The TomTom One.
Does everything you need, and costs less than $200.
You plug it in, and it works. No messing.
And you can load it with pizza places, cinemas etc etc.
I am crazy about my Garmin nuvi. it’s pretty idiot-proof (this is an important feature when I’m the owner) and pretty accurate. I consider it one of the better toys I’ve bought.
I think the one I’ve got is the 350.
I just bought one and have a few observations.
Background. I use to use my laptop but my new widescreen model will blow the fuse and it is also a beast that needs to be wedged into place while I drive.
My recent purchase was a base model Magellian. It’s small enough to carry around and I use it while biking if I get lost.
What you’re paying for is:
- size of screen
- number of POI (points of interest). Mine has something like 750,000. Better models are 4 million.
- area of coverage (US, Canada)
- blue tooth
- multi displays - 3d displays
- programability (add more coverage)
With that said I was use to using a huge screen which displayed a lot of information. My $200 unit is very good at navigating to a destination but it is not as useful for visually displaying where you are in relation to something. By that I mean if you zoom out you will not get a visual reference to an approaching city. You just see streets and small landmarks like rivers/lakes
What I like about my unit is that you can get free downloads forever if you register it. I also like the split screen view that automatically pops up as you approach a change in direction. You can manually drag the screen around to see what is around you (2D only) and the alternate screen view shows a compass heading, car speed, the name of the street you’re on and the name of the street that crosses in front and behind you. This is actually a very usefull screen when just driving around.
Programing a destination is interesting because it starts with the name of the town and works backword. This is done on purpose because it eliminates key letters that don’t exist. Example: if you were going to Ohio and typed “O” it would only highlight the possible choice of letters of states beginning with “OH”. It makes entry a lot faster visually. POI can be searched by current location or final destination. The unit also switches to night view by itself which will keep from blinding you.
Since my unit didn’t require any learning curve I would suggest taking the time to test units in your price range. If you can program it with little or no instructions and it displays what you want to see then that is what really counts. Don’t buy what you’re not going to use.
Good luck,
Oh, almost forgot, there’s a new model out that shows true 3d simulation of larger cities. You actually see the traffic signs and the road as they would appear as well as buildings. I assume it’s only set up for certain cities.
For a good starter device, I recommend the Garmin Etrex Legend. Then go sign up at geocaching.com and terracaching.com and have a blast!