bought the Micro SD cards because I thought it would be better so that all the maps are on the card and can just plug it into my GPS. However, if you want to download specific routes or biking routes which I have done, you have to also purchase Way Point Trip Manager in order to transfer the information. If you purchase the CD you can transfer the information with Map Source which is included with the GPS. Had I known that I would have had to purchase extra software to be able to transfer the information, I would have bought the CD's.
See more reviews about: Garmin Europe Map for detailed Maps Of Major Metropolitan Areas In Europe (microSD/SD Card)

Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator Review

This is my primary Geocaching GPS.The high sensitivity chip has the same strong processing power, and thus signal sensitivity and position resolution, as any of the more expensive units.It gives me excellent accuracy in areas where my older GPS units just give up, even dense forest cover.The software that drives the unit is the same as the older Yellow model (see below) and has stood the test of time.
If you're only interested in point to point navigation (geocaching, trail tracks or just finding your way back to the car or the ski chalet), then this unit will do a great job for a no-regrets price.If you're looking for road network navigation, then this isn't for you.
Be aware that this is the 'H', for 'High Sensitivity' unit, introduced in 2007.It's appearance is almost identical to older Yellow Etrex units, the difference being "High Sensitivity" in red letters just above the screen.Although the older units do work and may still be found, their worth is significantly lessened by the availability of this unit.That's something to keep in mind when looking at used or "new old stock" units at other venues.
One thing that other reviews mention is true - straight out of the box it takes a long time (hours) to acquire it's almanac (a digital description of where satellites are in the sky which is transmitted periodically) and then it's satellite signals.Mine took at least 3 hours and had me thinking it was defective until it finally locked in.Don't despair, this is a one-time thing - once accomplished, start-up time is about 5 seconds.
See more reviews about: Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator

TomTom GPS Dashboard Mount for TomTom GPS Navigators Review

The TomTom attaches to this with suction and when it's cold, the suction doesn't work. It attaches initially but then the cold makes the rubbery plastic shrink and it falls off, often with the GPS unit still attached! I tossed the box or I would return it!
When it's not especially cold, it works but I haven't had the chance to try it in very warm weather. I suspect it will be ok but not being able to use it 1/4 of the year makes this a fail for me.
See more reviews about: TomTom GPS Dashboard Mount for TomTom GPS Navigators

GARMIN 010-10725-00 Handle Bar Mount Review

If you got the Edge GPS, then you already got a mount with that - actually enough parts for mounting on 2 bikes.They work just fine.But, (and thanks to the person who posted the picture) this accessory kit doesn't come with the same parts as the Edge did, as you might expect.It only has one mounting clip so it only good for one more bike.
See more reviews about: GARMIN 010-10725-00 Handle Bar Mount

TomTom ONE XL Refurbished 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Maps of the U.S. and Canada Review

This TomTom unit works well, screen is easy to understand, and using it is simple. I had a Magellan before, would NEVER buy one again. Magellan's customer Service is horrible, TomToms support is much better and their website allows you to upgrade sattelite locations on your unit, so if you turn it on while you're driving, it finds you in less than a minute.The Magellan takes 5 - 10 minutes in the same situation!
There are less points of interest on the TomTom, but that's not that important to me. Most of the time I have an address or I'm looking for a gas station or hotel, which are usually listed.
See more reviews about: TomTom ONE XL Refurbished 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Maps of the U.S. and Canada

uPro Golf GPS by Callaway Golf Review

I've now played 30+ rounds with the uPro. Its got some good points and some bad, I suppose this is like any new device, especially one that is from a brand new company.
The Good
- Distances are right on.
- Basic mode gives you a quick, easy to read view of distance to the green and distance to reach and carry hazards.
- Mark feature allows you to measure the length of your shots. Sometimes gives erroneous readings. However, this only happened when I kept the uPro in my pocket, so maybe buttons were being pressed by accident.
- Aerial view of the hole is awesome. Like looking at a yardage book, with continuously updating distances. There is a small red diamond that marks your position on the hole and moves with you. I almost ran into a 150 yard pole because I was so fascinated with watching the little diamond track my position on the satellite view! Hazards like bunkers are marked front and back and also update continuously.
- Measure Mode lets you get a measurement to any point on the hole. I have used it to find the distance back into the fairway, but you really need a tree or something on the satellite image to reference. I have also used it to find distances not mapped by the company, like a layup distance to the front of a creek.
- Trans-reflective screen is easy to see in Basic View even in bright sunlight. However, in Pro Mode, it can be difficult to see. You need to experiment with the viewing angle to get it right. I've found that in bright sunlight, you can see the screen best if you are angling it just off where the sun would be reflecting into your eyes. Or shade the screen with your hand.
- No subscriptions! You pay only for the courses you want. Courses cost the same no matter where in the country (and eventually the world) they are located. You never have to buy a course twice, even if you upgrade the device or have to replace the unit (lost, stolen, broken). Courses are expensive if you buy them one at a time. One course costs $10 (3 credits), but if you buy 150 credits ($120), that comes to only $2.40 per Pro course. I bought 150 credits, and I probably won't ever have to buy credits again (at least not for a very long time).
The Bad
- One course had strangely mapped points on a couple holes. Some don't make sense (you can tell they haven't played the course!) However, I sent an email to support and they corrected the problem in a couple weeks.
- Sync is VERY slow. I timed it, and to sync and download 1 course took over 10 minutes. Be patient.
- When syncing, the status box shows up in front of all other windows (on Windows XP) and cannot be moved to the back. So your computer is effectively stuck doing one thing for 10 minutes.
- No subscriptions. I put this item in both The Good and The Bad because it depends on your point of view. If you play a whole lot of courses (more than 50), then it could get quite expensive. But I play only about 15 courses on a regular basis, plus about 3 or so each year on a vacation trip.
- Distances do not automatically update if you are using the measure function in Pro Mode. You have to either exit measure mode, or switch back to basic mode to get an update distance.
- Not all courses are mapped yet. In Denver, about 70% of the courses are mapped. But of the 15-20 I play regularly, about 95% are mapped. Many of those that are not mapped yet are scheduled to be mapped in 2008. There is a schedule on uPro's website (www.uprogps.com). And if you choose an unmapped course as your home course, they will have it mapped in 4 business days, guaranteed. I would recommend checking all the courses you play before buying this device.
The Ugly
- The software needs a little work--freezes up from time to time. During the first two rounds, it froze up once in each round. While annoying, all you have to do is hold the power button down for 8 seconds to force a power-off, then turn it back on. Of course, the re-boot process and getting back to your current hole takes a couple minutes. Their customer service department claims a firmware update will be available "in the next few weeks". I turned off the "automatic hole advance", and this seemed to fix the problem. The last 25+ rounds were freeze-up free after changing this setting. The automatic hole advance is unnecessary in my opinion. From the "Green View", you can simply press the up button to advance to the next hole, or press the down button to go to the previous hole.
Suggestions
- Create a graphical overlay for the aerial views, or figure out a way to make them higher contrast. The Pro Mode can be somewhat difficult to see in bright sunlight.
- Faster downloading/sync
- Find and fix the bugs in the software that cause the freeze-ups
- If the upcoming software can mark every ball location, its only a matter of time before it will keep your score, shot-by-shot. On the uPro website they state that additional software to keep score will be available by late summer 2008. Of course, if it freezes up and you lose data then such a feature is worthless.
The Bottom Line
This is a very new company and a very new product. Like most new products, they have a few bugs to work out. I'm going to stick with them and hopefully they will be committed to fixing the problems. If a year goes by and the same problems exist, I might regret this purchase. But right now I'm pretty darn happy with it!
See more reviews about: uPro Golf GPS by Callaway Golf

Case Logic GPSP-4 Professional GPS Case (Fits 3.5-Inch and 4.3-Inch Devices) Review

The only draw back is cramming-in all of the charging cords.Otherwise, the hard shell case is wonderful, it holds everything and the soft interior protects the screen.The strap is optional.
See more reviews about: Case Logic GPSP-4 Professional GPS Case (Fits 3.5-Inch and 4.3-Inch Devices)

Garmin 010-10889-00 Forerunner 305/205 Quick Release Kit Review

This kit contains a velcro wrist strap with a sturdy plastic mounting clip.The original strap pieces are permanently removed using the supplied tool, then the strap pins are replaced into the 305 body. The pins can then clip into the mount on the velcro strap, or the identical part of the bike mount.Removing the unit from the bike and putting it on your wrist, or vice-versa, takes less than 5 seconds.
The reviewer who said you have to take several minutes to re-attach the original wrist straps after taking the 305 off your bike seems to have failed to grasp the concept; the velcro strap *permanently* replaces the original straps.
The only potential downside I can think of is that the clip on the velcro wrist strap could hang up on long sleeved clothing, like a wetsuit, so triathletes will want to put the strap on during T1.Other than that, this is a very handy piece of kit!

See more reviews about: Garmin 010-10889-00 Forerunner 305/205 Quick Release Kit

TomTom Carrying Case and Strap for the GO 720 GPS Review

Here's the case that is a MUST if you have the TomTom 720. It fits (as the saying goes "like a glove."The sides zipper, and the inside is orange with the inside sides having an elastic on themso that the case does not "flop" open all the way when unzipped.There is a lanyard included that can be put on the one end so enable the case to be carried on your wrist or such.
The case is hard, but not the what I'd call reinforced so that you could expect the case to hold up to several pounds of pressure on it.But it'sgood to protect against bumps and such, and is better than a soft case.
If you're going to spend the money for a portable GPS, then you need this protective case.
My only negative is that these necessary extras should be included as some other brands do (but with cost this is becoming less). The only other thing I'd advise would be is to purchase a pack of screen protectors (they usually come in a pack of 4 or 5 but you only need to use one then save the rest) and apply it to the screen to protect against finger grease and scratches.
See more reviews about: TomTom Carrying Case and Strap for the GO 720 GPS

Garmin Dashboard Mount for StreetPilot c310, c320, c330 and c340 (010-10613-00) Review

Dash-Mount is much better than the suction cup.It moves easily from car to car (in our case, between the Astro-Van and the VW NB convertible).It's easy to remove from the dash by picking it up.Will not slide on dash unless you tip the car over.
I wish this mount was the standard mount and the suction mount was the optional.
PLUSes:
+ stays put
+ easily transfer from car to car
+ power cord stays attached to mount.
+ great price! here on Amazon.com
No minus
See more reviews about: Garmin Dashboard Mount for StreetPilot c310, c320, c330 and c340 (010-10613-00)

Sony NVU73T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator Review

So I am in the market to get a GPS unit for my car, so after reading some mixed reviews about the Sony NV-U73 I decided to try it out for myself.Now I am a Sony fanboy so I was hoping that this product would do very well for me, especially since it was on sale at the local Radio Shack.
Let me start with the good:
1. Beautiful display, bright with lots of contrast.
2. POI's come up on the GPS as their logo...ie If I was driving past a Citgo, the Citgo logo was displayed on the GPS...very cool.
3. The unit will tell you which lane to be in for complicated exits/turns on the highway.When you approach an exit, it goes split screen and shows you which lane you should be in to take the exit.
4. Fairly accurate to tell you when turns are approaching.
5. Displays your speed.
6. Mount is very stick and can move in 360 degrees.
Now the cons:
1. SLOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW...slow to pick up a signal, super slow to re-calculate a route, and tooth-numbing slow to calculate an initial route.
2. It can't handle hypens, ie if a house number is 28-44, your out of luck cause it can't find that.
3. Minor gripe, but the RDS antenna is not built in.
4. Takes forever to search POI's by name.
5. Mapping alogrithem is good, but not the best out there.
So, if this unit wasn't so slow it would be great.But it was taking about 3-4 minutes to acquire the GPS satellites, and another 2-3 minutes to calculate routes.Not helpful if you're in an unfamiliar location.
There are better units out there for the same price.Get one of those.
See more reviews about: Sony NVU73T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin Map Update 2009 for City Navigator North America NT Review

I bought my CD last week and have been visiting popular as well as remote places to see if anything's changed. For anyone who has to deal with space constraints and such (me, for example), the mapping data is about 1.4GB. Installation does take some time, presumably due to the increase in mapping data and time required to build increasingly diverse index files.
Sadly, NT2009 does not seem to be as big an update from 2008 as the latter was from NT8. There are quite a few major/popular POIs (like banks and restaurants) that are still not present. In fact, there is a BoA branch that's suddenly changed location in the '09 database. Over the past couple of years, there have been a couple of exit changes on I-84 but none of them are reflected in here. There are a couple of streets near my gf's house that were renamed a few years ago but have still not found their way into the Garmin DB (haven't checked NAVTEQ though). At the risk of belaboring my point, I'll stop right here. :)
YMMV though as many friends, relatives and members on online discussion forums have found solace with NT2009 in places such as FL and AZ. I will be in GA/ATL all through May and shall update this review in a couple of weeks.
Overall, if you're eligible for a free update, go for it. However, if you live in the N.E. and have to shell out $55-odd, I think your money is better spent elsewhere, assuming you have NT2008 already.
P.S.: If you have an older system (like the c3xx), you can fit the entire mapping data on an SD card. If you have a 1GB or smaller card, select the areas you most want via MapSource. For example, removing PR and Hawaii easily saves 70-odd MBs.
Edited on 05/28/08:
After spending a few weeks traveling through GA and NC, I can't find any location that isn't mapped in the latest version. One or two gas stations in the ATL suburbs (Alpharetta to be more precise) show up on the opposite side of the street (maybe it's bad interpretation logic in Garmin's hardware and has nothing to do with cartographic data) but hey, at least they aren't completely absent! Overall, the south-eastern U.S. seems better covered as compared to the north-east.
See more reviews about: Garmin Map Update 2009 for City Navigator North America NT

TomTom GO 720 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

I really love the 720. I have tried the Garmin Nuvi and just didn't like the software nearly as much as the TomTom. Entering addresses is really fast and you only see towns in the state you are looking in. This means no more having to scroll through 30 different Springfields to get to the one you are searching for. You can hide the keyboard to see a long list of close matches so instead of having to type out the full city or street name you can just hit the first few letters and then pick from a list.
Mapshare seems like it will be a huge advance in the world of automotive GPS devices. Is a street marked as open when it should be blocked? Just correct the error with a few quick taps on the screen and it's fixed. What's really the big advance though is the ability to share my corrections with all other TomTom owners. I connect the 720 to the TomTom HOME software and it downloads corrections that other users have submitted.
What you see on the screen can be fully customized so that if you want the status bar on the side then you can put it there or you can leave it on the bottom. You can also decide what information is shown in the status bar. You can show or hide the time of day, remaining time, remaining distance, current heading, and your current rate of speed. If you subtract items from the status bar the other items automatically get bigger to take up the remaining space. You can also select if you wantto show the current street you are on and the name of the next street you will be turning on to.
Text to speech quality is very good and will say the directions so for example it might say "in 250 feet keep right, then take the exit right, 204B towards Westview." Or "in 200 meters, turn right South West Madison Avenue." You can choose from multiple voices although I think the Dave voice sounds the best of the bunch. If you don't want to hear the "keep to lane" instructions you can disable this feature although I personally like to have it on. You can also record your own spoken instructions so for example you could have your kid's voice tell you to turn left in 200 feet. I haven't tried this though.
The screen is very bright and easy to see even when I have my sunglasses on. The 720 can be set to automatically turn the brightness down as it gets dark thanks to a built in light sensor on the front of the unit.
The mount is pretty clever and super easy to use. Just push it up to the windshield and it sticks right on. The 720 then just slides right on and is held solidly in place. You can turn the 720 in any direction to get it exactly where it's easiest for you to see.
With all the great features of the 720, I think what will really set it apart even more from the other GPS units out there is the Mapshare feature. Being able to fix your own map and download updates automatically to keep the map up to date is one of those things that is so fantastically great that you wonder why on earth it took so long to make to a shipping product. Whether or not it can live up to the expectations remains to be seen. Even if you took Mapshare away it's still the best car GPS I've ever used. With it, there's just no contest.
My biggest complaint is that there's no case in the box. You need to buy one separately although I've been using the plastic holder it shipped in so far which is OK.
See more reviews about: TomTom GO 720 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nuMaps Lifetime North America Map Updates for detailed maps of U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico Review

We have a 3 year old Garmin 350. We find the unit itself is very easy to use. Our problem is we used our fee update 18 months ago and it did not include much of the new road construction around us. We also found that the changing face of our city had many new, moved and closed businesses and our Points of Interest were also out of date.An update was imminent and it was going to cost us this time.I saw on the lifetime map updates on the Garmin site and thought I might find a bit better deal and that brought me here where one of the vendors had a great deal.
If you are unsure whether an update has the new features you are looking for you can preview the detailed US map on the Garmin shopping site.Be careful there are lists of "supported Nuvi units" on some of the vendors sites that are woefully incomplete.For instance our 350 was not on the vendor list, but after a search I was able to find a list on the Garmin shopping site that seems to list all the Nuvi and other units. The product page has a ton of information but you may have to dig around a bit to find it.
What you get in the mail is essentially a reward card size card with a scratch off code.My one gripe for all this is the shipping cost for this is almost unnecessary except the card is in a store theft control hard shell wrapper. If you upgrade at Garmin you will get the code immediately and therefore no shipping so be sure to factor this in the price.
The upgrade was pretty straight forward but took me about 3 hours.The download is almost 2GB so a good internet connection is very helpful, I am pretty sure though you can get it on DVD for shipping cost.
Bottom line, I really like the Garmin unit and the update will have paid for itself the next time I do it.It seems like a good investment to me.
See more reviews about: Garmin nuMaps Lifetime North America Map Updates for detailed maps of U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico

Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

I spent a lot of time researching a GPS unit to purchase. I "settled" for the Magellan 4250 because I couldn't justify the additional $100-200 to purchase a similar Garmin product and I stayed away from TomTom because a retail store rep mentioned that those units were returned pretty frequently.
I took this unit with me to Las Vegas and it got me from point to point without issues. Directions are clear and the interface is pretty straight forward. Entering addresses is quite easy, route calculation is reasonably fast. It has a day/night mode and is quite visible even in direct sunlight. My only complaint with the screen is that the unit is still too bright when in night mode and the brightness is set to the lowest level.
I used the Trip Planner to enter multiple destinations for my trip up to Vegas. This made going from one point to the next easy as I didn't have to make any address entries or search for a POI. I just click on Guide Me, select the destination from my saved Trip and I'm on my way.
POI was very useful. You can search POI by Name, Category or AAA TourBook and then search near you, in a city or near an address. I like the breakdown of POI Categories, very user-friendly. If you have a Bluetooth compatible phone, you can contact the POI if they include the phone number. Just select the phone number and you'll be connected via the built-in speakerphone, which works pretty well. A feature that I didn't think I would use is the ability to choose what POI icons (coffee shops, shopping areas, gas stations, atm/banks, etc.) appear on the map. I found this feature quite useful in searching for a nearby coffee shop.
AAA information is great, I actually used this to find a nice breakfast restaurant. It gave me the restaurant hours, diamond rating and dress attire. Additional AAA TourBook information include these categories: Accomodations, Restaurants, Destinations, Attractions and Events. I found the Events outdated, but I was told by a Magellan sales rep that AAA will be releasing quarterly updates. As of this review, AAA still has not released any updates, they hope to have it up sometime in late 2007. Looks like they are waiting up to the last minute.
AAA Members have additional benefits, see AAA's website for more details. One notable benefit is an extra year warranty.
The Voice Command feature is a nice extra, but it will most likely go unused.
Bluetooth was not compatible with my phone (Cingular 8125), however, I was able to test it using the Sony Ericsson W800 and it worked flawlessly. When you receive a text message an icon appears on the map and you can read the message directly on the screen. The same goes with phone calls. The only downside is that you can't import your contact list.
Live Traffic information is free for 3 months and it looks like $40 per year subscription, quite reasonable. When you have the unit plugged into the FM power/receiver, you'll see an icon on the bottom right hand of the screen indicating traffic status, or if there are any issues on the way to your destination. I have yet to determine how fast/accurate the traffic updates occur.
A nice feature with this unit is that once you have entered your destination, you can look at the direction list and if you see a street that you don't want to include (let's say because you know it has heavy traffic), select that direction/step and you can exclude this from your route. Nifty.
If you are into customizable icons/voices, they are not built-in.
Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and would gladly recommend it to family, friends and strangers reading reviews on Amazon.com.
Job well done Magellan!
*** 2007-11-29 Update****
I've had the unit for about a month now. I have additional comments.
Auto Detour: If you are in traffic, the unit will suggest a Detour. I've only used it once, but it came in very handy.
Traffic: I've come to the conclusion that this is pretty accurate, though I wish there was an option to use the Auto Detour feature before actually hitting traffic.
Exit POI: While on the freeway, I can check to see freeway exit Restaurants, Lodging, Gas Stations and Auto Service Shops. The unit displays the distance to each Exit POI.
Voice Command: I didn't think I would use this much, but with proper annunciation, I found it more convenient to say "MagellanGo Home" instead of pressing the options on the screen.
Size: Since this is my first GPS unit, I may be taking it's size for granted, but I like that I can fit it in my jacket pocket.
Customer Support: When I first got this unit, I couldn't register the product, so I called Customer Support. They were very helpful in helping me register my product. I also had to call them a second time to get assistance in activating my Traffic Subscription, again they were very helpful and was able to resolve my issue.
My Complaints:
- At times the unit is a little slow to respond when an option is selected
- There is no quick/easy way to add a POI by name to the Trip Planner
- Text to speech doesn't always come off well (i.e. Los Angeles/CA-60 W is read "Los Angeles Forwardslash C A Dash Sixty W")
- Searching for a POI by name takes about 15 seconds
- I upgraded my phone to the AT&T Tilt, Bluetooth usage is limited to making and receiving calls
That's about it. I still recommend this unit.
*** 2008-07-30 Update****
I upgraded the firmware on my unit to version 4.60 and I felt the need to update my review. Magellan has improved quite a few things:
- Improved visual cues on the map makes navigation easier
- Bluetooth connection is now automatic, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from a friend without having the need to re-connect my Tilt. I was even more pleased when I was able to dial a POI phone number without re-connecting. (Still no SMS or Contact support for my Tilt, but that is probably an OS issue)
- Map scrolling is faster
- Re-route calculation is noticeably faster
- Magellan even fixed the text to speech issue I mentioned in my last update
One of the features I wish Magellan would improve is the time it takes to do a POI Search By Name. I use this feature quite a bit and waiting the 15 to 20 seconds to display a result set just seems too long.
I'm pretty sure there were other improvements that I haven't seen, but the fact that Magellan has released at least 2 firmware upgrades since I bought my 4250 states that they are committed to improving the user experience for their products.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, "Job well done Magellan!"
See more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

GARMIN 010-10314-00 Carrying Case Review

The Garmin Carry Case is a nice addition to the eTrex GPS.The case is well made and covers most of the unit with its protective material.The buttons on both sides of the GPS are exposed and easy to access and the click stick is also exposed and easy to access (contrary to another reviewer's comments).There is a belt clip and metal loop on the back to help fasten the unit however you want.Overall, if you're like me and prefer to keep your toys clean and unscratched, the Garmin Carry Case is for you.
See more reviews about: GARMIN 010-10314-00 Carrying Case

Garmin Suction Cup Mount (010-10936-00) Review

I received only the suction cup mount, but not the bracket shown in the picture, my order looks like item 010-10747-00 from Garmin, which is only the mount. This obivously makes the mount useless, since I'm purchasing this mount to replace one that was stolen. I'm still trying to figure out if it was a mistake from Amazon, or the item does not come with the bracket. I would rather have purchased this directly from Garmin, since now Amazon is giving me headache and money loss from having to return the item for refund.
See more reviews about: Garmin Suction Cup Mount (010-10936-00)

Garmin Etrex Venture HC GPS Receiver Review

Before buying this new Venture HC, I had spent many hours trekking with several of the original eTrex models over the years.I think it's fair to say that while the concept of the original eTrex was great, the execution was frequently disappointing.
It disappoints no more.The Venture HC is the eTrex perfected.It remedies almost every shortcoming that plagued the original models.The new high-sensitivity receiver is amazingly effective.Countless times I've stood in wide open spaces cursing my old eTrex because it wouldn't acquire a single satellite.Last night I turned on the Venture HC on the bottom floor of my two story house, and it locked onto 8 satellites...through the roof and the upper floor!No more "need a clear view of the sky" messages. Amazing.
The old monochrome display has become color, and the user interface is now substantially more intuitive, while adding even more functionality. The cable, which was serial on previous models, has been upgraded to USB, another welcome improvement.The case is somewhat wider than before, but the design bears a strong resemblance to the original eTrex.
A basemap is included but it's just that - basic.It shows the largest highways, bodies of water, and has some limited capability to display highway exit services.If you need turn-by-turn street directions, an eTrex is not for you.This is a GPS receiver true to Garmin's outdoor GPS heritage.
Promised battery life (14 hours) is near the bottom of the range when compared to the existing eTrex models, but is still perfectly adequate and has posed no problems.
One weakness that remains is Garmin's waypoint manager PC software.It has the feel and functionality of a software product released circa 1994.Garmin could certainly develop a better PC interface.For $49 you can buy ExpertGPS from Topografix, or download the free version (EasyGPS)from their website.Either is far more functional than the Garmin OEM software.
Still, the software criticism is a quibble.The Venture HC itself is great.It is a market changing product that renders all previous eTrex models (and many competitors) obsolete.Finally, an affordable outdoor GPS receiver that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

See more reviews about: Garmin Etrex Venture HC GPS Receiver

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS Review

If you are reading this and the other reviews of the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx then you are doing your homework and wondering if this GPS is as good as all the hype makes it out to be. The short answer is YES! I have an old Garmin 12 Map which has served me well, but was getting a bit long in the tooth. I wanted something a bit smaller, lighter, with color screen and was water tight. The Vista HCx meets all of these needs and so many more. It is small in size, but with a fairly big and bright screen (easily readable in the sun) for its size.
Every review I read touted the extra sensitive antenna and how it picked up and locked onto satellites inside of homes or buildings. Well I can honestly tell you that it does all this and does it quick. How this happens it Garmin magic. I was always told you had to have line of sight to pick up satellites, but not in the case of the Vista HCx, it can get them just about anywhere short of being in a bunker.
The menu is intuitive and easy to navigate, so much more that my old Garmin 12 map. The long story short, this little GPS is the one for everyone else to beat. If you are seriously considering a GPS purchase for hiking or navigating the back country, do not look elsewhere, this is the one to get!
The base maps in the Vista HCx are of course upgradeable through additional accessories purchases from Garmin (at substantial cost), but worth the money. How Garmin managed to pack so much into so little a package is a mystery to me. Do yourself a favor, stop reading the review and just buy one, you will not be disappointed.
BTW, I purchased mine through Amazon.com and took advantage of the free shipping. It arrived four days ahead of when it was scheduled to arrive which was a nice surprise. Amazon has a very good price and I have always been happy with my purchases through them. And no I am not getting paid to say these nice things about Amazon, I am just a very satisfied customer.
Dan...

See more reviews about: Garmin eTrex Vista HCx Color High-Sensitivity Mapping Handheld GPS

Magellan RoadMate 1470 4.7-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator Review

I've been a Magellan user for several years - have owned four of their GPS systems, and always appreciate how they have improved their products. This unit is my 5th, and replaces a Magellan 4040. After using it for a while I've confident in saying this is the best one yet!
The most visible change is the actual size of the unit. The screen size has been increased, but the unit is thinner and lighter. Very sleek appearance, and the screen is a real joy -- sharp, clear graphics even in the sun, and bigger on-screen buttons for easy use. The mounting system has also been streamlined, and looks and works well. It mounts very easily on a NavMat holder (basically a bean-bag system that I got on Amazon. I'm a huge Navmat fan - makes it a snap to hide the GPS with narry a trace. Best accessory by far for any GPS).
The power connector was not well throughout, however. You have to connect it to the GPS unit AFTER you mount it in the holder. They should have moved the connector it a wee bit to the side to avoid that.
The only button is a slide-type power button on the top. Boot-up time is OK -- not speedy, but not a huge delay either. It does not have a "sleep" mode, so you have to do a cold boot every time. Not a problem in real world use - by the time you get situated in your car, the unit is ready to go.
Voice is clear and easy to understand. Not as natural sounding as a TomTom, but understandable.
Pretty much any recent GPS unit will get you where you want to go. I've found the routing on the Magellans to be very similar to Garmins - could be because they both use the same mapping set (Navteq). The Magellan shines, however, in features that I find helpful. The direction of the next turn is always visible regardless of how far away the next turn will be. Up until recently, Garmin did not offer this (they do now on some of their units). Sounds like a small issue, but I find it very helpful. The Magellan also allows you to very easily exclude a route (or portion). That's a fairly standard feature nowadays, but Magellan allows you to do it in a snap.
In terms of routing, Magellan offers four options (fastest, shortest, most use of freeways and least use). You can see all four options on the map (as a summary) at the same time so you can pick the best one for your needs. Perfect!!
Love the AAA Guidebook, which is a unique Magellan feature. Lets you get details about restaurants and other points of interest just like the paper version from AAA. I used it a lot in my 4040, especially when traveling out of town.
Other unique Magellan features I appreciate is the "ding dong" sound right before a turn (incredibly accurate!) and the fact that the software reminds you to "stay on the current road" when you encounter major exits. Some find that to be nagging, but it has saved me from inadvertently exiting on more than one occasion.
A new feature for Magellan is the lane guidance. Very nicely done. I've used this feature on Navigon units, and found it rather unhelpful. Magellan's implementation is far more useful, with better, clearer graphics. However, lane guidance is not available for every road.
The software is also nicely done - very logical to use. If you're a past Magellan user you can pick this up and use it in a second. If not, there's a short printed user's guide in the box (plus a CD-ROM with more in-depth info) that gets you up to speed quickly. The box also includes the mount, power connector for the car, and a USB cable. It does not include an AC adapter.
OK, now for the bad news. When it comes to customer service, Magellan has been horrid. We're talking so bad it's almost funny. I'm hoping this situation will change - the company was bought by Mitac late last year, and perhaps this will signal a change for the better in terms of customer support. Lord knows, they couldn't get any worse.
The leader, in my opinion, for customer support is Garmin. They are nice to deal with on the phone, answer emails promptly, and offer regular firmware updates. Whenever I buy a GPS as a gift I always buy Garmin since I don't want to saddle the recipient with the miserable service that Magellan offers. It's a shame, since Magellan offers some real benefits over Garmin, and more value for the money. Tom Tom is also decent when it comes to support, but they use TeleAtlas maps which are less complete than NavTeq (sp?).
Bottom line -- if you're looking for a straightforward GPS at a good price, this should be on your short list. It lacks features such as Bluetooth and an MP3 player, but for me, I want a GPS to offer guidance and not entertainment. This has a very robust feature set, great screen, and well-designed software. It also has traffic capabilities -- did not test that feature out, so I can't comment on it.
The "safe" bet continues to be Garmin. You'll pay a bit more, and get less features, but you can be assured of solid support. Whether Magellan's new owners will put them back on the right track (if you'll excuse the horrid, but unavoidable pun) in terms of customer service is not yet clear. I hope so -- they make a great product!

See more reviews about: Magellan RoadMate 1470 4.7-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator Review

Lots of people are expecting this GPS to be the perfect GPS. I really like it so far and I don't have any complaints. Most of the complaints you'll see are people comparing the features of this GPS to the 60CS. The issues most people are complaining about are really minor.
Icons: Ok the new icons are more cartoon like. None of them are hard to tell what the function is which is the point of an icon. It's an artistic style choice some people will like it and some will not.
No alarm: I have about 10 devices with an alarm clock on them I don't see where not including this feature is such a big deal.
No barometric trends while off: Garmin has stated this is a limitation of the new hardware. Useful if you're in the back country and can't get a weather radio broadcast. Otherwise a mostly unused feature.
Expectation of indoor reception: I can personally get reception in my house. This is not going to hold true for everyone. It's still a GPS and needs a somewhat unobstructed view of the sky. The new receiver is a HUGE improvement over the old one though and gets a lock much faster and holds it better in terrain that is tough for a GPS to work in.
Over-Expectation of accuracy: People keep forgetting that this is still a consumer GPS and is limited as to the accuracy it can get. Just because the GPS says it's got 3' accuracy doesn't mean it's correct. The 60CS and the 60CSx calculate their accuracy differently.Since the 60CS claims it is more accurate people fully trust the number the GPS is reporting and claim the 60CSx is less accurate. This isn't the case however in real world tests in clear skys both units have similar accuracy. However in challenging reception situations the 60CSx get better signal and is then "more accurate".
GPS "Walking": The 60CSx tends to walk around when stopped for a while causing the stopped time and distance traveled to be inaccurate. Garmin is aware of the problem and has stated it will be fixed with a firmware release.
Mini SD Card issues: This is the first offering by Garmin with a removable memory card. There are a few limitations however compared to other brands. First the cards are ONLY used to store maps. No waypoints, tracks, routes, etc. are stored on the cards. It would be nice to have these features but it doesn't seem that this is something that will (or can??) be changed with a firmware update. People also complain that there is no way to view information about the memory card (Space left, file listing, etc.) since there is no way to add data without having the GPS hooked into MapSource this is a non-issue. You can't write to it so why does it matter how much space is left? Oh and if you haven't seen a Mini SD card in person, wow they are really tiny about the size of a fingernail. People without good dexterity might have issues changing the card.
This is a really great GPS. If you have a 60CS already you need to carefully weigh your decision to upgrade since this unit will really only add increased reception(not accuracy) and the removable memory card. If you're upgrading from something other than a 60CS you'll love it, I sure do.
See more reviews about: Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator

Case Logic GPSP-2 Professional GPS Case for 4.3-Inch Flatscreens Review

I purchased this case for the Garmin 760. I'm not sure why the other reviewer mentioned it did not fit the 760
but my brand new Garmin 760 fits perfectly inside with extra space! There is 1 inch of extra room on the top and 1/4" on each side. and plenty of room on top to close the zippered lid. All this while slipped into the mesh screened pocket inside.
It came with a soft cloth and wrist strap with a swivel clasp to connect to the case.
This is an awesome case with a little extra room for a memory card and protective shields.
See more reviews about: Case Logic GPSP-2 Professional GPS Case for 4.3-Inch Flatscreens

Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Review

So after reading a ton of reviews on Amazon, I realized that a lot of the reasons people rated something positive or negative was because they were comparing their new GPS to an older one.So to be fair, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to.First off, it arrived from Amazon in three days using their free standard shipping, which was great.It looked brand new and included every accessory you would need, AC and DC chargers, USB cable, travel case, window mount and dash mount adapter, along with some software to help get you started.
Like some of the other reviewers, the first thing I did was upgrade the firmware to v.4.60.It took me about 10 minutes which included registering the unit with Magellan, which is required to download the upgrade.Since I didn't use it before the upgrade, I can't really speak to the benefits, but I haven't had any issues with the unit freezing up or crashing.I also signed up for the 3 month Traffic Service trial online.
Overall, the menus are very intuitive and easy to use and for the price, really can't be beat.Comparable Garmins seem about twice as much.The unit starts up fast and is quick to determine routes and re-routes.The only negative thing I've noticed is it does take longer to start up after parking the vehicle in a garage as opposed to on the street, either way, 30 to 45 seconds vs. 10 to 15.The traffic service is surprisingly accurate and updates constantly.The accuracy of the maps and POI's seems to be about 2 to 3 years off, which from what others say is about average for units of this price.Mine came loaded with S/W version 29.Magellan is selling an upgrade to version 31 on their website for $80 and calls it their 2008/2009 map.So I'm guessing this is the 2006/2007 map.
The Bluetooth syncs up fairly easily to make and receive calls, but I could not get it to sync up my phonebook or text messages with either of two different Motorola cell phones.The volume is pretty weak and call clarity is about what you could expect, but in a pinch, it makes a decent hands-free device.Can't really be used with the windows down.Overall, for $129 with free shipping, I think this is a great little device and have had no issues with getting it refurbished, although be aware it does only come with a 90 day warranty.Hope this helps.
See more reviews about: Magellan Maestro 4250 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)