My wife wants a Garmin - What should we get?

[futbol79]

I don't know anything about Garmin's. What do they do - besides map out directions, and what model or models do you suggest?

Thanks

[spliznat]

Depends on what it's use will be..........

For hunting, hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity I recommend the 62st. Has topo maps already installed and can have lakes installed

For car .....any will work

[Spike]

Find out if what you are getting supports free map updates. They want around $50 for a map update for mine.

Also, I've found that for driving, the traffic information is very helpful.

- Spike

[Defog]

Most do fine for around $100 for a 4.3" model. For general use, aim for one in the $100 - $150 range. Look at the features below, go to their web site, read about them, and then go to a store and check them out. Mine has the Free Map Upgrades and Traffic - see below for simple explanation.

After that it is all about features...

Some have blue tooth so you can use a cell phone hands free [if your phone has bluetooth].

Some have XM radio so you can tune that in.

Some [this is handy when traveling ] traffic jam information. They call this "Traffic" mode. It can route you a different way. It also indicates how many minutes delay you will have due to traffic issues.

Some have detailed Lane Pictures. So if you are on a multi-lane freeway, and you have to be in one specific lane out of six, it will help guide you. Again, most helpful when you are not familiar with the roads you're on.

Some have "Free Lifetime Map" upgrades* = * Free for what 'Garmin' says is the life of your GPS. Don't get me wrong, this is a great option to have so you can get updated maps. Seems those engineers like to change roads and things. [something about digging in the dirt]

Some are waterproof if you use it on a motorcycle - these are more expensive than the non-waterproof kind.

[MrVvrroomm]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-nuvi-1 ... s/15754411

Garmin 1350LMT (lifetime maps and traffic) $116 at your local Walmart FTW.

I have been buying Garmin for 20 years. The 1350LMT is in my little grocery getter after my wife's new car came with navigation. I have the 1450LMT in my other car.

[gman1868]

These are the top models according to Consumer Reports. I think you get a year of free updates. That's all you'll need for a while...


Garmin Nuvi 3490LMT
$400

Garmin Nuvi 3450
$330

Garmin Nuvi 3450LM
$370

Garmin Nuvi 3790T
$350

Garmin Nuvi 3790LMT
$400.00

Garmin Nuvi 3760T
$350

Garmin Nuvi 3760LMT
$370

Garmin Nuvi 2495LMT
$230

Garmin Nuvi 3750
$250

[Humphrey Bogart]

My Android phone has google 'Navagation' ...it's free and works flawlessly....I don't know how it could be improved upon...

[BBeckwith]

My Android phone has google 'Navagation' ...it's free and works flawlessly....I don't know how it could be improved upon...

While google maps or navigation are great. They can't be counted on when you get in areas that have little to no cellular data coverage, as the map data can't download.

[Rem700]

My Android phone has google 'Navagation' ...it's free and works flawlessly....I don't know how it could be improved upon...

Does it have a SD slot for adding aftermarket topo maps and such?

[plblark]

I had an older Gramin and liked it. I broke it and relied on my iPhone for awhile now. I've also used my car pool buddy's Android for navigation. I'm now looking for another Garmin.

Things I'd look for:
Lifetime Map and Traffic. I've been bit by the map upgrade cost before. never again. Also, with the traffic receiver often comes the speed limit indicator. Could have saved me the price of the unit this last steel shoot

Screen size: make the compromise between screen size and cost but for me bigger is better. I like to be able to see where I'm going AND what's around it.

Note on the models above:
LM = Lifetime Map
LMT = Lifetime Map and Traffic.

I note the 1450LMT at Mal Wart is $129.99 and has the 5" screen///

[Thunder71]

'A Garmin' is pretty vague.

Great choice for navigation hardware, it's all I recommend when someone doesn't want to, or can't use their phone.

That said, there are several uses.

General Purpose
Geocaching
Vehicle Navigation
Hiking
Biking
Nautical

Handheld
Mounted Solutions
Portable Mounts

[rugersol]

My Android phone has google 'Navagation' ...it's free and works flawlessly....I don't know how it could be improved upon...

Does it have a SD slot for adding aftermarket topo maps and such?

It had a slot ... don't know 'bout aftermarket topo maps, though. The bit I looked into it, it didn't look good.

However, I have had my iPhone out of service, and the GPS still worked ... showed me as a blue dot ... moving along ... on a plain yellowish background ... no roads ... no nothin'. However, had I previously "dropped a few pins", I expect they'd've still showed up. Be an interesting experiment, anyhow.

On my old iPhone (wish they had it fer Android), I had purchased some fishing maps ... those were stored on the device ... and worked while out of service. I knew exactly what depths were where, on the lake. If I ever got lost on a lake, I'd be in great shape! Actually, IIRC, they had a few roads on it, too.

Otherwise, it does appear there's a somewhat concerted effort to prevent folks from utilizing a phone's GPS with aftermarket maps, of any sort (the aforementioned fishing maps, not withstanding).

If not, I expect these would be extremely popular ... far moreso, anyhow, than the Android Market/Google Play store makes 'em out to be.

[illbits]

The best thing a GPS will do, and I think they all do it, is re-route immediately if you veer off course. That feature
Is priceless!

[walt501]

If you must have coverage because you travel to areas without phone data service and already have a smartphone, just download Navigon. Navigon is Garmin's software for both the iphone and Android phones. The cost is $49.95 and covers both the U.S. and Canada. Then get a phone holder for a few bucks that clips into one of your vehicle vents and you're all set. I'm guessing you'll also need some decent space on your phones SD card for the download.

http://www.navigon.com/portal/us/buy_now/mobilenavigator.html

My personal experience with Garmin four years ago is that it was good for around town, but take it on a road trip and stop for gas and it would re-route you into oblivion and you'll be a long time getting back to the freeway. Google Nav works much better and it is all I use now.

If you travel in remote areas and have an Android phone, nothing beats Backcountry Navigator! You can chose from several different topo maps and you don't need cell service or data service to find your way in remote areas. You simply download a 50 square mile area you want to explore to your phone and you're set. I've used the included Canadian topo maps to find areas around my cabin I never knew were there. It also has marked portage routes from lake to lake. I simply navigate right to them. It is the best phone application I've ever used! There is a one time fee of only $9.99. There are several tutorials and forums on Backcountry Navigator to help get you started.

http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/

[911scanner]

My personal experience with Garmin four years ago is that it was good for around town, but take it on a road trip and stop for gas and it would re-route you into oblivion and you'll be a long time getting back to the freeway. Google Nav works much better and it is all I use now.

Isn't the automatic re-routing feature able to be turned off?

I haven't owned a nav yet, but I would think you should be able to toggle this feature to be manual or auto....


MM