GPS - Any certain brand I should consider?

[N.Bailey]

I have a program that let me go in and change what she says.
I changed "Recalculating" to "you are going to get us lost"

 

[golfgal]

I have a program that let me go in and change what she says.
I changed "Recalculating" to "you are going to get us lost"

Mine only says "updating Route". Tom is his name-Tom can't read very well because some of the pronunciations for the roads that he comes up with are hysterical.

 

[Luv2Camp]

Thanks for all the great advice! I ordered the Garmin Nuvi for DD's birthday. I can't wait to see what she thinks!

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Thanks for all the great advice! I ordered the Garmin Nuvi for DD's birthday. I can't wait to see what she thinks!

Which model did you get? I am looking at the 765T. Any input anyone. 755T may be ok. Not sure if we would use the bluetooth.

 

[Minniemama350]

DON'T get the walmart Mio. Anything else has GOT to be better!

 

[golfgal]

Which model did you get? I am looking at the 765T. Any input anyone. 755T may be ok. Not sure if we would use the bluetooth.

When I bought mine I didn't opt for one with Bluetooth-now I regret not doing that-I wear hearing aids so the Bluetooth helps me hear things better. I didn't have a Bluetooth on my phone at that time so I didn't know what I was missing.

 

[JoanGirardi]

Garmin has been great for my new driver son. He's not that comfortable programming things, but easily figured out how to change the settings to avoid thruways, etc. when he wants to. He listens to it more than he watches it, and we all feel more comfortable when he has it to find where he's going.

 

[DisneyFed]

I hope the OP doesn't mind if I add a couple of related questions since I am looking at GPSs for my DH for Christmas. There is a variety of models and quite a vast price range in GPSs. I am looking at the product comparison on the Garmin website and I am not really seeing a big difference in the products. What should I be looking for? What is the big difference between the low end and the high end?

I (and DW) use Garmins.

The price range difference with Garmins usually involve the screen size and included features or "upgrades".

Some of them only have the basic street map and you have to upgrade for more detailed maps or other features. That being said you can upgrade the base maps to more detailed versions pretty easily. The upgraded maps will have more routes, more detailed area coverage--and will give you some idea what is coming up at the next exit--but take that with a grain of salt!

For Example, other than upgraded maps:

Some have Lane Assist (meaning they tell you what lane to be in for your exit, turn off etc.). Another upgrade is the "street announcement" which "announce" what street you're on. (most of them will show you the street name).

Some also DON'T have turn by turn direction, others will.

Bluetooth is also available on some models.

I've found Garmin units to be pretty user friendly--and DW agrees (and she HATES modern technology)

I have Lowrance and Humminbird Units on my Bass Boat--she looks at those like they're written in Greek

 

[DVCLiz]

Garmin has been great for my new driver son. He's not that comfortable programming things, but easily figured out how to change the settings to avoid thruways, etc. when he wants to. He listens to it more than he watches it, and we all feel more comfortable when he has it to find where he's going.

Something I learned from DD21 and will do for DD16 - pre-program her "Favorites" so she won't have to fumble in the parking lot to find something.

We''ll program all the street addresses for home, all of her friends, her school, her church youth group, the places she normally babysits, the shopping center, her dad's house, the movie theaters, and the fast food places she normally asks to go to.

That way, she can choose a Favorite and eliminate some of the fumbling for buttons, calling me to ask me to look up a street address, etc.

Just much easier all the way around!! I love GPS systems for new drivers - wish I hadn't waited until my older daughtrer was 18; it would have saved me two years of phone calls that started out, "Mom, I think I was supposed to turn..."

 

[NCRedding]

Just much easier all the way around!! I love GPS systems for new drivers - wish I hadn't waited until my older daughtrer was 18; it would have saved me two years of phone calls that started out, "Mom, I think I was supposed to turn..."

DD is getting one for Christmas. It really is a gift to myself. She and her friends are so directionally challenged. I always get the calls "Mom, I'm not sure where we are", including the time that she only had to make two turns and still got lost!!!

I know I want a Garmin, but finding which model is head-spinning.

 

[klacey1]

Love my Garmin! But, agreed, make sure you council your daughter about LISTENING to the GPS and not glancing over at it every 5 seconds. Distracted driving is not safe driving!

 

[DisneyFed]

For anybody interested..

Garmin 1350 (which is a good model) is on Sale at Cabela's.

Normally 299.00, now 199.00

It's what I have, and they've come down in price---which of course means the "new models" are right around the corner, if they're not out already.

 

[Luv2Camp]

I think the GPS we purchased was the Garmin 255.....I think. I could be way off on the model number!

 

[Wonderlandmom]

When I bought mine I didn't opt for one with Bluetooth-now I regret not doing that-I wear hearing aids so the Bluetooth helps me hear things better. I didn't have a Bluetooth on my phone at that time so I didn't know what I was missing.

Does anyone know how good the Garmin bluetooth is? I have read it can be hard to hear. I also don't see DH's new phone listed as a compatible one on the Garmin site. It is a new model, so maybe they have not updated the list yet? I think his work phone would work though (a blackberry). Just not sure if the bluetooth works well and it is $50 more. (765T vs 755T)

 

[lovemygoofy]

Does anyone know how good the Garmin bluetooth is? I have read it can be hard to hear. I also don't see DH's new phone listed as a compatible one on the Garmin site. It is a new model, so maybe they have not updated the list yet? I think his work phone would work though (a blackberry). Just not sure if the bluetooth works well and it is $50 more. (765T vs 755T)

I have a bluetooth on my garmin nuvi and love it. I don't use any other hands free device. I hate things touching my ears so this is great for me. However, if you are actually trying to find your way somewhere with the garmin you can't talk on the bluetooth and hear the directions from the GPS. It only has one speaker system so it is one or the other.

I tell anyone that wants to buy a GPS unit to buy the bean bag placemat thingy to hold the GPS unit. I could never get the stupid suction cup to stay in place.

I bought my husband a garmin GPS yesterday from best buy for $159. It's a pretty decent model but doesn't have the ability to do traffic updates which my husband said he doesn't need right now.

 

[DisneyFed]

Does anyone know how good the Garmin bluetooth is? I have read it can be hard to hear. I also don't see DH's new phone listed as a compatible one on the Garmin site. It is a new model, so maybe they have not updated the list yet? I think his work phone would work though (a blackberry). Just not sure if the bluetooth works well and it is $50 more. (765T vs 755T)

To be honest, I've heard good and bad. My Dad's Blackberry works pretty good with his. I have mine run through my truck, so I don't use the GPS option.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Thanks! I have found it another place online and the bluetooth model is only $25 more there, so that would be worth the risk I suppose.

And I will order a bean bag thingie too!

 

[Wonderlandmom]

However, if you are actually trying to find your way somewhere with the garmin you can't talk on the bluetooth and hear the directions from the GPS. It only has one speaker system so it is one or the other.

One quick question on this. Can you be listening to directions, take a call, then go back to GPS directions easily? Like the click of a button?

 

[lovemygoofy]

One quick question on this. Can you be listening to directions, take a call, then go back to GPS directions easily? Like the click of a button?

Mine continues to post directions the whole time I'm on the phone. I don't have to click back over other than hit the end button to my phone call. Once I hang up it goes back automatically to giving directions.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Mine continues to post directions the whole time I'm on the phone. I don't have to click back over other than hit the end button to my phone call. Once I hang up it goes back automatically to giving directions.

Great! That is what I was hoping. Thanks for your help!