Saturday, December 1. 2007
Best GPS for the money - November 2007
I was looking for a good and most important current review of GPS units in $300 or less price range but i was unable to find any so I decided to do some research myself reading both manufacturer specyficatitons and user comments on the internet. The price I quoted are taken from newegg being one of most stable online outlets. Here is what I found:
$300 price range - GARMIN n�vi 250W 4.3" GPS Navigation
Description: Very nice GPS with big screen and all the features you need. One of the most important features of this particular GPS is that Garmin offers free maps updates on the DVD if the GPS you buy doesnt have current ones. The GPS also has inside one of the newest GPS chipssets providing fast satelite aquisition and has very decent battery live of around five hours. This GPS comes form one of the biggest GPS makers in the world and you can count on them for support and ton of additional accesories. additional info
$230 price range - GARMIN StreetPilot c340 3.5" GPS Navigation
Description: Bigger borther of c330 (the difference between 2 is the fact that c340 can receive optional real time traffic alerts) that you can get at same price this GPS offers full maps of the USA already preloaded although some people complain that they may be little old ( 2005 maps reported - if you want newer ones you will have to pay for update dvd, they go for around $99 from Garmin). Still this GPS has SD card slot and USB connection so you can easly import new maps you aquire from internet. Has smaller screen than first unit reviewed in this article but most of the same features like speaking street names (ex. "turn right into kings street" - most lower end gps units only tell you "turn right"), auto re-route to adjust for detours and you missing the turn, route avoidance(avoid highways, tolls) and choice of route setups (faster time - prefers highways; shortest route - for towing :0). The reported battery life can last up to eight hours making it very well equipped unit for the price. additional info
$150 price range - Mio C220 3.5" GPS Navigation
Description: Mio Digi Walker is acclaimed over the internet forums as one of the best GPS units for the money. For only $150 it offers maps of USA preloaded, route avoidance, choice of route setups and basic voice guidance(only "turn left", "turn right" voice directions, also bit quiet) . It has USB connection and SD card clot for loading additional maps (btw maps provided with this unit are not as good quality as the ones that come with garmin units). Interesting feature is that there are forums on the internet that guide you how to modify thsi unit with additional features like playing videos! and music from the unit and many more fun additions. GPS performance is great thanks to new GPS chipset - SiRFstarIII that aquires satelite signal really fast. As people report if you want to modify your GPS just the way you like it - this unit is for you. additional info
