Which add on navigation brand is best?

[badrufus]

I just got a Garmin Nuvi 370 from Amazon for $330. So far I like it very much. I bought a cup holder mount from Amazon (not the Arkon) because I had read so much about the importance being able to the get the mount, not just the unit, out of sight when you leave the car.
URl for that item was Amazon.com: Cup Holder Mount for Garmin Nuvi 300,... It will also mount on the smooth portion of the dash above the vent using the provided suction cup. For me, the 370 was worth the extra because it comes preloaded with NavTec Europe and can be used when travelling in Europe, either in car or pedestrian mode. I bought the non-slip Garmin Portable Friction Dashboard Mount for my husband's Camry. This unit is 3.5" but I wanted the smaller size for travelling on foot. I did find that I had to spend a fair amount of time researching this, and that prices are all over the place for many units, so some time spent searching for a good price from a good vendor is necessary.

[urs70]

I personally like the megallen units ( I currently own a 2200T). They use navteq maps and the interface is more usable especially in complex exits. Usually they lack the extras which I don't care for and do the basic navigation better at a lower price.

[tumbleweed]

I did quite a bit of research before I bought mine including borrowing a NUVI 660 and a Megallin for a couple of weeks, I also used a friends Hybrid Camry with the Toyota unit. Fortunately he bought his Camery in 2006 so the unit is still useable with the car in motion. Garmin seems to be the best choice at this time. Better software and better maps. In the Consumer Reports ratings Garmin units are a clear leader.

I bought a Garnin NUVI 760 at Costco for $350 it works as expected. I also like the "bean bag" dashboard mount for Garmin units.

If you buy one of the Garmins be sure to connect it to your computer (it comes with a USB cable) and update your software (free) and your maps (free one time). Garmin does not have very good customer service but who does? When I finally did get through to a human I got a good answer to my question.

[Sheepdog]

I did decide on a Garmin. I got the Garmin nüvi 660 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS. I also bought an ac vent holder. I will enjoy this unit I know.

Thanks all for the help on helping me find what I wanted!

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

I did decide on a Garmin. I got the Garmin nüvi 660 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS. I also bought an ac vent holder. I will enjoy this unit I know.

Excellent choice!

BTW, you can mount the clip on the round vent by the triangular window. Very neat place for it.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

The title says it all mostly. I would like to know which add on navigation product you like best? I see that they even come in 4.3 inch display sizes now.

My criteria? the best brand and largest display for the least amount of money ? I'd like to spend 200 bucks maybe? Is that doable? I would probably mount it with the std suction cup adapter to the small triangle glass on the drivers side. Dunno.

Love to hear about your experience. Tom-Tom, Nuvi, what have you.

Thanks!

I've used a TomTom for a couple of days and felt it comparable to a Garmin. Recently recommended a Garmin Nuvi 250W (225?) which shows speed limits, longitude & lattitude, announces street names, and got a satellite lock from inside a building for $160 on-line. You'll have a tough time mounting it on the "vent" window and a harder time using it there. The only power connector supplied is for the cigarette lighter so you'll want to buy an AC adapter.

[Sheepdog]

Mine shows a lighter power plug with traffic connection and an ac power recharger for inside the house. I was concerned that the suction mount might not work in the triangle window so I bought a cradle holder that fits in the AC vents also. If that doesnt do it for me I can always get a bean bag. I intend to take this unit in when it is parked anyway and can charge it at work or home.

I'm excited!

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

Mine shows a lighter power plug with traffic connection and an ac power recharger for inside the house. I was concerned that the suction mount might not work in the triangle window so I bought a cradle holder that fits in the AC vents also. If that doesnt do it for me I can always get a bean bag. I intend to take this unit in when it is parked anyway and can charge it at work or home.

I'm excited!

The traffic signaling takes a long time to initialize the first time you turn the unit on, but after that it should be fairly quick - provided you leave the unit plugged in via the 12V plug. Even if you power off the car, the unit continues to run on its battery to keep the signal processing. (At least that's how it works on my 760.)

Since I have mine mounted near the triangular window, it's pretty well hidden already. When leaving the car, all I need to do is pull a baseball cap over it to protect it from the sun (and thieving eyes).

I'll definitely purchase the traffic service once the trial period is over. It works really well in our metropolitan area (Dallas/Ft Worth) and has saved us on numerous occasions. Not sure how it works in the Orlando area, since I-4 is always congested anyway. (My sister lives in Lake Mary, and I used to live in Melbourne, so I've driven through Sanford many many times...)

[Ichiro]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Garmin does not have very good customer service but who does? When I finaly got through to a human I did get a good answer to my question, finally.

Garmin has a reputation for pretty good customer service, especially compared to tomtom... but, I guess YMMV

[A strolling player]

I've owned both a Garmin StreetPilot c320 and a TomTom ONE v.3, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The Garmin unit is definitely easier to use and has a simpler interface; the TomTom, however, gives you a lot of information and customisation potential. It may not be an issue for the average user, but being able to install a number of voices and colour schemes and have Mario in his Kart as the icon for my car has a lot of appeal for my inner geek.

In response to that routing test linked from GPS Magazine, the Garmin is much better at calculating arrival times. This is why for a route exactly the same in distance the TomTom reports an eight minute longer journey. It's pretty spot-on for main streets, but the TomTom expects U-turns to take 45 seconds and side streets to have eight mile an hour speed limits, generally. Also, there's only been one significant difference in routing between the two units that I've seen, between my girlfriend's house and mine, and the TomTom gives the better, faster route. Your mileage may vary.