Need help finding a GPS unit for the car

[Burninator]

I want to buy my girlfriend a GPS unit for her car (romantic I know, don't tell her) but I don't know anything about them.

I would assume she doesn't need a top of the line one, but I don't want to buy her a piece of junk either. So because of that I'm not really sure on the budget yet.

What is the basic information I should know? Where is a good place to shop? What is the installation like? Anything else I should know?


Thanks

[Russic]

This is a pretty good thread if you're interested:
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthr...highlight=gps*

As I have only seen them in the wild (don't own one myself) I can only comment on the install. The ones I've seen come with a little swivel attachment that suctions to your windshield and clips into the device. You usually just have to turn it on and give it some time to find you. You can also hook them up to a computer and load additional maps if necessary.

also, big deal at dell today (but today only) $300 Garmin on for $170: http://accessories.dell.com/sna/prod...1&sku=A2509009

[OBCT]

For what it's worth, my dad has owned a Magellan something-or-other for maybe 5 years and has had a very good experience. I know the technology has advanced hugely since then, and there are several good names out there, but it is something to consider.

I know TomTom had taken the lead in terms of worldwide sales, but I found an article noting Garmin's recent surge into the top spot. The other brand supposedly worth considering is Lowrance (never heard of it before, myself).

Not sure how much digging you're willing to do, but this site looks like a wealth of up-to-date information.


Just reading about some of the newer models that are out there... so cool. For instance, the Garmin StreetPilot 2820 features hands-free Bluetooth calling functionality, 3D map/street perspective, real-time traffic and routing capabilities, comprehensive North America and Europe maps pre-installed, an extensive points-of-interest database, XM radio compatibility, XM NavTraffic service standard, USB connectivity, interactive 3.8" color touch screen, digital audio player w/ MP3 compatibility, 100% waterproof enclosure, lighted keys, etc.

The fact that it'd put you back a grand or so is only a minor deterrent.

[kermitology]

Any of the Magellan, TomTom or Garmin's are going to work. There is a shop just off of 32nd Ave (GPSCity: http://www.gpscity.ca/) that I bought a couple of in car units for my parents at. Pretty good deal on them.

[Berger_4_]

I have the one on sale at Dell today and I really like it. The only complaint I have is that when it's running low on batteries I have to run the car charger from my cigarette lighter across me to the GPS (I keep mine in the left corner of my windshield). I suppose I could fix that by moving the unit, but whatever.

Oh one more thing...sometimes if you're downtown the unit will lose the signal.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Any of the Magellan, TomTom or Garmin's are going to work. There is a shop just off of 32nd Ave (GPSCity: http://www.gpscity.ca/) that I bought a couple of in car units for my parents at. Pretty good deal on them.

Can I walk into the store and talk to someone? Or are they strictly an online type of dealio?

[kermitology]

I walked in to buy it.

But not much difference to buy it online.