Which portable GPS is best?

Scott, depends on what features you think you'll use/enjoy. There are so many variables from those features to whether they have rechargeable batteries so you can edit routes in the diner over coffee vs sitting in the car doing it. Having used many brands I will say this:

Garmin is, IMO, the best. Their user interface and software is better than the competition.

Cost not an issue? The latest/greatest Garmin is going for maybe ~900+/- and among other features has real time traffic rerouting, etc, which of course requires subscription. Many units now are MP3 players as well but if you run an iPod that may not be useful. If you want to read reviews and feedback from guys who are REALLY into their GPS toys and do their own shootouts w.4 units on the dash at once go check out http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/default.asp?group=2

 

Garmin, hands down.

Buy whatever one has the features you like and/or fits the budget.

Best,
dsd

 

If you need to travel abroad then the TomTom 930 is a winner. I have used it extensively every time I travel anywhere. It is easy to use and I preprogram my destinations before I leave. That is a great timesaver. It is flawless anywhere in the US and it is perfect in the rat's maze of old European cities like Florence, Rome and Paris.

 

+1- "Garmin is, IMO, the best."
It's so easy to use and great menu driven design, you don't even need to read the manual to use it.
I borrowed one from my Sister for a trip last year, from Orlando to Denver and I never had to look at a map, I just followed the Garmin voice directions- 1800 miles without a glitch.
Just be sure to update the built-in maps, before leaving on a trip. (very fast and easy to do )

 

How about at the low end for a US only unit for a wife who can't/won't read a manual ? Like JSL describes, simplicity trumps extra features.

Is the 4.3" screen really worth it, or needed, over the 3.5" screen?

Is the "speech" feature worth the extra $?

 

One more nod to Garmin here. I have had both Garmin and Magellan and the Garmin's menus and interface are so much better. I'm looking at getting another one right now and I'm not even going to look at anything besides Garmin. But there are so many models that you sort of have to pick the one that has the features you need. I want mine portable enough to go hiking, mtn biking and do some geocaching as well as driving stuff, so mine will be different than one that you just want to stick to the windshield.

 

Unless portability is a requirement screens are like HDTVs - buy the biggest one you can afford. In-dash units go w.large screens if that tells you anything.

Despite my being a very engaged driver, monitoring the GPS for upcoming turns, etc, I still find the speech very helpful, particularly if there are conversations in the cabin or other distractions around.

Whichever you go with, if there are only two features I think you should look for that are not gimmicky and very helpful they would be
1. street name annunciation
2. 3-D turn imaging, very helpful for roundabouts or where there are streets in very close proximity where you need to turn

Hard to appreciate the difference both of these make until you GPS without them.

Check this out for current models https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

You can get great deals on the 2720/2730 as they're 'old' now but have what you need, are easy to use, and aren't crammed with stuff like bluetooth, photo imaging nonsense, etc.

 

Consuner Reports is running a review of the best ones this month. I bought the issue this weekend. Go grab you one and check it out

 

Costco Wholesale carries GPS units and the prices are pretty good. I bought one for my daughter last year and we have been very pleased with it. Get the largest screen you can afford and get the voice. Be sure it has a suction cup windshield bracket with a powercord for the car and one for the house. The GPS unit unsnaps from the bracket and you can take it with you as they operate by battery for many hours. You can program your trips from your couch at home and just snap it in your car the next morning. I picked this one because it is basically the same on that you get from Hertz rental cars called NeverLost. They also provide you with addresses and phone numbers of businesses on your route and bluetooth to your phone and act as a remote cell phone speakerphone. This comes in handy when you have a flat tire and are looking for a Discount Tire shop close by when you are traveling. It's a neat fully integrated system. I like it every bit as much as the much more expensive system that is in my Audi A8 that operates by DVD.

 

One more in agreement with the Garmin. Just received my Garmin Nuvi 880. Found it new on Amazon for way less than any other store or website.

Avis is now using Garmin's when you rent a car with navigation. Extremely easy to use, plus the 880 has traffic info, bluetooth capability and voice recognition (although I don't think i really need the voice recognition).

 

Used my Garmin (670?) in Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, Switzerland and Italy with no problems at all. Back in the states I even know how far from Maranello I am at any time

 

Garmin. The 800 pound gorilla in the biz. Some other units may have a niftier feature or such, but the best overall. Very, very simple to use. Web reviews will point out an occasional weakness, which may be accurate but for most is usually insignificant.

 

I have this unit as well. My only complaint is that sometimes it seems to take an unusually long period of time to connect with a satellite when first turning it on. Do you get this too?

 

I have the Alpine Blackbird and cannot recommend it...

 

Throwing another one in the pot for Garmin.

 

I have a Garmin and it's ok. 3.5" screen which is fine and street name ID which is a must (with very odd pronunciations some times). Only thing I wish it had was "most use of freeway/interstate." Fastest route can take you through some odd places via a cross country route. Now I'm wise to it.

 

I have a Garmin 200W and I love it! I use it all the time and it's very easy to use. I think some other models have more detailed voice directions and it would be worth it IMO. For example, my 200W says "in 300 feet turn right". I think some of the other models would say "in 300 feet turn right on MLK"

 

Another TomTom fan here. Picked up a 920 loaded with US and Western Europe maps for $284 delivered a few months back. It was fabulous in the UK. Battery life on the TomToms leaves something to be desired though.

 

Just be sure to update the built-in maps, before leaving on a trip. (very fast and easy to do )[/QUOTE]

How do you do this?

 

Online at Garmin. You get one free update within 60 days. After the 60 days it is about $75USD to update an existing map. Garmin tends to get map updates from navteq about once a year.

I have the new Garmin 755T. It has FM traffic for free in major cities. Lane Assist at major junctions. 3D buildings for city routing. TTS for Europe and the States. (The 8x5 units have spoken commands) Garmin tends to be the most accurate as far as routing and mapping. With the Garmin you can also input coordinates directly to unit. It also remembers where the unit was last pulled out of the car and can get you back there if need be.

TomTom tends to be less accurate once you get away from large cities. 9 times out of 10 the Garmin will get you from door to door. The TomTom, not so much. On the plus side with TomTom, you can update the maps yourself if you find an error. TomTom also makes it easier for you get custom POIs (and user map updates) from online for their units. They also make it easier for you to avoid roads in your route plan. (With Garmin you can detour for about 1/2 mile to a mile during navigation. Also, with the traffic feature, you can tell it to avoid any congestion you see in the Traffic screen).

 

FINALLY someone who gets it. I am so tired of people asking "can anyone get me a carfax report" "can you scan the article" etc.

ps - +1 on the voice option. I have rented cars that included the Garmen before. The screen is OK if you are stopped or on the open highway with no distractions, but otherwise I relied on the voice directions more than the visual map.