GPS System recommendations?

[Matt J]

Avoid the extra piece of equipment and ask your cell phone provider if they offer it. All of them download the directions fresh every time from a server that is updated more frequently than the little boxes and most offer traffic/construction/other avoidance features.

 

[ktmeadows]

Paula - Whichever brand you buy, my advice is to make sure it has the "text to speech" feature! I bought a Garmin 340c a year ago....absolutely LOVE IT! It not only gives you "right/left" directions, but gives street names as well. Some other models will only tell you "turn right in 500 ft.". For me, it's important to hear the street name as well. Also, it has built-in destinations such as hotels, restaurants, car repair places (important when you're traveling and your windshield wipers need replacing in the middle of a thunderstorm!)....and it gives you phone numbers so you can call ahead to make sure they're open and/or have what you're looking for! When I made the decision to buy each of my two sons a GPS for Christmas, I initially made the decision to buy them the 340c. However, although it was still available at most stores, I learned that it was going to be discontinued because it is larger than the newer sleeker models. The model that replaces it (has the exact same features but is a thin, sleek version) is the Garmin Nuvi 260. Sells for around $350, but if you watch the rebates you can get it for around $299. Needless to say the gifts were a hit....they LOVE their GPS's as much as I love mine!

If you buy one with the right features, it's well worth the money you spend, especially if you travel a lot.

Good luck!

 

[Rudyjohn]

Avoid the extra piece of equipment and ask your cell phone provider if they offer it. All of them download the directions fresh every time from a server that is updated more frequently than the little boxes and most offer traffic/construction/other avoidance features.

I have to be honest with you swgb... Mr. JR is a cell phone designer with one of the largest communications companies in the world and he can get all the downloaded stuff he wants for his phone (for free as a perk) and he chose the Garmin. He said NONE of the designers care for the phone service nearly as much. It's just not that good and he says it's expensive.

 

[Matt J]

I have to be honest with you swgb... Mr. JR is a cell phone designer with one of the largest communications companies in the world and he can get all the downloaded stuff he wants for his phone (for free as a perk) and he chose the Garmin. He said NONE of the designers care for the phone service nearly as much. It's just not that good and he says it's expensive.

I have heard this too, just wasn't sure what sort of bells and whistles you needed, nor did I know the costs.

If Mr. JR designed the Motorola Pebble (so appropriate for a small, useless, and annoying object) or the Motorola i730 for Nextel please whack him with the largest GPS device you can locate.

 

[ShallowsNole]

Sounds nasty - what kind did all these bad things?

I'd like to stay around the $200 price range, but it sounds like good ones are about $400?

I'd have to find the box. I can tell you it wasn't a mainstream brand. My brother gave it to us when he "upgraded." I don't think it's even possible this experience could happen to you today.

On a side note, don't try to GPS the Courthouse Annex's Coastal Centre Blvd. address. You will wind up at the end of Cabbage Rose Lane. :funn:

 

[Matt J]

I'd have to find the box. I can tell you it wasn't a mainstream brand. My brother gave it to us when he "upgraded." I don't think it's even possible this experience could happen to you today.

On a side note, don't try to GPS the Courthouse Annex's Coastal Centre Blvd. address. You will wind up at the end of Cabbage Rose Lane. :funn:

Most of the GPS things don't work on 30-A. I love telling guests that they can try it if they really want to get to Blue Mountain beach from Seagrove via Niceville. The husbands really hate it when they have to resort back to "traditional" directions that use local landmarks to get to the rental. :funn:

 

[Paula]

More thanks to everyone. I'm leaning toward a Garmin. The cell phone thing wouldn't work because the screen would be too tiny and I can barely figure out the features on my cell phone now (I like to think in terms of "simplify, simplify, simplify" when it comes to technology - just get me through the day a bit more easily, no more and no less).

As for directions in SoWal, I'm pretty good with directions there, I just want to be able to get there (and other places) easily. Perhaps using the GPS system over time would improve my direction-skills.

Any other things to avoid?

 

[ktmeadows]

Most of the GPS things don't work on 30-A. I love telling guests that they can try it if they really want to get to Blue Mountain beach from Seagrove via Niceville. The husbands really hate it when they have to resort back to "traditional" directions that use local landmarks to get to the rental. :funn:

I've had no problem at all on 30A with my Garmin...all of the street names show up (except any very new streets, of course) and satellite reception has been great!

 

[Rudyjohn]

I have heard this too, just wasn't sure what sort of bells and whistles you needed, nor did I know the costs.

If Mr. JR designed the Motorola Pebble (so appropriate for a small, useless, and annoying object) or the Motorola i730 for Nextel please whack him with the largest GPS device you can locate.

I'll be sure to!!